A Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ combines Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship modules with National Professional Qualifications, offering dual qualifications, leadership learning, coaching, and workplace support. Available programmes include Headteacher, School Leader, Catholic Leaders, SENCO, and others. It includes broader leadership topics beyond standalone NPQs, such as HR and strategic business. Monthly coaching is provided by an Apprenticeship Performance Coach and Mentor. Eligibility requires UK residency, work rights, and GCSEs. Funding is via apprenticeship levy or government co-investment, making it free for learners. Applications are through Best Practice Network.
A Leader Apprenticeship with a National Professional Qualification (NPQ) combines an NPQ framework with Level 4 or Level 5 apprenticeship modules in one Best Practice Network programme. You complete one programme and gain two separate qualifications, with additional leadership learning, monthly coaching and workplace support.
Which Leader Apprenticeships with an NPQ are available?
Best Practice Network offers the following Leader Apprenticeships with an NPQ:
- Headteacher Programme: Level 5 Apprenticeship with the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
- School Leader Programme: Level 5 Apprenticeship with the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
- Catholic Leaders Apprenticeship: Level 5 Apprenticeship with NPQSL.
- Leader Apprenticeship: Level 5 Apprenticeship with the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQ for SENCOs).
- Leader Apprenticeship: Level 4 Apprenticeship with the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT).
- Leader Apprenticeship: Level 4 Apprenticeship with the National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC).
- Leader Apprenticeship: Level 4 Apprenticeship with the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD).
How is a Leader Apprenticeship different from a standalone NPQ?
A Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ includes Level 4 or Level 5 apprenticeship topics that are not part of the standalone NPQ frameworks. These include, but are not limited to:
- Corporate social responsibility.
- Coaching and mentoring.
- Human resource management.
- Strategic business.
- Driving change and risk management.
These additional modules give you access to broader leadership learning that is not available through a standalone NPQ. The programme is designed to blend the two qualifications while supporting your capacity and strengthening your learning.
Standalone NPQs align only with the relevant leadership NPQ framework. You can read the frameworks for NPQSL, NPQH, NPQ for SENCOs, NPQLT, NPQLBC and NPQLTD.
What coaching and individual support do you receive?
During a Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ, you have monthly meetings with your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) and Apprenticeship Mentor (AM).
Your APC is an experienced teacher and leader recruited by Best Practice Network who also supports other learners on the programme. Your AM is nominated by your employer and helps you apply your learning in your setting, creating a more in-depth learning experience.
On a standalone NPQ, you receive individual support from a Leadership Performance Coach (LPC) every three months throughout your learning journey.
Whichever route you choose, your APC or LPC can be contacted through the online platform for additional support or guidance. They also provide personalised feedback on every assignment you submit.
Who is eligible for a Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ?
To be eligible for a Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ, you must:
- Have lived in the UK for at least three years.
- Have the right to work and study in the UK.
- Not be in any other full-time training or education.
You will also need GCSE maths and English at grade C or above. If you achieved a lower grade, you can still complete the programme and Best Practice Network will enrol you on the Functional Skills element.
How is a Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ funded?
A Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ can be funded through the apprenticeship levy or the government co-investment scheme. These routes mean that you do not pay for the programme as the learner.
Apprenticeship levy funding
Your school may be able to use apprenticeship levy funding if it is linked to a local authority or council and pays into its levy, is linked to an academy trust and pays into its levy, or has a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) bill that meets the current threshold.
The levy covers the programme cost, making the programme free to you and your school. Check the relevant Best Practice Network website page for the current levy criteria and figures. [VERIFY: add the link to the page that holds the current figures]
Government co-investment funding
If apprenticeship levy funding is unavailable, the government co-investment scheme funds part of the programme fee and your school pays the remaining contribution. The contribution is invoiced monthly to your school by the finance team.
This route remains free to you as the learner. You cannot contribute towards the cost if your school decides to fund its required contribution.
The contribution differs between Level 4 and Level 5 apprenticeships. Check the relevant Best Practice Network website page for the current co-investment percentages and contribution figures. [VERIFY: add the link to the page that holds the current figures]
How do you apply?
You can apply for a Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ through the Best Practice Network website. The NPQ support team will then process your application. https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/leader-apprenticeship-NPQ
If you have already applied for a standalone NPQ, you can ask to move your application to the relevant Leader Apprenticeship with an NPQ.