
NPQ Specialist and Leadership in partnership with BPN
Applications for Autumn 23 are open! See below for full details of the NPQs and how to register
National Professinal Qualifications are a set of prestigious qualifications, widely recognised by the sector. They are voluntary and are designed to support the professional development of teachers and school leaders at all levels, across primary and secondary schools. There are leadership NPQs and specialist NPQs - see below for a breakdown of each one
The Application Process
- Please complete the online application form on the Outstanding Leaders Partnership website, linked here. Please note, you will be required to register a profile first before completing the application form itself. This will enable you to save and return to your application later.
- When completing the registration form, under the 'Engagement Route' applicants will be asked to identify whether they are applying through a delivery partner via a drop down menu. Please select Astra Teaching School Hub when prompted.
- Having completed this application form, you will be directed to complete a DfE registration process. A useful guide on how to complete the DfE registration can be found in the documents section below.
Apply for your NPQ now on www.outstandingleaders.org
There are 8 different NPQs:
National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) – for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading the development of other teachers in their school. They may have responsibilities for the development of all teachers across a school or specifically trainees or teachers who are early in their career.
National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) – for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school.
National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) – for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase.
National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy
Ideal for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase.
National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership
For leaders qualified to at least Level 3 with a full and relevant qualification who are, or are aspiring to be:
- managers of Private, Voluntary and Independent nurseries
- headteachers of school-based or maintained nurseries
- childminders with leadership responsibilities
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) – for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities.
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) – for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school. Also, if you are a new Headteacher, please see our section on The Early Headship Coaching Offer
National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)
National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) – for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, an executive headteacher or have a school trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools.