What is NPQLT?
The National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) is a DfE-accredited programme for teachers who lead (or aspire to lead) teaching in a subject, year group, key stage, or phase in international schools. It focuses on evidence-based teaching, assessment, and creating inclusive, high-expectation learning environments. bpninternational.com
Who is it for?
Typical applicants include teachers, heads of department/year, subject leaders, PD leads, mentors/coaches, and CPD coordinators. bpninternational.com
How long does it take and what’s the time commitment?
The programme runs for 12 months and totals ~74 guided learning hours: 3 virtual face-to-face events, ~34 hours of online learning, and ~5 hours of in-school performance coaching (plus independent study). bpninternational.com
What will I learn?
You’ll develop practical expertise in curriculum and assessment, classroom practice, adaptive teaching, implementation, and professional development - underpinned by the DfE NPQLT framework’s “learn that / learn how” statements. bpninternational.com
How is the programme delivered?
Learning follows a repeating cycle: (1) a virtual face-to-face event, (2) online course modules with practice activities, (3) a formative assessment task, and (4) in-school performance coaching. The programme ends with an Impact Review and a summative case-study assessment. bpninternational.com
What support will I receive?
- Leadership Mentor: your main point of contact; offers advice/feedback, marks online practice tasks, and gives feedback on formative assessment tasks. bpninternational.com
- In-School Performance Coach: nominated by your school; supports you through six planned coaching sessions and monitors progress. bpninternational.com
How am I assessed?
To pass, you must engage with at least 90% of course elements and successfully complete a summative case-study: an eight-day window to submit up to 1,500 words. Required elements include LDR review, attendance at face-to-face event availability, online practice activities, formative tasks, and performance coaching. bpninternational.com
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants typically need 2 years’ teaching experience, leadership aspiration/experience, and proficiency in English.
You also need a school sponsor (e.g., Headteacher/SLT/line manager) to confirm support - this sponsor role is mandated by the DfE but carries no financial obligation.
A Teacher Reference Number (TRN) is also required, a TRN uniquely identifies you within England’s education system and is needed to complete mandatory NPQ surveys and access your DfE certificate upon successful completion of your programme. However, if you don’t have a TRN (e.g., you’re overseas), you will be supported to obtain one during the registration process. bpninternational.com
When are the next deadlines?
Check the live webpage when you register. bpninternational.com
How and where is learning accessed?
All international delivery is remote-first (via webinars and a virtual learning environment), with some in-country partner face-to-face event availability. bpninternational.com
What are the benefits for me and my school?
- For participants: evidence-informed leadership of teaching; practical tools; coached implementation; structured professional growth with guaranteed support to prepare for the final assessment. bpninternational.com
- For schools: informed, impact-driven leaders; strengthened succession planning; improved teaching quality and outcomes. bpninternational.com
What are the formative assessment tasks?
They’re in-school, practice-led tasks you complete after each online course - designed to build application and receive timely feedback. BPN hosts a public library of example projects for inspiration. bpninternational.com
What does the programme structure look like at a glance?
- Induction: needs analysis; short course on teaching foundations/principles.
- Cycle 1: Professional Learning (F2F + online + task + coaching).
- Cycle 2: Leading Teaching (F2F + online + task + coaching).
- Cycle 3: Building Culture & Ethos (F2F + online + task + coaching).
- Final: Impact Review and case-study assessment. bpninternational.com
How do I apply?
Discuss with your Head teacher/CPD lead and confirm if you or your school will be funding the course, then use the ‘Register now’ link on the relevant course webpage to submit your details. bpninternational.com