Who is this for?

Individuals who are 12-18 months from applying for headship posts with the full support of their headteacher/line manager and ready to take up a headship as soon as they graduate.

Cost

There is no charge for those in maintained schools as defined by the National College. £3800 for non-maintained/independent schools.

Duration

NPQH is a personalised programme based on individual development needs, taking between 4 and 12 months, depending on closeness to headship. more

How to Apply

National Professional Qualification for Headship


Are you ready for headship?


The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services highly successful flagship provision for aspiring headteachers and is the mandatory qualification for headship.


The programme is underpinned by the National Standards for Headteachers and has been designed for passionate, highly motivated people who are 100% focused on becoming a headteacher within the next 12-18 months. You should be ready to take up a headship as soon as you graduate from the programme, which lasts from 4 to 12 months, depending on your closeness to headship.


NPQH is a personalised programme based on individual development needs. Participants can access a range of opportunities including national learning materials, placements, coaching, online resources and local leadership development activities.


There are two application rounds a year and application applications are made online at National College's website.


To find out more, you can download the NPQH Fact Sheet (pdf) and there is a wealth of information on the National College's website, including case studies, and also interactive resources to help you consider your readiness for NPQH and headship.


Information Sessions
At the start of an application round, we hold information sessions at the Institute of Education and at other venues in the south-east region. These sessions are for prospective applicants, Headteachers, LA representatives or those interested in NPQH later in their career. Find out details of these sessions here.


Further information please contact Hilary Barton /Tim Lancaster or National College.