The International NPQLTD helps teachers and middle leaders in international schools lead professional development, mentor colleagues, and foster continuous improvement through online learning, events, coaching, and assessment. It suits those with leadership roles or aspirations, offering structured cycles of study and practical tasks. The program enhances leadership skills, supports school improvement, and requires at least two years of teaching experience, leadership potential, English proficiency, a school sponsor, and a Teacher Reference Number.
The International National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) helps teachers and middle leaders lead high-quality professional development, mentor colleagues and build a culture of continuous improvement in international schools. It combines online learning, events, practical tasks, coaching and assessment.
Who is the International NPQLTD for?
The International NPQLTD is for teachers and middle leaders who lead, or aspire to lead, the development of other teachers. This may include:
- Heads of Department or Year
- Subject Leads
- Professional Development Leads
- Mentors and coaches
- Continuing professional development (CPD) coordinators
More information is available on the International NPQLTD programme webpage.
What will you learn?
You will develop expertise in designing effective CPD, mentoring colleagues and supporting early-career teachers. You will also develop evidence-informed leadership of teaching, practical tools and the ability to implement your learning with coaching support.
The programme provides structured professional growth and guaranteed support to help you prepare for the final assessment.
How can the programme benefit your school?
The International NPQLTD can help your school develop informed, impact-driven leaders and strengthen leadership capacity and succession planning. It can also support collaboration, talent retention, improved teaching quality and better pupil outcomes.
How is the programme structured?
The International NPQLTD includes three virtual face-to-face events, 34 hours of online learning and five hours of coaching. It provides 74 total guided learning hours.
The content is delivered in cycles that combine online study, practice tasks, in-school performance coaching and formative assessment. The programme ends with an impact review and case-study assessment.
- Induction: You complete a needs analysis and a short course on teaching foundations and principles.
- Cycle 1 – Professional Learning: You complete a face-to-face event, online learning, a practical task and coaching.
- Cycle 2 – Leading Teaching: You complete a face-to-face event, online learning, a practical task and coaching.
- Cycle 3 – Building Culture and Ethos: You complete a face-to-face event, online learning, a practical task and coaching.
- Final stage: You complete an impact review and case-study assessment.
What do the programme events cover?
The three events cover:
- Day 1: Teacher Development – an Introduction
- Day 2: Leading Professional Learning
- Day 3: Building Culture and Ethos
Further details are available in the International NPQLTD qualification specification.
How do you access the learning?
International delivery is remote-first, using webinars and a virtual learning environment. Some face-to-face events may also be available in-country through programme partners.
Delivery information is available in the international course guide.
What are the formative assessment tasks?
Formative assessments are practice-led tasks that you complete in your school after each online course. They are designed to help you apply your learning and receive timely feedback.
Best Practice Network also hosts a public library of example projects for inspiration. Visit the International NPQLTD programme webpage for more information.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants typically need:
- At least two years of teaching experience
- Leadership experience or an aspiration to lead
- Proficiency in English
- A school sponsor
- A Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
Your school sponsor could be your headteacher, a member of the senior leadership team (SLT) or your line manager. The sponsor must confirm their support for your application; this role is required by the Department for Education (DfE) but carries no financial obligation.
A TRN uniquely identifies you within England’s education system. You need it to complete mandatory National Professional Qualification (NPQ) surveys and access your DfE certificate after successfully completing the programme.
If you do not have a TRN, for example because you are based overseas, you will be supported to obtain one during registration. Read the international TRN guidance.
How do you apply?
- Discuss the programme with your headteacher or CPD lead.
- Confirm whether you or your school will fund the course.
- Use the Register now link on the relevant course webpage to submit your details.
Application guidance is available in the international course guide.
How do you check the next application deadline?
Application deadlines can change. Check the International NPQLTD programme webpage for the current deadline when you register.