National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

This course is provided in partnership with the National College for School Leadership.

Why study with us?

The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is the first choice qualification for anyone aspiring to be a headteacher or principal. Designed in collaboration with some of the country’s leading headteachers and academics, NPQH will develop talented leaders from all backgrounds who can deliver educational excellence in a self-improving system, and high quality outcomes for pupils and students.

The qualification not only focuses on the key skills needed for headship, but also meets the highest standards for leadership development anywhere in the world. Those who graduate will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best leaders in business and other sectors. It’s a high bar that will challenge and develop talented leaders from all backgrounds who can deliver educational excellence in a self-improving system, and high quality outcomes for pupils and students.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Selection criteria

You should be highly motivated to be a headteacher, no more than 12–18 months from applying for headship posts and ready to take up a headship as soon as you graduate.

You’ll need to have the full support and endorsement of your headteacher, line manager or sponsor. The line manager will also have to commit to playing an active role in your learning, and encourage and promote your involvement in leadership and other professional development opportunities.

Costs

Scholarships for September 2013 are available for qualifying participants: a full scholarship of £2,434.00 for schools with under 100 pupils on the role and a part scholarship of £1,500.00 for all other maintained schools.

How to apply

The application round for the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) will be open from 10am on 23 May 2013 until 1pm on 9 July 2013.

To find out more about the NPQH programmes available in the North West contact jane.naik@cumbria.ac.uk

Modules Essential modules

These modules cover the core leadership knowledge, skills and qualities required in all schools and academies. In particular, essential modules will cover leading teaching, managing the organisation and developing personal leadership.

• Leading and improving teaching
• Leading an effective school
• Succeeding in headship

Elective modules

This collection of elective modules can be combined to meet the specific needs of participants and cover a range of areas, from the leadership of curriculum reform, to leadership in specific contexts (such as small schools, challenging schools, free schools or faith schools).

• Curriculum development
• Achievement for all
• Closing the gap
• Using data and evidence to improve performance
• Leading staff and effective teams
• Leading change for improvement
• Leadership in diverse contexts
• School improvement through effective partnerships

Course summary

The course follows a modular curriculum based on Master’s level criteria and focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and attributes of a successful headteacher. To achieve the NPQH qualification you’ll need to successfully complete three essential and two elective modules involving extended case studies and related in-school assignments with a stronger focus on leading teaching, behaviour and performance management. You will also complete a placement of a minimum of nine days at another school.