About the programme
What is the NPQH?
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is a DfE-accredited qualification for leaders who are, or aspire to be, headteachers or heads of school with responsibility for leading a school. bestpracticenet.co.uk
How long does NPQH take and what’s the commitment?
The programme runs for 18 months with approximately 104 total learning hours: 5 face-to-face events, 38 hours of online learning and 6 hours of coaching. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Is NPQH DfE-accredited and what does the framework cover?
Yes. The curriculum aligns to the DfE’s NPQ Headship Framework, covering domains such as school culture, teaching, curriculum and assessment, behaviour, SEND, professional development, organisational management, implementation, partnerships, and governance. bestpracticenet.co.uk+1
How am I assessed?
You must engage with 90% of course elements and complete a summative case-study assessment (8-day window; 1,500–2,500 words). bestpracticenet.co.uk
What support will I get?
Every participant has a Leadership Performance Coach who is your main point of contact—providing ongoing advice and feedback, marking practice activities and formative assessment tasks, and helping you manage workload. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Who it’s for & entry requirements
Who should apply?
NPQH is suitable for leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school. The role is primarily strategic/operational and relies on working with and through their colleagues (in particular, through the leadership team) to ensure every pupil gets an excellent education. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants need: support from their school/organisation; a Teacher Reference Number; 2 years’ teaching experience; leadership aspiration/experience; and to be 18–36 months from applying for a headship role (if not already in post). bestpracticenet.co.uk
Delivery & content
How is the programme delivered?
Through a blended model: five in-person events via BPN’s national delivery network, online study in Canvas, webinars and coaching. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What will I study?
Learning is sequenced across development cycles with short courses and full courses that include: Leading Culture & Ethos, Leading Teaching, and Leading Organisational Effectiveness, each broken into modules (e.g., curriculum & assessment; governance & accountability). bestpracticenet.co.uk
Where do face-to-face events take place?
At regional delivery centres across the country, typically with your local partner group or a geographically convenient group (subject to viability). bestpracticenet.co.uk
Applying
How do I apply?
You can register your interest for the upcoming cohort from the page, and complete the application via BPN (scholarship availability is limited). bestpracticenet.co.uk
Do I need school approval?
Yes. A headteacher, SLT member, line manager or Chair of Governors must confirm their support (DfE requirement). bestpracticenet.co.uk
Related offers
Is there additional support for new headteachers?
Yes—the Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) provides 1-to-1 coaching and expert-led mentoring for headteachers in their first five years. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Is there any supplemental learning?
Yes - we run a series of Expert Led Webinars that you can attend as part of your NPQ. These are optional and do not have any assessment.