The NPQH for international schools is an 18-month Department for Education-accredited leadership program for current and aspiring headteachers. It develops skills in strategic leadership, school culture, curriculum, and stakeholder engagement. The program includes online learning, coaching, and face-to-face elements, culminating in assessments. Participants gain leadership expertise aligned with national standards, benefiting both themselves and their schools.
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) for international schools is a Department for Education-accredited leadership programme for current and aspiring headteachers. It develops the knowledge and skills needed to lead an international school effectively.
Who is the NPQH for
The NPQH for international schools is intended for:
- Senior leaders
- Assistant and deputy headteachers
- Aspiring headteachers
- Current headteachers who want to strengthen their whole-school leadership in an international context
What you will learn
The NPQH prepares you to lead effectively in diverse international settings. It has a strong focus on strategic leadership, school culture, curriculum, stakeholder engagement, change management and compliance.
You will develop the knowledge and skills to:
- Set and communicate a compelling vision
- Lead teaching and curriculum
- Build a positive and inclusive culture
- Manage resources
- Work with stakeholders
- Implement school improvement effectively in an international context
How long the programme takes
The NPQH runs over 18 months and involves a total of 104 learning hours. This includes:
- 38 hours of online learning
- Six hours of coaching
- Additional independent learning
- Specified face-to-face elements
How the learning is delivered
The NPQH follows a repeating learning cycle:
- Begin with a face-to-face event. You can join remotely or attend in person where a viable group is confirmed near you.
- Complete an online module and applied tasks.
- Receive in-school performance coaching to help embed your learning.
Who can apply
To apply for the NPQH for international schools, you need:
- Support from a sponsor in your school, such as your headteacher or a senior leader, who can confirm your application details
- At least two years of teaching experience
- Leadership experience or aspirations
- Proficiency in English
- If you are not already a headteacher, to be approximately 18 to 36 months away from applying for headship
Whether you need a Teacher Reference Number
You need a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) for the NPQH. A TRN uniquely identifies you within England’s education system and is required to complete mandatory National Professional Qualification surveys and access your Department for Education certificate after successfully completing the programme.
If you do not have a TRN, for example because you are overseas, you will be supported to obtain one during registration. Read the international TRN guidance.
What support you will receive
You will be assigned a Leadership Performance Coach who is an experienced educator. Your coach will:
- Provide advice and feedback throughout the programme
- Respond to practice tasks
- Give feedback on formative assessments
- Help you manage your workload and progress effectively
How the NPQH is assessed
The programme culminates in an Impact Review followed by a Summative Assessment Case Study. These allow you to demonstrate your applied leadership knowledge and the impact of your learning in your school.
How you and your school can benefit
As a participant, you will gain up-to-date, evidence-informed leadership expertise, greater confidence in articulating and driving a whole-school vision, and access to a global network.
Your school will benefit from strategic, evidence-based leadership and stronger capacity across its teams.
How the NPQH aligns with national standards
The NPQH content is based on the Department for Education’s National Professional Qualification frameworks, which reflect the Teachers’ Standards and Headteachers’ Standards.
The programme develops leadership across ten domains:
- School Culture
- Teaching
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Behaviour
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Professional Development
- Organisational Management
- Implementation
- Working in Partnership
- Governance and Accountability