The NPQSL is an 18-month DfE-accredited qualification for current or aspiring senior school leaders, combining face-to-face events, online learning, and coaching. It covers leadership topics like school culture, teaching, SEND, and governance. Participants receive expert facilitation, a virtual learning environment, and assessment support. The programme offers standalone or apprenticeship-linked options and requires teaching experience and leadership aspirations. It aims to develop leaders who drive sustainable, evidence-based school improvement.
The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) is a Department for Education (DfE)-accredited qualification for current or aspiring senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities. The 18-month programme combines face-to-face events, online learning and leadership coaching.
What is NPQSL?
NPQSL is designed for school leaders who are, or aspire to become, senior leaders. It is aligned to master’s credits and can provide progression to Liverpool Hope University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Leading in Education or Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Educational Leadership.
More information is available on the Best Practice Network NPQSL page.
Who is NPQSL for?
NPQSL is for current or aspiring senior leaders. Participants often work both strategically and operationally, typically working through middle leaders to improve outcomes across the school.
How long does NPQSL take?
The NPQSL programme runs over 18 months and involves approximately 90 total learning hours. These include:
- Four face-to-face events
- 38 hours of online learning
- Six hours of coaching
How is NPQSL delivered?
NPQSL uses a blended learning model consisting of:
- Face-to-face training days
- Online study through Best Practice Network’s (BPN’s) Canvas virtual learning environment (VLE)
- Webinars
- Leadership coaching
Delivery is supported by BPN’s nationwide partner network.
What will I study?
NPQSL content is organised into cycles containing short and full courses. The programme covers:
- School Culture
- Teaching
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Behaviour
- Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Professional Development
- Organisational Management
- Implementation
- Working in Partnership
- Governance and Accountability
You can read the NPQSL qualification specification for more information.
Which NPQSL programme can I choose?
You can take the standalone NPQSL or the School Leader Programme with NPQSL.
- School Leader Programme with NPQSL: This combines NPQSL with the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship. It includes broader cross-sector leadership exposure, monthly coaching and additional frameworks and resources. It is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
- Standalone NPQSL: This is an education-focused NPQSL programme with six hours of coaching. It can be self-funded.
What are the entry requirements?
To join NPQSL, you need:
- Support from your headteacher or line manager, as required by the DfE
- A Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
- Two years’ teaching experience
- Leadership experience or aspirations
How do I find or request my Teacher Reference Number?
If you do not know your Teacher Reference Number (TRN), use BPN’s TRN Support Guide. It explains how to retrieve or request a TRN, including what to do if you are outside England.
What support will I receive?
You will be assigned a Leadership Performance Coach who is an experienced teacher or leader. Your coach will provide advice and feedback on practice activities and formative tasks, while helping you manage your workload and progress.
How is NPQSL assessed?
NPQSL has one summative assessment. You submit a written response to a case-study scenario within an eight-day window, with a stated maximum of 1,500–2,500 words.
You must also meet the provider’s minimum course-engagement requirement. Check the current requirement in the NPQSL qualification specification.
Where are face-to-face events held?
Face-to-face events are delivered through BPN’s national partner network. BPN aims to place you in a geographically convenient group, subject to viability.
How do I apply?
Use the Register Interest link on the NPQSL programme page for the upcoming cohort. You are advised to apply early and discuss your goals with your headteacher or continuing professional development (CPD) lead.
What are the benefits for participants and schools?
As a participant, you benefit from:
- Expert facilitation
- A mobile-friendly virtual learning environment
- Local delivery
- A tailored needs analysis
- Assessment support
Schools gain leaders who are equipped to implement sustainable, evidence-based improvement and share a common professional language, described as the “golden thread”.