Executive Leadership (NPQEL)


National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership (NPQEL)

We are delighted to be partnering with Teach First to deliver this programme.

We deliver this programme as part of a consortium with Bright Futures, Leicester & Leicestershire, One Cumbria, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and Red Kite Teaching School Hubs.

For Cohort 5 (Autumn 2025), national conferences will be held in London.

  • Target Audience: school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, an Executive Headteacher or have a school trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools.
  • Course Length: 18 months, plus 3 months for assessment period
  • Brochure: Teach First

Programme cost

Autumn 2025 cohort:  the cost of the NPQ in Executive Leadership is £3,890.

Funding for target scholarships

Please see the funding information on our main NPQ page here.


What will I learn?

You’ll develop expertise in the knowledge, skills and concepts for areas of trust-level responsibility related to your role.

Modules include:

  • Trust culture
  • Teaching
  • Curriculum and assessment
  • Behaviour
  • Additional and special educational needs
  • Professional development
  • Organisational management
  • Implementation
  • Working in partnership
  • Governance and accountability

Programme breakdown

Your Learning Journey

Designed with busy school leaders in mind, the NPQEL is delivered over 18 months using a blend of online seminars, flexible online learning and conferences.

How will I benefit?

Over 18 months, you will:

  • Develop specialist expertise in running a multi-school organisation, gaining practical skills in effectively managing resources and establishing sustainable policies.
  • Effectively implement change and improvement in an area you identify as a trust priority.
  • Connect with and learn from other executive leaders in the field.
  • Build and expand your network across the country.