NPQH

We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the NPQ in Headship.

Why this programme?

In 18 months, you will develop the knowledge that underpins expert school leadership and apply it to become an outstanding headteacher.

  • One of a series of new, evidence informed NPQs
  • Flexible learning to suit your timetable
  • Combine insight and practice to drive change
  • Gain an NPQ Headship accreditation

Ambition Institute has designed this ground-breaking NPQ to help you put evidence-based school leadership methods into practice and drive change in your school setting. It will also focus on specific headship challenges in your school or trust.

Ambitions 'little and often' approach uses the latest research to help you apply your learning to persistent problems. You will train alongside other leaders with similar responsibilities, with content focusing on the key challenges you face in your role.

With no project work and minimal time out of school, the new NPQs are designed to fit around your busy timetable.

Learn crucial skills and sector knowledge
All the knowledge you’ll learn on this programme is drawn from a single, evidence-based framework shared by other educators across England.

Learning that sticks
Training is delivered little and often, in regular bite-sized chunks, so there are no long days of training that take you away from your day job. Learning in short, sharp bursts also helps you to retain knowledge.

Thrive in your school setting
Develop the knowledge and skills to work to the best of your ability and tackle the complexities and challenges of your daily role.

Drive habit change
Embedding new habits can be tricky. Our dual modules help you to apply what you learn, connecting theory to practice, to help those habits stick. Insight modules capture the very best the sector has to contribute on a given topic. Application modules help you to use the ideas in context, with support from peers.

Build your network
You’ll connect with other senior leaders, sharing your experiences and building a strong support network that lasts long after you finish the course. 

Create confident school leaders
Headteachers are equipped with school-focused leadership knowledge, which they can use to establish a culture and conditions where staff and pupils can thrive.

Underpinned by the latest evidence
The framework for the new NPQ for Headship was developed using the latest evidence on effective professional development for teachers and leaders, approved by the Education Endowment Fund (EFF).

Shared learning
Participants learn alongside colleagues whose context is similar, facilitated by delivery partners who know and understand your needs.

Create a common knowledge base
All our NPQs are aligned, meaning teachers and leaders share a common language and framework to drive improvement in their school.

Transform pupil outcomes
Education Policy Institute research shows that high quality professional development can improve pupil outcomes almost as effectively as having a teacher with 10 years’ experience in the classroom.*

What you’ll learn 
Our NPQ in Headship course follows the Department for Education’s National Professional Qualification: Headship.

On this programme, you will learn how to:

  • set clear goals and communicate shared values that improve classroom and school culture
  • lead effective implementation in educational settings
  • lead effective professional development to improve practice and outcomes for pupils.
  • support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum
  • lead school-wide professional development for staff
  • establish good financial, human and educational resource management
  • make and act on evidence-informed decisions
  • work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
  • lead by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure staff know their professional responsibilities.

Note: programme content is subject to change.

 

How you’ll learn 

Our NPQH is designed so you can engage in live, facilitated sessions alongside modules you can complete at any time.

Over 18 months, our NPQH includes:

  • A school visit.
  • Two full day conferences (6hrs each).
  • Nine courses (each course lasts six weeks and loosely aligned to a school half term).
  • Each course includes six modules.
  • Seven two-hour clinics (facilitated sessions).
  • One two-hour assessment clinic.
  • Five communities (1hr15mins group sessions).

The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes 12 hours of in-person delivery (via 2 full day conferences and in-person twilight sessions), a mix of real-time, interactive online sessions and self-guided modules you complete in your own time.

The programme includes facilitator-led sessions with your peer group that focus on decision making. The programme starts with a one-day live conference.

Note: programme content is subject to change. 

Our NPQ courses no longer include a large project at the end. Instead, you’ll sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which you respond to a short case study.

The assessment window starts at the end of the 18-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, you’ll be given an eight-day window to complete the case study.

There are two assessment windows every year, and participants can sit the assessment two times, if they need to.

You need to complete the course to qualify for the NPQ accreditation.

We will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support you.

NEW for autumn 2024! Department for Education NPQ scholarship funding is available to all publicly funded schools and 16 to 19 educational organisations in England.

DfE-funded scholarships for this NPQ can be applied for by all those who meet the following criteria:

  • Are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school.

We expect more information to be provided by the Department for Education in the summer term.

If you do not work in an eligible school, the NPQ in Headship costs £1,949 plus VAT.

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