National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
Specialist National Professional Qualifications
To address the broad range of responsibilities of current and aspiring middle leaders, we offer the specialist NPQs detailed below. The following are funded only for disadvantaged settings (typically working in schools and settings in top 50% by pupil premium or eligible 16-19 providers). If you do not fall into this category, these qualifications are available through the apprenticeship route. Find out more here: https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/leader-apprenticeship-NPQ
National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/NPQLT
National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/NPQLBC
National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/NPQLTD
National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy, https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/npqll
Funded NPQs for 2026 via scholarship
The NPQ suite also includes the following fully funded via scholarship qualifications:
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/Leader-Apprenticeship-with-NPQSL
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/npqh
National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders, https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/npqeyl
National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQSENCO)
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/NPQ-for-SENCOs
Scholarships
NPQ scholarships for the Autumn 2026 Cohort are limited , so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For NPQs where funding is limited to those settings meeting the eligibility criteria, please check your eligibility by clicking on this link. https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/npq-scholarship-checker
The limited funding will target those teachers and leaders who work in the most challenging schools or educational settings, serving more disadvantaged communities. The limited scholarships will cover the full NPQ course cost and will be available to teachers and leaders from:
- The 50% of schools with the highest proportion of students who attract pupil premium funding
- 16 to 19 educational settings identified as having high disadvantage
How to Apply:
As in previous years, applications are made online through Best Practice Network.
Log onto the website: https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/schools-academies
· Select programme
· The “Apply Now” button can be found on the right side of the page for each individual programme.
· If this is your first encounter with Best Practice, you will be asked to ‘Register’ and then ‘Apply’
- When completing your application, please note that the delivery model is ‘Standard Blended Learning’ and under “Engagement Route” your delivery partner is ‘Community Academies Trust Teaching School’, allocation code ‘CATTS’ – this will ensure that you are grouped with other colleagues across our trust who are applying to do the same course.
- Your school setting details: your school is part of a Multi Academy Trust
- Invoicing Arrangements: Please select “Scholarship” when prompted.
