The reformed suite of National Professional Qualifications
Working in partnership with the Ambition Institute, Haybridge Teaching School Hub offers the full suite of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).
National professional qualifications (NPQs) are a national, voluntary suite of qualifications designed to support the professional development of teachers and school leaders. They are trusted, transferable qualifications that equip teachers with the expertise to lead sustainable improvement across their schools.
1. NPQ in Leading Teaching
2. NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture
3. NPQ in Leading Teaching Development
4. NPQ in Leading Literacy
5. NPQ in Senior Leadership
6. NPQ in Early Years Leadership
7. NPQ in Headship
NPQ Funding Criteria
As part of the government’s long-term education recovery plan, £184 million of new funding for NPQs was announced on 2 June 2021 to be spent over the course of this parliament.
The DfE announced in October 2021 that all NPQ courses are now fully-funded to state schools across the country. However, as part of your application process, you will still be required to register with the DfE in order for this funding to be released.
Registering your Interest
Applications for the Spring 2023 NPQ Cohorts are now open. If you are looking to enrol on an NPQ programme, register your interest by completing the form below:
The Registration Process
Below are the steps of registering for one of the NPQ programmes with Haybridge Teaching School Hub and Ambition Institute:
Applicants will complete the Hub’s initial nomination form (see above)
The Hub will create a profile of the applicant’s school on Ambition Institute’s database (this can take up to 5 days to process)
The Hub will transfer the applicant’s details, inputted on the initial nomination form, into Ambition’s system
The applicant will receive an email from Ambition, including a school-specific link, asking them to complete a formal registration form
Once the formal application has been submitted, the Hub is then able to view these forms and approve or reject applications
If an applicant’s form is approved, they will then receive a second email from Ambition asking them to complete 3 steps: ‘accept your place on the programme’, ‘complete StepLab onboarding’ and ‘register with the DfE’. Links for each of these 3 tasks are attached to the email.
Only once all 3 stages of this process have been completed by the applicant are they listed on Ambition’s database as an official NPQ ‘participant’
In order to avoid issues with email contact from Ambition, could we ask that all applicants make sure, when registering with the DfE for their chosen NPQ programme, they sign up with the same email address linked to their Ambition account.
Testimonies from previous HTSH Participants
November 2021 NPQLT:
“I recently successfully completed my NPQLT.
The content of the course helped me to gain my first leadership position in schools as a Head of History.
The analytical skills and knowledge gained from the course helped massively in the selection process and interview for the leadership position.
I found the modules on curriculum and assessment had a direct link to the day-to-day responsibilities of a Head of Department.
Whereas the other modules have helped improve my own practice and understanding of what effective teaching and learning looks like.
I would highly recommend to those who want to secure their first leadership position or those who want to improve their own teaching practice.”
November 2021 NPQSL:
“The programme of study has enabled me to develop both a breadth and depth of understanding of the complexities of being a Senior Leader. I have a greater ability to think about the 'big picture' and I am now much more strategic in my decision making. Day-to-day, I am a more effective leader, making decisions that are better informed using a proper evidence base, and my ability to implement new or improved ideas is more successful. The NPQ means I am better equipped to move into a Senior Leadership position, and I feel confident that the course has given me the skills to fulfil such a role with credibility and integrity.”
What’s new?
A golden thread
The new NPQ framework continues a ‘golden thread’ throughout every stage of a teacher’s career. Schools and trusts can have confidence that all their educators, from early career teachers to leaders of multiple schools, are building and developing their practice from the same evidence-based framework.
Underpinned by the latest evidence of what works
The new frameworks have been developed by looking at a wide evidence base including how children learn, what impacts their behaviour and how they are assessed, alongside what makes effective professional development for teachers and leaders, all approved by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).
More options to keep getting better
Teachers can specialise in leading teaching (bringing evidence-based teaching and learning into the classroom), behaviour management or teacher development in their school. The new specialist NPQs are designed to be complementary, giving teachers multiple career pathways and options at every stage.
Focus on what educators need to know and be able to do
Leadership CPD has often focused on personal traits, such as the qualities of dynamic and charismatic leadership. The new and reformed NPQs pay less attention to generic management and leadership styles. They pay more attention to the knowledge and skills that teachers and school leaders need to tackle the persistent problems of their daily roles.
The Updated Suite of NPQs
1. National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ for Leading Teaching. In 12 months, participant will discover what outstanding teaching looks like and use this knowledge to become high-performing leaders of teaching.
Those doing the training will learn:
How to become excellent leaders of teaching
How to unpack and apply learning in teaching, curriculum and assessment
At a time and pace that suits their existing timetable.
To explain important ideas about the science of learning
To understand what good teaching practice is and how to implement it
How to support colleagues to design a broad and coherent curriculum
To plan effective lessons and stimulate your pupils’ thinking
To help colleagues adapt their teaching to different needs
How to contribute to the design of school assessment system
To align your professional development with wider school improvement priorities.
Ambition Institute knows that schools’ and Trusts’ needs vary. So its programmes are designed with flexibility in mind and can be completed at a time that suits you best and fits in with your existing role. Through Steplab, the innovative personal development platform built for teachers, by teachers, you will have access to your modules and practice activities to help you get better faster.
This programme follows the Department for Education’s National Professional Qualification (NPQ): Leading Teaching Framework.
How you’ll learn:
The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes a mix of real-time interactive sessions, face-to-face training, peer-led sessions and self-guided modules you complete in your own time.
Note: programme content is subject to change.
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 12-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
2. National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture. In 12months, participants will gain expertise in behaviour management and discover how to create a school culture where staff and pupils can thrive.
Those doing the training will learn:
How to create a positive culture in their school
At a time and pace that suits their existing timetable
Specific behaviour and culture expertise with tailored feedback and support.
How to create a culture of high expectations across your school
How to support the development of a positive, predictable and safe environment for pupils
How to assist pupils with complex behavioural needs
How to nurture improvement through evidence-based professional development
How to put new approaches to leading behaviour and culture into practice in your school setting.
Ambition Institute knows that schools’ and Trusts’ needs vary. So its programmes are designed with flexibility in mind and can be completed at a time that suits you best and fits in with your existing role. Through Steplab, the innovative personal development platform built for teachers, by teachers, you will have access to your modules and practice activities to help you get better faster.
This programme follows the Department of Education’s National Professional Qualification (NPQ): Leading Behaviour and Culture Framework.
How you’ll learn:
The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes 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.
Note: programme content is subject to change.
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 12-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
3. National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ for Leading Teacher Development. In 12 months, participants will gain the knowledge to become teacher educators and successfully support fellow teachers to expand their skills.
Those doing the training will learn:
How to become expert teacher educators
To become champions of quality teaching.
At a time and pace that suits their needs.
How to make sure professional development in your school is focused on a shared responsibility for improving outcomes for all pupils
How to diagnose what teachers know and can do, starting professional development from that point and adapting the approach based on their developing expertise
How to help teachers improve through evidence-based professional development focused on improving classroom teaching
How to gain an understanding of what teachers have learned by reviewing patterns of performance over a number of assessments
How to develop and lead a team of colleagues who can facilitate a range of professional development approaches
How to contribute to a programme of professional development for mentors, trainees and early career teachers.
Ambition Institute knows that schools’ and Trusts’ needs vary. So its programmes are designed with flexibility in mind and can be completed at a time that suits you best and fits in with your existing role. Through Steplab, the innovative personal development platform built for teachers, by teachers, you will have access to your modules and practice activities to help you get better faster.
This programme follows the Department for Education’s National Professional Qualification (NPQ): Leading Teacher Development Framework.
How you’ll learn:
The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes a mix of real-time, interactive online sessions and self-guided modules you complete in your own time. You will be encouraged to put what you learn into practice and track your progress as you go.
Note: programme content is subject to change.
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 12-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
4. National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ in Leading Literacy.
Poor literacy skills are a significant barrier for young people in progressing in all aspects of their education.
In 12 months, participants will become an expert in literacy and leadership and enable young people to benefit from the curriculum to improve their chances of success.
Those doing the training will:
Access the latest evidence-based learning in literacy development
Support colleagues to champion literacy
Learn at a time and pace that suits their existing timetable
Learn how to support staff, of all subject specialisms, to develop pupils’ language and literacy skills
Understand how children learn to talk, and how developing effective spoken language supports literacy development at every age and stage
Understand how children learn to become fluent readers and how teachers can help with this, from primary all the way through to secondary
Explore the importance of subject-specific vocabulary and different strategies to teaching this
Know how to support pupils' writing –whether learning to write in primary school, through to writing academically at key stage five
Learn how to lead literacy through curriculum, culture and motivation
Understand how effective literacy education can support your school
How you’ll learn:
Each of the six courses within the programme is taught through a combination of independent self-study modules, a facilitated live clinic, and a peer-led community session. The programme starts with a one-day live conference.
Note: programme content is subject to change.
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 12-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
5. National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ for Senior Leadership. This 18-monthprogramme helps participants to develop their leadership knowledge and expertise to improve outcomes for teachers and pupils in their schools.
Those doing the training will learn:
How to enact positive change across their school
Evidence-based knowledge taught by leadership experts
At a time and pace that suits their existing timetable.
How to set clear goals and communicate shared values that improve the culture in your classrooms and school
How to establish a safe and positive environment for pupils
How to support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum
How to lead school-wide professional development for staff
How to make and act on evidence-informed decisions
How to work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
How to lead by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure colleagues know their responsibilities
Ambition Institute knows that schools’ and Trusts’ needs vary. So its programmes are designed with flexibility in mind and can be completed at a time that suits you best and fits in with your existing role. Through Steplab, the innovative personal development platform built for teachers, by teachers, you will have access to your modules and practice activities to help you get better faster.
This programme develops your leadership skills and knowledge and covers the content listed in the Department for Education’s NPQ Senior Leadership Framework.
How you’ll learn:
The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes a mix of Covid-safe face-to-face conferences, real-time, interactive online sessions and self-guided modules you can complete in your own time. You will put what you learn into practice in your school and can track your progress and get feedback as you go.
Note: programme content is subject to change.
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 18-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
6. National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ in Early Years Leadership.
In 18 months, participants will develop expertise in early years leadership, helping to give all children up to the age of five the best possible start in life.
Those doing the training will learn how to:
Set a strategic direction for your early years setting and apply ambitious standards for all children
Champion evidence-based practice
Plan and deliver care and a high-quality curriculum to support children’s development
Establish communication, language and literacy approaches to support children’s learning
Make sure all children experience success
Identify children who need support and make appropriate referrals
Create an environment for all children and colleagues where everyone feels welcome and safe
How you’ll learn:
The programme is delivered through blended learning. This includes a mix of real-time interactive online sessions, face-to-face training, peer-led sessions and self-guided modules which you complete in your own time
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 18-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
7. National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with education charity Ambition Institute to deliver the new NPQ for Headship. Within12months, participants will develop the knowledge that underpins expert school leadership and apply it to become outstanding Headteachers.
Those doing the training will learn:
How to combine insight and practice to drive change
How to put what you learn into practice in your school context at a time and pace that suits their existing timetable.
How to set clear goals and communicate shared values that improve classroom and school culture
How to transform pupils’ knowledge, capabilities and beliefs about learning
How to create a fair and structured approach to learning and testing
How to Establish a safe and positive environment for pupils
How to support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum
How to lead school-wide professional development for staff
How to establish good financial, human and educational resource management
How to Make and act on evidence-informed decisions
How to work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
How to lead by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure staff know their professional responsibilities.
Ambition Institute knows that schools’ and Trusts’ needs vary. So its programmes are designed with flexibility in mind and can be completed at a time that suits you best and fits in with your existing role. Through Steplab, the innovative personal development platform built for teachers, by teachers, you will have access to your modules and practice activities to help you get better faster.
This programme develops your knowledge and skills in the 10 areas listed in the Department for Education’s NPQ Headship Framework.
How you’ll learn:
The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes real-time, interactive online sessions, Covid-safe face-to-face conferences and self-guided modules you can fit around your timetable. You will put what you learn into practice in your school and be able to track your progress and get feedback as you go. The programme also includes coaching and peer learning.
Note: programme content is subject to change.
Assessment:
The assessment window starts at the end of the 18-month programme and runs for three months. During this time, participants will be given an eight-day window to sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which they respond to a short 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. Ambition Institute will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support participants.
Continuing Professional Development
With such a wide range of partners, Haybridge Teaching School Hub provides a wide range of professional development across the region for teachers, school leaders and support staff at all stages of their career.
