What is the NPQ for Headship (NPQH) for international schools?
The NPQH is a Department for Education–accredited leadership programme designed to prepare current and aspiring headteachers in international schools to lead effectively, with a strong focus on strategic leadership, culture, curriculum, stakeholder engagement, change management and compliance in diverse settings. bpninternational.com
Who is this programme for?
It’s intended for senior leaders, assistant and deputy headteachers, aspiring headteachers, and current headteachers seeking to strengthen whole-school leadership in an international context. bpninternational.com
Programme structure & delivery
How long does NPQH take and what’s the time commitment?
The programme runs over 18 months and includes 38 hours of online learning, 6 hours of coaching, additional independent learning, and specified face-to-face elements, for a total of 104 learning hours. bpninternational.com
How is the learning delivered?
NPQH follows a repeating cycle that starts with a face-to-face event (which you can join remotely, or in-person where a viable group is confirmed near you), continues with an online module and applied tasks, and ends with in-school performance coaching to embed learning. bpninternational.com
What will I learn?
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to set a compelling vision, lead teaching and curriculum, build a positive, inclusive culture, manage resources, work with stakeholders and implement improvement effectively within international school contexts. bpninternational.com
Eligibility & application
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants need support from a sponsor in their school (e.g., headteacher or senior leader) to confirm the application details, at least two years’ teaching experience, leadership aspiration/experience, proficiency in English, and-if not already a headteacher-be roughly 18–36 months away from applying for headship. bpninternational.com
Do I need a Teacher Reference Number (TRN)?
Yes, 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 one (e.g., you’re overseas), you will be supported to obtain one during the registration process. bpninternational.com
Support & coaching
What support will I receive during the programme?
You’ll be assigned a Leadership Performance Coach who is an experienced educator; they provide advice and feedback throughout, respond to practice tasks, give feedback on formative assessments and help you manage workload and progress effectively. bpninternational.com
Assessment
How will I be assessed?
The programme culminates in an Impact Review followed by a Summative Assessment Case Study, allowing you to demonstrate applied leadership knowledge and the impact of your learning in your school. bpninternational.com
Benefits, recognition & framework
What are the benefits for me and my school?
Participants gain up-to-date, evidence-informed leadership expertise, confidence to articulate and drive a whole-school vision, and access to a global network; schools benefit from strategic, evidence-based leadership and stronger capacity across teams. bpninternational.com
How does NPQH align with national standards and domains?
NPQH content is built on the DfE’s NPQ frameworks, which reflect the Teachers’ and Headteachers’ Standards, and develops leadership across ten domains: School Culture; Teaching; Curriculum & Assessment; Behaviour; SEND; Professional Development; Organisational Management; Implementation; Working in Partnership; and Governance & Accountability. bpninternational.com