New Year, New Goals, New NPQ Cohort!

As with previous launches, the session opened with a buzz of anticipation. Our word‑cloud summed it up perfectly: “Excited”. Participants also openly shared feelings ranging from “Ready” and “Motivated” to “Nervous”, “Apprehensive”, “Overwhelmed”, and even the wonderfully honest “Imposter syndrome”.

Just like in previous NPQ cohorts, this emotional mix reflects exactly why these programmes thrive: educators stepping forward to grow, stretch, and strengthen their leadership for the benefit of pupils and colleagues across the region.

What’s Motivating Cohort 5?

Cohort 5 shared a wide range of motivations, but the pattern was clear:

• Developing Knowledge emerged as the strongest driver.
• Career Progression, Improving Outcomes, and Personal Development followed closely.

Participants also noted the importance of Building a Network, and past cohorts can attest that the peer community becomes one of the most powerful elements of their journey.

A Cohort With Purpose

Participants’ aspirations echo the spirit we’ve seen in previous years:

• Confidence:
  “Confidence to lead a school and look at the whole community - not just one element.”
• Practical leadership impact:
  “The knowledge and skills to transform an ineffective school into an effective one.”
• Better outcomes for learners:
  “Improved outcomes for children and being able to support the whole team.”
• SEND expertise:
  “A more empathetic understanding… to be proactive for my SEND students.”
• Stronger literacy leadership:
  “To build pedagogical knowledge and lead communication, language and literacy effectively.”
• Behaviour and culture improvement:
  “To drive positive change to ensure positive outcomes for all our children.”
• Early Years leadership confidence:
  “More confidence to give the best support to both staff and children.”

From future SENCOs hoping to deepen their understanding of complex needs, to aspiring senior leaders wanting clarity, purpose and impact, this cohort brings a thoughtful and committed mindset to the year ahead.

Looking Ahead

This year’s cohort has already demonstrated the curiosity, honesty, and passion that sit at the heart of Saffron Teaching School Hub's NPQ community. With shared goals, a supportive network, and a clear sense of purpose, Cohort 5 is poised to make a meaningful difference in their settings - and, ultimately, for the pupils they serve.

A warm welcome to all our new NPQ participants

We look forward to supporting your journey!

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Saffron Teaching School Hub - National Professional Qualifications