NPQ Leading
Teacher Development
NPQ Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD):
National professional qualification (NPQ) courses - GOV.UK
Who is this programme suitable for:
Department for Education NPQ scholarship funding is available to all.
DfE-funded scholarships are available for this NPQ for all participants who are in a publicly funded school and/or 16 to 19 educational organisations in England who meet the following criteria:
• Staff who have responsibility for leading the development of other teachers within their educational setting
• Staff aspiring to lead the development of other teachers within their educational setting
• Staff who mentor trainee teachers or Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
• Staff aspiring to take on responsibility for mentoring trainee teachers or Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
If you do not work in an eligible school, the NPQ in Leading Teacher Development costs £899 plus VAT.
Develop the knowledge, confidence and leadership expertise to make a lasting impact
This 12-month National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programme is designed to strengthen expertise in teacher development and support meaningful, sustainable improvement in teaching and learning across educational settings.
Whether you are already leading professional development or are aspiring to take on responsibility for developing others, this programme will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to support teacher growth and improve outcomes for pupils.
Throughout the programme, you will develop expertise in key areas including:
• Implementing evidence-informed professional development programmes focused on improving classroom teaching
• Promoting a strong culture of professional development across your educational setting
• Supporting colleagues to develop their practice through effective coaching, mentoring and development approaches
Designed with busy professionals in mind, the programme combines flexible, evidence-informed learning with practical application to ensure your development has an immediate and lasting impact in your setting.
The Programme at a Glance:
• Duration: 12 months
• Study commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per week
• Delivery model: A blend of self-directed study, collaborative group sessions and facilitated learning
• Assessment: A written assessment at the end of the programme
Funding Opportunities:
Funding is available for teachers and educational leaders working in many state-funded settings across England, subject to eligibility criteria.
Please note that while many participants may be eligible for funded places, eligibility does not guarantee access to a funded NPQ programme.
What you'll learn
The programme explores the key principles of effective teacher development, enabling participants to strengthen both strategic understanding and day-to-day practice.
Key areas of study include:
• Designing and delivering effective professional development
• Making informed, evidence-based professional development decisions
• Tailoring and adapting support to meet individual development needs
• Building effective approaches to coaching, mentoring and teacher growth
You will also deepen your understanding of evidence-informed professional development and gain practical models to help translate theory into effective practice within your setting.
Benefits for You and Your Setting:
The programme is designed to strengthen both leadership confidence and professional development practice, supporting improved outcomes for staff and pupils.
Following completion of the programme, participants will be better equipped to:
• Build a culture of professional learning and continuous improvement across their educational setting
• Support colleagues to develop their practice and improve teaching quality
• Ensure professional development is focused on improving outcomes for all pupils
• Help colleagues plan effective lessons, meet individual pupil needs and provide opportunities for all pupils to succeed
• Implement effective development approaches without creating unnecessary workload
The flexible structure allows participants to complete much of the learning in manageable, bite-sized sections around existing professional commitments.
Course Structure:
The course is designed so you can engage in live, facilitated sessions alongside modules that you can complete at any time.
The programme covers four core topics outlined within the national NPQ framework, ensuring consistency, quality and relevance.
Training includes:
• Independent study
• Group coaching and collaborative discussions
• Face-to-face learning sessions with peers and facilitators
Commitment to the programme:
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 1–2 hours per week to study and programme activities.