The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes are a unique blend of the NPQ frameworks and the Level 5 & 7 Apprenticeships modules that only Best Practice Network offer. We offer the below three programmes:
- School Leader Programme (Level 5 Apprenticeship with NPQSL)
- Headteacher Programme (Level 7 Apprenticeship with NPQH)
- Executive Leader Programme (Level 7 Apprenticeship with NPQEL)
Apprenticeships are completely free for learners through the apprenticeship levy or the co-investment scheme (more funding information below). They are fantastic options for those who are interested in further learning at an affordable price (or free of charge through the levy)!
What are my funding options for these programmes?
The Apprenticeship levy
The apprenticeship levy is available to your school if:
- If your school’s linked to a LA/Council and you pay into their Levy
- If your school’s linked to an Academy trust and you pay into their Levy
- If your school’s PAYE bill is £3m+
The levy would cover the entire cost of the programme and means that your programme would be free for both you as a learner and your school.
The Co-Investment Scheme
Where the apprenticeship levy is not available (e.g. your school’s PAYE bill is less than £3m+ and you do not pay into the Levy), the Government run a Co-Investment Scheme, which funds 95% of the overall fee of the programme, and the school cover the remaining 5%.
The 5% is invoiced monthly by finance to your school. This funding route is free for learners, you cannot contribute to the cost of this programme if your school decides to fund the 5% for you.
Below are the 5% contributions for each programme:
- Level 5 Apprenticeship with NPQSL - £350
- Level 7 Apprenticeship with NPQH - £700
- Level 7 Apprenticeship with NPQEL - £700
What are the eligibility criteria for an Apprenticeship?
To be eligible for an apprenticeship you must:
- Have lived in the UK for 3+ years
- Have the right to work and study in the UK
- Not be in any other full-time training or education
You will also need to have achieved a C or above in your GCSE Maths and English. If you achieved lower than this, you can still complete the programme and we will enrol you onto our Functional Skills element of the programme.
What are the main differences between the Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs and the standalone NPQs?
More frequent individual support & coaching
When undertaking a Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ, you will have monthly meetings with your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) and your Apprenticeship Mentor (AM). Your APC is an experienced teacher and leader who is recruited by BPN and supports other learners on the programme. Your AM is someone nominated by your employer within your setting who helps you apply your learning in your setting, fostering a more in-depth learning experience.
Our standalone NPQs offer fantastic individual support from your Leadership Performance Coach (LPC) every 3 months throughout your learning journey.
Regardless of which route you choose, your APC or LPC is always contactable via our online platform for additional support or guidance, and they will provide personalised feedback on every assignment you submit.
Cross-section Leadership resources
One of the benefits of the Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs is the additional topics that come with the Level 5 or 7 Apprenticeship programme. These include but are not limited to:
- Corporate social responsibility
- Coaching and mentoring
- Human Resource management
- Strategic Business
- Driving change and risk management
As the above are not part of the NPQ framework, the opportunity to learn more on these modules is not available in the standalone NPQs.
The Leadership NPQ frameworks can be found in the following links: NPQSL, NPQH, NPQEL. Our standalone NPQs align with these frameworks only.
Additional qualifications
The most obvious benefit of the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQs is that you gain two separate qualifications whilst only undertaking one programme. It is a perfect blend of both qualifications and designed in a way that supports your capacity and amplifies your learning.
Sounds great, what do I do now?
Apply!
You can apply on our website here and our NPQ support team will process your application. We may get in touch with you if we require further information, so please look out for our emails from npq@bestpracticenet.co.uk.
I’ve already applied for a standalone NPQ
No problem, you can email npq@bestpracticenet.co.uk and request to move your application to the relevant Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ.