The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC is a 12-month dual-award program combining the National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture with a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship. Designed for teachers leading behaviour or pupil wellbeing, it offers blended learning, including face-to-face events, online study, webinars, and coaching. Graduates earn 40 Master's credits and gain skills in behaviour management, project leadership, and inclusive change. Funding is available via the Apprenticeship Levy.
The Leader Apprenticeship with National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) is a 12-month dual-award programme. It combines the Department for Education’s NPQLBC with the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship, helping you apply new leadership skills in your school.
What qualifications will you achieve?
When you complete the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC, you will gain:
- the National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture;
- the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship; and
- 40 Master’s credits, which you can use as a springboard to a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with the University of Chester.
The programme builds evidence-informed expertise in behaviour and culture alongside practical leadership capabilities from project management, change management and performance monitoring.
Who should apply?
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC is designed for teachers who have, or aspire to have, responsibility for leading behaviour or supporting pupil wellbeing.
You will develop specialist knowledge of systems such as behaviour policies and whole-school improvement approaches, including professional development and implementation.
How is the programme delivered?
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC uses a blended delivery model that includes:
- three face-to-face events;
- online study;
- webinars;
- monthly coaching sessions; and
- additional coaching and content throughout the programme.
You will have access to Best Practice Network’s virtual learning environment, BUD. This provides multimedia content, peer communities, expert practice aligned with the curriculum, feedback from performance coaches and a place to submit assessments.
You will also have a dedicated, experienced tutor who supports you across both the apprenticeship and NPQLBC elements.
How long does the programme take?
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC runs for 12 months. During this period, you attend three face-to-face events and monthly coaching sessions alongside online study and webinars.
How will the programme benefit your school?
The programme helps you translate behavioural theory into day-to-day impact. You will use project management to secure consistency and apply data to identify trends and measure interventions.
You will also learn to lead change with empathy and align inclusive leadership with equity, diversity and inclusion so that systems work for every child.
How are the fees funded?
Your school may fund the programme through its Apprenticeship Levy using its Apprenticeship Service account. Non-levy-paying employers may be eligible for government co-investment.
For current programme fees, funding amounts, employer contributions and costs to schools, check the relevant Best Practice Network programme page. [VERIFY: add the link to the page that holds the current figures]
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy is paid by large employers and creates sustainable funding for apprenticeships. It gives employers control over staff training opportunities, and most state-maintained schools and multi-academy trusts contribute.
Current levy thresholds and contribution rates are available on the relevant Best Practice Network website page.
How does your school access apprenticeship funding?
Your school draws down apprenticeship funding through its Apprenticeship Service account. Best Practice Network can guide your school if it needs help setting up this account.
How to apply
To apply for the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC, visit the programme page and select “Apply Now” or “Register your interest”. This allows you to join the professional development network and secure your place.