The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH is an 18-month dual-award program for aspiring or new headteachers, combining the National Professional Qualification for Headship and Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship. It includes blended learning with face-to-face events, online study, webinars, and coaching. Participants earn 100 Master's credits and may qualify for Chartered Fellow status. Applicants need a Teacher Reference Number, leadership experience, and school support. Funding is via the Apprenticeship Levy or government support.
The Leader Apprenticeship with National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is an 18-month dual-award programme for aspiring or recently appointed headteachers. You work towards the NPQH and Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship at the same time, with practice-based learning embedded in your school role.
Who the programme is for
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH is designed for aspiring or recently appointed headteachers. It is suitable if you are, or aspire to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school.
What qualifications you work towards
You work towards two recognised qualifications:
- the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
- the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship.
The programme also awards 100 Master’s credits. Best Practice Network describes these as a potential springboard to a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with the University of Chester.
The programme page also states that you may be eligible to become a Chartered Fellow and an Institute of Leadership and Management Fellow through the Chartered Management Institute.
How long the programme takes
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH takes 18 months to complete.
How the programme is delivered
The Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH uses blended delivery, combining:
- five face-to-face events
- online study
- webinars
- monthly coaching sessions.
The five face-to-face events are delivered through a nationwide partnership network, with training centres in your region. Experienced school leaders and facilitators lead these events, which are also attended by standalone NPQH participants.
You use Best Practice Network’s virtual learning environment, Bud/Schoolsuite, to access learning, engage with peer communities and use multimedia content and research-aligned practice resources.
What the programme’s benefits are
The dual-award programme provides enhanced leadership training beyond the standard NPQH content. It includes additional support and coaching alongside structured, hands-on learning through the apprenticeship model.
The programme also emphasises cross-sector learning. You access theory, resources and delivery from thought leaders and practitioners from across the economy, then apply cross-sector leadership and management practice in your school to gain broader perspectives and challenge.
Who can apply
To apply for the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH, you need:
- a Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
- leadership aspirations or experience
- to be 18 to 36 months away from applying for a headship role if you are not already a headteacher
- full support from your school or organisation.
A headteacher, senior leadership team member, line manager, Chair of Governors or person in a similar authoritative role must confirm their support and that the information in your application is correct. This is a mandatory Department for Education (DfE) requirement.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements or whether other relevant experience can be considered, contact the Best Practice Network team for support. npq@bestpracticenet.co.uk
What a Teacher Reference Number is
A Teacher Reference Number (TRN) is a unique seven-digit reference number. It is needed for provider records, completing mandatory DfE surveys during the NPQ programme and downloading your official DfE certificate after successful completion.
How to find a forgotten Teacher Reference Number
If you have a TRN but have forgotten it or want to check it, you can retrieve your details through the Teacher Services website or contact the relevant team by email. You may need to provide your name, date of birth, National Insurance number, email address and the place where you completed your initial teacher training.
https://find-a-lost-trn.education.gov.uk/start
What to do if you cannot access Teacher Services
Teacher Services access problems can be caused by a blocked account, an incorrect date of birth, a name change or an incorrect TRN. Contact the Teacher Services team to resolve the problem.
If you need help, email teaching.status@education.gov.uk.
How to obtain a TRN if you have QTLS
You can obtain a TRN if you have Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status instead of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). A representative from your school should contact Teachers’ Pensions and ask for a TRN to be allocated.
https://www.teacherspensions.co.uk/public/contact-us.aspx
How programme funding works
Schools can access funding through their Apprenticeship Levy by using their apprenticeship service account. Best Practice Network can guide schools that need help setting up an apprenticeship service account.
If your school does not pay the Apprenticeship Levy or has used all its levy funds, government support and an employer contribution may apply. The levy is paid by eligible large employers and is intended to create sustainable apprenticeship funding while giving employers more control over training opportunities.
For current programme costs, government and school contribution figures, and Apprenticeship Levy thresholds and rates, visit the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH programme page.
Contact Best Practice Network if your school needs help accessing funding or setting up its apprenticeship service account.