NPQs – The Leadership Route
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a national, voluntary suite of qualifications designed to support the professional development of teachers and leaders.
The reformed NPQs offer the best possible support to teachers and leaders wanting to expand their knowledge and skills.
The frameworks continue the robust method of design and development, building on the evidence base and expert guidance already established in the ECF and the ITT Core Content Framework.
NPQs complete a golden thread, running from initial teacher training through to school leadership.
About our lead providers
Best Practice Network (NPQEL, NPQH, NPQSL)
BPN Leader Apprenticeships Brochure
How to apply
Please click on the link below to apply and ensure you select The Golden Thread Teaching School Hub as your delivery partner and Best Practice Network as your lead provider or Teach First for NPQEYL.
NPQEYL (Early Years Leadership) Teach First * Please also complete the application form here *
NPQ for SENCOs Best Practice Network
NPQSL (Senior Leadership) Best Practice Network
NPQH (Headship) Best Practice Network
Leadership NPQs
Senior Leaders, Heads & Executive Leaders
National Professional Qualifications
Scholarship Funding for Autumn 2026 – Applications Open Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Scholarship funding is available for teacher and leaders in publicly funded schools (including maintained nursery schools) and 16 to 19 educational settings in England for headship (NPQH), senior leadership (NPQSL) and early years leadership (NPQEYL).
Scholarship funding is also available for executive leadership (NPQEL) based on disadvantage criteria.
For more information and to check eligibility for your setting, please click here.
If funded places are not available with your chosen NPQ provider, you can:
- contact another provider to enquire about funded places
- join your provider’s waiting list
- self-fund your course place
Click here to complete your DfE registration
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a national, voluntary suite of qualifications designed to support the professional development of teachers and leaders.
The reformed NPQs offer the best possible support to teachers and leaders wanting to expand their knowledge and skills.
The frameworks continue the robust method of design and development, building on the evidence base and expert guidance already established in the ECF and the ITT Core Content Framework.
NPQs complete a golden thread, running from initial teacher training through to school leadership.
