Programme overview
What is the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH?
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH is a dual award that maps the DfE’s NPQ for Headship (NPQH) to the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship, so participants work towards two recognised qualifications at the same time, with practice-based learning embedded in their school role. (Best Practice Network)
Who is the programme designed for?
It is designed for aspiring or recently appointed headteachers, and is suitable for school leaders who are (or are aspiring to be) a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school. (Best Practice Network)
How long does the programme take?
The course duration is 18 months. (Best Practice Network)
What qualifications do participants achieve?
Participants work towards NPQH plus the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship as a dual award. (Best Practice Network)
How many face-to-face events are included?
The programme includes 5 face-to-face events. (Best Practice Network)
Does the programme include coaching?
Yes—monthly coaching sessions are included as part of the programme’s delivery and support. (Best Practice Network)
Benefits and outcomes
What are the main benefits of taking the dual award?
Benefits highlighted include enhanced leadership training beyond standard NPQH content, extra support and coaching, attending the same face-to-face events as standalone NPQH participants, and the broader “wraparound” benefits of an apprenticeship model with structured, hands-on learning. (Best Practice Network)
Why does the programme emphasise “cross-sector” learning?
Best Practice Network states that participants access theory, resources, and delivery from thought leaders and practitioners “from all sectors of the economy,” and apply cross-sector leadership and management practice back into their school context for broader perspective and challenge. (Best Practice Network)
Does the programme offer Master’s credits?
Yes—Best Practice Network indicates the programme awards 100 Master’s credits, which they describe as usable as a springboard onto an MA in Educational Leadership with the University of Chester. (Best Practice Network)
What additional professional recognition is mentioned?
The page notes eligibility to become a Chartered Fellow and an Institute of Leadership and Management Fellow via the Chartered Management Institute (as stated on the page). (Best Practice Network)
Programme delivery
How is the programme delivered?
Delivery is described as blended, combining face-to-face events, online study, webinars, and coaching. (Best Practice Network)
What is the face-to-face element like?
Participants attend 5 face-to-face events, delivered through a nationwide partnership network to provide training centres “in your region,” facilitated by experienced school leaders and facilitators. (Best Practice Network)
How does the online learning work?
Participants use Best Practice Network’s virtual learning environment (Bud/Scholsuite) to access learning, engage with peer communities, and use multimedia content and research-aligned practice resources (as described on the programme page). (Best Practice Network)
Funding and costs
How much does the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH cost?
The programme cost can be £0 with Apprenticeship Levy funding. (Best Practice Network)
How do schools access funding for the programme?
Funding is accessed via the school’s Apprenticeship Levy, using the school’s apprenticeship service (AS) account; Best Practice Network also says they can guide schools that need help setting up an AS account. (Best Practice Network)
What if a school doesn’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy (or has used up its levy funds)?
The page states that for non-levy payers, the government pays 95% of tuition fees and the school pays the remaining 5% (and invites schools to contact them for more information). (Best Practice Network)
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The levy is described as being paid by large employers with a wage bill over £3 million, at 0.5% of their total annual pay bill, and is intended to create sustainable funding for apprenticeships and give employers more control over training opportunities. (Best Practice Network)
Eligibility and requirements
What support does an applicant need from their school or organisation?
Applicants must have full support from their school/organisation, and a headteacher, SLT member, line manager, Chair of Governors, or similar authoritative role must confirm support and that the submitted information is correct (stated as a DfE mandatory requirement). (Best Practice Network)
What are the key requirements to apply?
To apply, Best Practice Network lists needing a Teacher Reference Number (TRN), having leadership aspiration/experience, and being 18–36 months from applying for a headship role (if not already a headteacher). (Best Practice Network)
What if I’m not sure I meet the requirements?
The page advises contacting Best Practice Network’s team for support if you are unsure whether you meet the requirements or have other relevant experience. (Best Practice Network)
Teacher Reference Number (TRN) support
What is a TRN and why is it needed for NPQ programmes?
A Teacher Reference Number (TRN) is described as a unique 7-digit reference number, and the TRN support guide explains it is needed for provider records, to complete mandatory DfE surveys as part of the NPQ programme, and to download the official DfE certificate on successful completion.
What if I have a TRN but have forgotten it (or want to check it)?
The TRN support guide says you can use the Teacher Services website to retrieve details, or contact the relevant team by email, providing personal details such as name, date of birth, National Insurance number, email address, and where you undertook initial teacher training.
What if I get an error when logging into the Teacher Services website?
The TRN support guide lists common reasons (such as a blocked account, incorrect DOB, name change, or an incorrect TRN) and advises contacting the Teacher Services team email given in the guide to resolve access issues.
Can I obtain a TRN if I have QTLS instead of QTS?
Yes—the TRN support guide states that you can obtain a TRN, and that a representative from your school should contact Teachers’ Pensions to request that a TRN is allocated.