The Department for Education (DfE) scholarship eligibility for National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) depends on the chosen NPQ and school eligibility, with limited funded places available. Some NPQs follow previous funding criteria, while others use the pupil premium criteria. Applicants can check school eligibility via the Best Practice Network URN checker, but eligibility does not guarantee funding. More information is available on the BPN and DfE websites.
Department for Education (DfE) scholarship eligibility depends on the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) you choose and your school. Only certain schools are eligible, and an eligible applicant is not guaranteed a funded place because places are limited across all lead providers.
Which NPQs follow the previous funding criteria?
Through Best Practice Network, the following programmes use the same scholarship eligibility criteria as previous cohorts:
- NPQ for special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs)
- National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
- Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO)
Which NPQs use the pupil premium criteria?
Through Best Practice Network, the following programmes are subject to the DfE's pupil premium eligibility criteria:
- National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)
- National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
- National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
- National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
- National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
Check the current pupil premium threshold on the BPN website. https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/
How to check whether your school is eligible
Use the BPN unique reference number (URN) checker to find out whether your school is eligible. You can also read the DfE funding guidance.
Eligibility does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship-funded place. Places are limited for each cohort.