National Professional Qualifications
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are flexible professional development courses for teachers and leaders to improve skills, progress careers and deliver improved outcomes for schools.
Saffron Teaching School Hub is delighted to be a Delivery Partner with Teach First and the National Institute of Teaching for our NPQ programmes.
A full list of our NPQ programmes is available here.
NPQ Expressions of Interest – Autumn 2026
If you are interested in joining our next cohort of NPQ programmes in Autumn 2026, please register your interest by completing this form:
We will send interested applicants further information on how to apply as soon as it becomes available.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our team:
- Kerrie McGivern – kerriemcgivern@saffron.academy
- Erica Carver – ecarver@saffron.academy
Funding for NPQs – Autumn 2026
The Department for Education has confirmed funding for NPQ programmes starting in Autumn 2026:
GOV.UK | Funding for National Professional Qualifications
The following NPQ programmes will be fully funded for all eligible schools and settings:
Scholarship funding for the following programmes will also be available for eligible schools:
- Specialist NPQs: Leading Behaviour & Culture, Leading Literacy, Leading Primary Maths, Leading Teaching and Leading Teacher Development
- Leadership NPQs: Executive Leadership
Alongside this, the DfE continues to fund the Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO), providing additional support for new headteachers. Funding for the EHCO will be available where participants are:
- In their first five years of headship in a state-funded school or 16–19 setting, and
- Currently undertaking, or have completed, the NPQ for Headship
Important information
- Funding is limited
- Eligibility does not guarantee a place
- Early expressions of interest are strongly encouraged
- DfE applications open on 23 June 2026