Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
We are delighted to be partnering with Teach First to deliver this programme for the Autumn 2026 cohort.
- Target Audience: school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities
- Course Length: 18 months, plus 3 months for assessment period
- Brochure: Teach First
Funding for Autumn 2026
The Department for Education has confirmed that the NPQ for Senior Leadership will be fully funded for all eligible schools and settings for Autumn 2026.
For full details of NPQ funding for Autumn 2026 and eligibility, see here:
GOV.UK | Funding for National Professional Qualifications
Funding is limited and eligibility does not guarantee a place; early expressions of interest are encouraged.
Programme cost
If your school is not eligible for funding, the NPQ for Senior Leadership costs £1,090.
Who is it for?
The NPQSL is for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities.
How will I benefit?
On this programme, you will:
- Develop as a leader, with some areas of cross- and whole-school responsibility
- Access content across a breadth of areas, such as teaching, behaviour and professional development
- Be supported to effectively implement change and improvement in an area related to your role
What you'll learn
You'll develop expertise in the knowledge, skills and concepts for areas of cross- and whole-school responsibility related to your role.
Modules include:
- School culture
- Implementation
- Governance and accountability
- Organisational management
- Behaviour
- Teaching
- Curriculum and assessment
- Additional special educational needs and disabilities
- Professional development
- Working in partnership
Programme breakdown
Over 18 months you'll take part in the following learning activities before completing your summative assessment:
