The National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) is a 12-month, DfE-accredited programme for teachers leading or aspiring to lead in international schools. It develops expertise in teaching, assessment, and inclusive learning environments through virtual events, online learning, coaching, and assessments. Applicants need two years' teaching experience, leadership aspiration, English proficiency, school sponsorship, and a Teacher Reference Number. The programme supports professional growth and school improvement.
The National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) is a 12-month, Department for Education (DfE)-accredited programme. It is for teachers who lead or aspire to lead teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase in an international school.
The programme develops evidence-based expertise in teaching, assessment and creating inclusive, high-expectation learning environments.
Who can apply
The international NPQLT is typically suitable for:
- Teachers
- Heads of department or year
- Subject leaders
- Professional development leads
- Mentors and coaches
- Continuing professional development (CPD) coordinators
What you will learn
The international NPQLT develops practical expertise in:
- Curriculum and assessment
- Classroom practice
- Adaptive teaching
- Implementation
- Professional development
The learning is underpinned by the DfE NPQLT framework’s “learn that” and “learn how” statements.
How long the programme takes
The international NPQLT runs for 12 months and includes approximately 74 guided learning hours, plus independent study.
The guided learning includes three virtual face-to-face events, approximately 34 hours of online learning and approximately five hours of in-school performance coaching.
How the programme is structured
The international NPQLT begins with an induction, including a needs analysis and a short course on teaching foundations and principles.
You then complete three learning cycles:
- Professional Learning: a face-to-face event, online learning, a formative assessment task and coaching.
- Leading Teaching: a face-to-face event, online learning, a formative assessment task and coaching.
- Building Culture and Ethos: a face-to-face event, online learning, a formative assessment task and coaching.
The programme finishes with an Impact Review and a summative case-study assessment. You can also read the international NPQLT qualification specification.
How you will learn
International NPQLT delivery is remote-first, using webinars and a virtual learning environment. Some in-country partners may also offer face-to-face events.
Learning follows a repeating cycle:
- Attend a virtual face-to-face event.
- Complete online course modules and practice activities.
- Complete a formative assessment task.
- Take part in in-school performance coaching.
What the formative assessment tasks involve
Formative assessment tasks are in-school, practice-led activities completed after each online course. They are designed to help you apply your learning and receive timely feedback.
Best Practice Network (BPN) also hosts a public library of example projects for inspiration. [VERIFY: add the exact link to the public library of example projects].
What support you will receive
You receive support from a Leadership Mentor and an In-School Performance Coach throughout the international NPQLT.
- Leadership Mentor: your main point of contact, who offers advice and feedback, marks online practice tasks and provides feedback on formative assessment tasks.
- In-School Performance Coach: someone nominated by your school who supports you through six planned coaching sessions and monitors your progress.
You receive structured professional growth and guaranteed support to help you prepare for the final assessment.
How you will be assessed
To pass the international NPQLT, you must meet the current minimum engagement requirement and successfully complete a summative case-study assessment. Check the international NPQLT programme page for the current engagement requirement.
The summative case-study assessment gives you an eight-day window to submit up to 1,500 words.
Required programme elements include:
- An LDR review [VERIFY: spell out LDR and explain what this review involves].
- Attendance at available face-to-face events.
- Online practice activities.
- Formative assessment tasks.
- Performance coaching.
What the entry requirements are
Applicants typically need:
- Two years of teaching experience.
- Leadership experience or an aspiration to lead.
- Proficiency in English.
- Support from a school sponsor.
- A Teacher Reference Number (TRN).
Your school sponsor could be your headteacher, a member of the senior leadership team or your line manager. The DfE requires this sponsor to confirm that your school supports your application, but the sponsor has no financial obligation.
A TRN uniquely identifies you within England’s education system. You need one to complete mandatory National Professional Qualification (NPQ) surveys and access your DfE certificate after successfully completing the programme.
If you are overseas or do not already have a TRN, you will be supported to obtain one during registration. Read the international TRN guidance.
How the programme benefits you and your school
As a participant, the international NPQLT provides:
- Evidence-informed leadership of teaching.
- Practical tools.
- Coached implementation.
- Structured professional growth.
- Guaranteed support to prepare for the final assessment.
For your school, the international NPQLT supports:
- Informed, impact-driven leaders.
- Stronger succession planning.
- Improved teaching quality and outcomes.
How to apply
- Discuss the international NPQLT with your headteacher or CPD lead.
- Confirm whether you or your school will fund the course.
- Go to the international NPQLT programme page and select “Register now” to submit your details.
How to check the next deadlines
Application deadlines can change. Check the international NPQLT programme page for the current deadlines when you register.