What is the NPQLBC?
The NPQLBC is a Department for Education–accredited qualification for teachers who lead (or aspire to lead) behaviour and pupil wellbeing, with an emphasis on building a positive, supportive culture for learning in international school contexts. bpninternational.com
Who is it for?
Typical applicants include Teachers, Heads of Year, Pastoral Leaders, Heads of Department/Subject Leaders—anyone responsible for behaviour and culture across a team or phase. bpninternational.com
How long does it take and what’s the time commitment?
The programme lasts 12 months and includes 3 virtual face-to-face events, ~34 hours of online learning, ~5 hours of coaching, for ~74 total guided learning hours. bpninternational.com
Learning & Delivery
What will I learn?
You’ll develop expertise in: establishing consistent expectations, enabling good behaviour, addressing complex behavioural needs, building whole-school culture, professional development, and implementation—mapped to the DfE NPQ framework. bpninternational.com
How is the programme structured?
Learning runs in three development cycles (each with a face-to-face event, online course, practice activities and a formative assessment task), plus in-school performance coaching. The programme culminates in an Impact Review and a summative case-study assessment. bpninternational.com
Is it fully online?
Yes. All courses can be completed fully online, including events; some locations may also host in-person partner-school face-to-face events. bpninternational.com
What platform/support do I get?
You’ll access an interactive Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas) and are supported by an Online Leadership Mentor, facilitators at face-to-face events, and your school-nominated In-School Performance Coach. bpninternational.com
Coaching & Support
What is the Leadership Mentor?
Your Leadership Mentor is an experienced educator who is your main point of contact for feedback on practice tasks, formative assessments, and overall progress across the programme. bpninternational.com
What is the In-School Performance Coach (ISPC)?
A coach nominated by your school who holds planned coaching sessions (typically 2–5 sessions of ~60 minutes) to help you apply learning, manage workload, and evidence impact - culminating in the Impact Review with you and your Leadership Mentor. bpninternational.com
Assessment & Completion
How am I assessed?
To pass, you must engage with 90% of course elements and pass a summative case-study (max 1,500 words in an eight-day window). Required elements include the Leadership Development Record review, face-to-face events, online practice activities, formative assessment tasks, and in-school coaching. bpninternational.com
Is the certificate the same as for UK participants?
Yes, the NPQ certificates received by UK and International participants are identical and in high demand with both UK and international schools. bpninternational.com
Eligibility & Application
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
How do I apply?
Discuss your goals with your Head teacher/CPD lead, contact BPN with any questions, then click the ‘Register now’ button on the relevant course webpage to proceed with your application. bpninternational.com
Programme Benefits
What are the benefits for participants?
A portable, highly sought-after qualification; expertise in behaviour leadership; practical, context-specific study; expert-led learning; a guaranteed support model through to final assessment; and a pathway to further postgraduate study via Master’s credits. bpninternational.com
What are the benefits for schools and learners?
Improved behaviour systems and culture, better pupil engagement and wellbeing, alignment with school improvement priorities, and regular progress updates for mentors and headteachers. bpninternational.com