What is NPQLTD?
NPQLTD is a 12-month, DfE-accredited qualification for teachers who lead (or aspire to lead) the development of other teachers. It blends face-to-face learning, online study, and coaching, and is underpinned by the national NPQ framework. bestpracticenet.co.uk+1
Who is it for?
Teachers responsible for the development of colleagues across a school (including trainees and early career teachers), typically operating at middle-leadership level. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What are the key facts at a glance?
Duration: 12 months
Events: 3 face-to-face days
Online learning: 34 hours
Coaching: 5 hours
Total learning time: 74 hours
Tip: 74 hours over 12 months averages ~1.5 hours per week, though your actual weekly time will vary with events and assessments. (Computed from the programme totals above.)
How is the programme structured?
Learning runs through an induction stage and three development cycles (each with online study, a face-to-face event, in-school coaching, and a formative assessment task), followed by a summative assessment. bestpracticenet.co.uk
How is it delivered?
A blended model: 3 face-to-face events, online study via BPN’s Canvas VLE, webinars, and coaching, supported by a national partner network for local delivery. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What will I learn?
Content is aligned to the DfE’s NPQLTD framework (e.g., effective professional development design and delivery, implementation, culture & ethos), with “learn that/learn how” guidance grounded in evidence. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What support will I get?
A Leadership Mentor (your main point of contact) gives advice and feedback, marks practice tasks and formative assessments, and supports progress.
An In-School Performance Coach (ISPC) (nominated by your school) provides six planned coaching touchpoints to help you apply learning in context. bestpracticenet.co.uk+1
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants need their school’s support, a Teacher Reference Number (TRN), 2 years’ teaching experience, and leadership aspiration/experience. bestpracticenet.co.uk
I don’t know my TRN / I don’t have one — what should I do?
BPN’s TRN Support Guide explains how to find your TRN, resolve login issues with the Teacher Services portal, obtain a TRN if you have QTLS, and request a TRN if you’re inside or outside England (including required ID). Contact details and official steps are included in the guide. bestpracticenet.co.uk
How am I assessed?
You must engage with 90% of course elements and complete a summative case-study assessment (max 1,500 words in an 8-day window). Formative tasks and coaching support your preparation. bestpracticenet.co.uk
When are the intakes?
The site is currently inviting interest for the November 2025 cohort). bestpracticenet.co.uk+1
Where will I attend face-to-face events?
At local venues via BPN’s nationwide partner network; you’ll be placed with a geographically convenient group (partner allocations apply where relevant). bestpracticenet.co.uk
How do I apply?
Register interest (now open for the November 2025 cohort).
BPN will guide you through the streamlined application. Ensure your school supports the application and that you have your TRN ready. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What progression opportunities are there after NPQLTD?
NPQLTD awards 40 Master’s credits that can count toward postgraduate study (e.g., Liverpool Hope University’s MA in Leading in Education or MBA in Educational Leadership). bestpracticenet.co.uk