Specialist NPQs
For Experienced Teachers & Middle 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 special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCos).
Scholarship funding is also available for the following NPQs based on disadvantage criteria:
- leading teaching
- leading behaviour and culture
- leading literacy
- leading primary mathematics
- leading teacher development
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.
NPQs – The Specialist Route
About our lead providers
Best Practice Network (NPQ for SENCOs, NPQLBC, NPQLT and NPQLTD)
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 if you are applying for the NPQLL.
NPQLBC (Leading Behaviour and Culture) Best Practice Network
NPQLL (Leading Literacy) Teach First * Please also complete the application form here *