NPQs – application window is now open for 2025 cohorts

The application window for National Professional Qualifications is now open for courses beginning this November, which will be the only cohort in 2025-2026.

Anyone keen to apply for a scholarship-funded place should act quickly. The application window will close on 16 October 2025.

 Ambition Institute’s NPQ programmes through the Five Counties Teaching School Hubs Alliance are delivered locally to schools across our trust and region.

We have a pass rate of more than 99% – the highest pass rates of any delivery partner in the country and some great feedback on the impact of the programmes.

The NPQs are designed for aspirant and new leaders and to empower teachers and leaders to carry out their roles with more confidence and with greater knowledge of the latest research, so they can be more evidence based in their decision-making.  It also supports them to build networks of like-minded colleagues from across the region.

Applications are now open for one of the suite of NPQs listed below, but please note: it is important for individuals to apply as soon as possible, as funded places are limited and prioritised on a first come, first served basis.

There is some very limited scholarship funding of places, which are only available for applicants from schools in the highest 50% PP of schools nationally. To check whether your school is eligible for a free funded scholarship place, please check using your school name via this link.

Although most teachers can apply for NPQs, some may need to be funded by their school if it does not fall into the PP eligibility criteria.  There are no limits to the number of ‘paid-for’ places.

However, those applying for the NPQH, early Headship coaching offer and NPQ for SENCOs (the mandatory qualification for SENCOs) are eligible for funding, regardless of your school’s % of PP.

Eligibility does not however guarantee a place on any NPQ, as they are prioritised on a first come, first served basis up to our allocated numbers, and for the NPQ for SENCOs, by those already in a SENCO role.

To explore all of our NPQs, programme requirements, structure, costs and how to apply, please visit our NPQ pages

Leadership NPQs – 18 months in duration (two face-to-face days over the 18 months, plus twilights and online study)

• National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership* (NPQEL)
• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
• National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL)
• National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
• Early Headship Coaching Offer – free coaching from an experienced head for any headteacher / principal new in post in the past five years: you must have started or completed an NPQH qualification.

* Delivered centrally by Ambition Institute

Specialist NPQs – 12 months in duration (one face-to-face day over the 12 months, plus twilights and online study)

• National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
• National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
• National Professional Qualification for Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM)
• National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
• National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour & Culture (NPQLBC) – you don’t need to be a qualified teacher to apply for this NPQ

If you have any questions about funding or eligibility, please contact us via our NPQ email address: NPQ@fivecountiesalliance.co.uk  otherwise find out more on our dedicated NPQ pages