How NPQs Can Support Career Progression


As we step into a new year, many educators are reflecting on their career goals and seeking opportunities for professional growth. One way to help prepare yourself for the next journey in your career is undertaking a National Professional Qualifications (NPQs). These qualifications are designed by the Department for Education (DfE) to help teachers and school leaders develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress in their career and improve the outcomes of their pupils - and ultimately the school.

What is an NPQ and how do they work?
NPQs are a bank of DfE acredited qualifications recognised by schools across the UK. These qualifications are voluntary and aim to support the professional development of teachers and leaders. All courses adhear to the NPQ Framework, which underpins everything you should know and be able to do by the end of your NPQ, and are built on evidence-based research to ensure that those who undertake them are getting expert guidance. 

NPQs can last between 12 - 22 months (depending on providers, the type of NPQ you are undertaking and includes the assessment time and time taken to receive results) and are undertaken voluntarily. Different course providers will have different structures, curriculum and delivery method so finding the course that works for your learning style is vital.

What types of NPQ are there?

There are 2 main categories of NPQ:
Specialist: these help develop your classroom teaching or subject specialism. These are ideal for those looking to move to middle leadership (year/phase lead, head of subject or leading on staff development/coaching).

Leadership: these are aimed at those who wish to move into a leadership postition within the school. If you are looking to move into Senior Leader, Headteacher or Executive Headteacher roles, these courses will support you with this.


Leading teacher development national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Leading behaviour and culture national professional qualification - GOV.UK

Leading literacy national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Leading primary mathematics national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Leading teaching national professional qualification - GOV.UK

Early years leadership national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Senior leadership national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Special educational needs co-ordinator's (SENCO) national professional qualification - GOV.UK

Headship national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Executive leadership national professional qualification - GOV.UK

Who provides the NPQ courses?

The DfE has a list of providers that were chosen by procurement processes and are subject to quality assurance through OFSTED inspection. There are different providers available for each different NPQ course. The full list can be found on their respective pages for each NPQ. The main providers listed are:

Though not all of these providers, provide every NPQ course.

How do I fund my NPQ?

You may be able to get your NPQ course fees paid for by the Department for Education (DfE) which is known as scholarship funding.  You do not need to apply for it; when you register for an NPQ, DfE will tell you if you are eligible for funding. 

From Spring 2025, there is new scholarship funding to cover the full cost of an NPQ course for teachers and leaders who work in:

  • the top 50% of state funded schools in England that have the highest proportion of students attracting pupil premium, as set out in the eligibility lists
  • the top 50% of state funded 16-19 settings in England that have the highest proportion of students eligible for disadvantage funding 
Scholarship funding is only for the following NPQs: 
  • leading teacher development
  • leading teaching
  • leading behaviour and culture
  • leading literacy
  • senior leadership
  • executive leadership
  • early years leadership

For the early years leadership NPQ, highly disadvantaged early years settings will also be eligible. Though you may qualify for funding, this does not secure you on an NPQ course.  

If you are looking to progress within your career, these courses are a fantastic way to show your commintment and knowledge for the next step in your career. Utilise the government funding available and start your progression today!

For more information about progressing in your career, read our blog on the differences between Year Leader and Phase Leader roles or our 6 top tips for moving from MPS to UPS.

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