National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
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.
Who can apply?
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.
What's involved?
The redesigned NPQH 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.
Duration
6–18 months.
Cost
Scholarships are available to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, to support you throughout your development journey with the licensee. Find out more.
Find out more
- Read about the new features of NPQH.
- Download our fact sheet.
- Take a look at the new NPQH prospectus.
- Listen to a recording of a recent information session or attend an information session.
- See a model of what's involved in the NPQH programme.
- Email npqh.newmodel@education.gsi.gov.uk if you have any questions for the NPQH team.
Apply
The application round will be open from 10am on 23 May 2013 until 1pm on 9 July 2013. If you would like to start preparing your application, you can now download the application form. Find out more about how to apply.
The application round for the international pilot of NPQH being run the Middle East and South East Asia will open at 10am on 23 May and will close at 1pm on 9 July 2013.
