National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) - Suitability Guidance

Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)

This 18-month programme is for current or aspiring nursery managers, headteachers of nurseries or childminders with leadership responsibilities, qualified to a minimum of Level 3.

Executive Leadership (NPQEL)

This 18-month programme is for current Executive Principals or experienced Principals within 18 months of an executive leadership role with responsibility for leading several schools.

NB. NPQEL applications must also be supported by the Executive Principal - Primary/Secondary Strategy

Headship (NPQH)

This 18-month programme is for current Principals/Heads of School or experienced senior leaders within 18 months of headship with responsibility for leading a school.

NB. NPQH applications must also be supported by the Executive Principal - Primary/Secondary Strategy

Leading Behaviour & Culture (NPQLBC)

This 12-month programme is for pastoral support staff, teachers, SENDCOs, leaders, in particular Deep Support, with or aspiring to have responsibility for leading behaviour and supporting student wellbeing.

Leading Literacy (NPQLL)

This 12-month programme is for teachers and leaders with or aspiring to have responsibility for leading literacy, either whole school or for a year group or key stage.

Leading Primary Maths (NPQLPM)

This 12-month programme is for teachers and leaders with or aspiring to have responsibility for leading Maths, either whole school or in a primary phase.

Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)

This 12-month programme is for teachers and middle/senior leaders (including SSIPs/TSLs) with or aspiring to have responsibility for leading the development of other teachers, including the mentoring of ITTs and ECTs.

Leading Teaching (NPQLT)

This 12-month programme is for teachers and middle leaders with aspirations of being a Head of Department.

Senior Leadership (NPQSL)

This 18-month programme is for current senior leaders or teachers and middle leaders within 18 months of a senior leadership role with whole school responsibilities.

SENDCO (NPQSENDCO)

This 18-month programme is for experienced teachers and leaders who are seeking to develop their expertise in leading special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision in their school, or to become a SENDCO. As set out in the SEND Regulations 2024, from 1 September 2024 SENDCOs have a 3-year window in which to complete the mandatory qualification after taking up a SENDCO post.