Overview
What is the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC?
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC is a dual-award programme that maps the Department for Education’s NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) to the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship, so you earn both qualifications together and embed new leadership skills directly in your school context. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
What will I achieve on completion?
You will gain the NPQLBC plus the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship, building evidence-informed expertise in behaviour and culture alongside practical leadership capabilities drawn from project management, change management and performance monitoring. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
Who it’s for
Who should apply for this programme?
It’s designed for teachers who have, or aspire to have, responsibility for leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing, requiring specialist knowledge of systems like behaviour policies and whole-school improvement approaches such as professional development and implementation. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
Programme structure & delivery
How is the programme delivered?
Delivery is blended: three face-to-face events are complemented by online study, webinars and coaching, with access to BPN’s virtual learning environment (BUD) for multimedia content, peer communities, expert practice aligned to the curriculum, feedback from performance coaches and assessment submission. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
How long does it take and what are the time commitments?
The programme runs over 12 months and includes monthly coaching sessions; learners attend three face-to-face events as part of the blended model. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
What practical benefits can I expect in school?
You’ll translate behavioural theory into day-to-day impact—using project management to secure consistency, applying data to spot trends and measure interventions, leading change with empathy and aligning inclusive leadership with equity, diversity and inclusion so systems work for every child. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
Support
What support will I receive during the course?
You’ll have access to additional coaching and content throughout, plus a dedicated, experienced tutor who supports you across both the apprenticeship and the NPQ elements. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
Credits & progression
Do I get Master’s credits?
Yes—completing the programme awards 40 Master’s credits, which can be used as a springboard to an MA in Educational Leadership with the University of Chester. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
Funding & cost
How much does it cost and how is it funded?
Programme fees can be fully covered using your school’s Apprenticeship Levy via its Apprenticeship Service account; for non-levy payers, government co-investment typically funds 95%, making the programme effectively £0 to schools using levy funds. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
Large employers with pay bills over £3 million pay 0.5% of their total annual pay bill into the levy, which creates sustainable apprenticeship funding and gives employers control over staff training opportunities—most state-maintained schools and multi-academy trusts contribute. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
How do we access the funding?
Schools draw down funding through their Apprenticeship Service (AS) account, and Best Practice Network can guide you if you need help setting that up. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)
Applying
How do I apply?
Use the “Apply Now”/“Register your interest” options on the programme page to join the professional development network and secure your place. (bestpracticenet.co.uk)