Satisfaction Guaranteed! Measuring the impact of Saffron’s NPQ Programmes

High-quality professional development is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for driving sustained improvement in schools. Research consistently shows that effective CPD enhances teaching quality, strengthens leadership, and ultimately improves pupil outcomes. National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a key driver of this improvement. According to DfE guidance, schools that invest in NPQs benefit from improved leadership capacity and stronger pupil outcomes, while the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) highlights that leadership development through NPQs is one of the most cost-effective strategies for raising attainment.

As Sir Michael Barber once said: "Professional development that delivers real impact is not an optional extra; it is the engine of school improvement and the best investment we can make in education."

So, what does this mean for school leaders? Selecting programmes that align with your development priorities and deliver real impact can feel challenging. That’s why we focus on measuring outcomes - so you can be confident your investment leads to stronger leadership and improved pupil results.

Celebrating Excellence: NPQ Programmes Deliver Outstanding Impact

100% Satisfaction Across NPQ Programmes

Every participant on our Specialist programme for Cohort 4a reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their NPQ experience – a remarkable achievement that reflects the strength of Saffron's delivery model.

Key highlights include:

Quality of training: Rated “good” or “very good” by all respondents
Impact on practice: 100% agreed their confidence and knowledge to implement changes in school had grown.
Seminar effectiveness: All participants found seminars valuable for consolidating learning and fostering peer discussion.
Leadership development: Many reported strengthened leadership skills and increased aspirations for senior roles.

One participant summed up the experience perfectly:

“The NPQ programme has strengthened my leadership skills, deepened my understanding of teaching and learning, and given me practical strategies to support colleagues more effectively.”

Conference Evaluations: Practical, Inspiring, and Impactful

Our NPQ conferences received equally glowing feedback, with the vast majority rating their experience as excellent (5 stars). Delegates praised the high standard of facilitation, quality of materials, and the relevance of content to their roles.

Key findings:

Knowledge deepened: Almost all attendees agreed their understanding of programme content grew as a result of the conference.
Actionable outcomes: Participants reported immediate “quick wins” such as introducing new strategies for challenging conversations, reducing maths anxiety, and improving inclusion practices.
Long-term impact: Many plan to implement cultural and strategic changes, from refining CPD delivery to enhancing SEND provision.

Here’s what delegates had to say:

“Nicola is an extremely engaging and knowledgeable facilitator and all training has been relevant and helpful for my setting.”
“The conference was fantastic. It was informative, collaborative and brought us all together to share our experiences.”
“George was wonderful! Inspirational, informative and engaging.”
“Kerrie is absolutely fantastic. She is so engaging and passionate about what she does which makes me feel excited to develop my practice further.”

Why This Matters

These results demonstrate that our NPQ programmes and conferences are not only meeting expectations but exceeding them – equipping educators with the tools, confidence, and connections to drive positive change in their schools. From knowledgeable facilitators to practical strategies, every element is designed to empower leaders and improve outcomes for pupils.

Take Your Next Step with Saffron

School leaders who invest in NPQs are making a strategic choice to strengthen leadership capacity and improve pupil outcomes. The evidence is clear: NPQs deliver measurable impact, from boosting confidence to driving whole-school improvement. If you’re ready to advance your career and make a difference, take your next step with Saffron.

Applications for our 2025/26 cohort are now open. The application deadline is 23 November, with programmes starting in December 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community of ambitious leaders and access high-quality, research-informed training that transforms practice.

Find out more about our NPQ programmes and how to apply here.