National Professional Qualification for Headship

Who is it for?
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is the mandatory qualification for headship in maintained schools/settings. The programme is underpinned by the National Standards for Headteachers and has been designed for passionate, highly motivated educational professionals who are focused on becoming a headteacher as their next career move.

What is it about?

• It is mandatory to hold NPQH in order to apply for a first headship in the maintained sector
• NPQH offers excellent professional development for those who aspire to headship
• Following the completion of a successful application, applicants attend a two day assessment and development event. During this, a variety of assessed activities are undertaken. Feedback at the end of this process leads to trainee headteacher status. From this, with the support of their line manager and coach, trainee heads choose a personalised pathway of between 4 and 12 months as they move towards a graduation board and the award of the NPQH

What will I get out of it?
NPQH will assess your knowledge, experience and skills in order to determine your readiness to progress as a trainee headteacher, supported by a personalised leadership development plan. You will have access to a range of opportunities including national learning materials, placements, coaching, on-line resources and leadership development activities. A key activity will be a work placement in another school. The goal is that after 4-12 months training you will be ready to apply for your first substantive headship.

New model of NPQH 2012

The last entry point to the current NPQH has now passed.

For the most up-to-date information on the forthcoming new model of NPQH please follow the link below:

www.nationalcollege.org.uk