National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

Learn crucial skills and sector knowledge
All the knowledge you’ll learn on this programme is drawn from a single, evidence-based framework shared by other educators across England.

Learning that sticks
Training is delivered little and often, in regular bite-sized chunks, so there are no long days of training that take you away from your day job. Learning in short, sharp bursts also helps you to retain knowledge.

Thrive in your school setting
Develop the knowledge and skills to work to the best of your ability and tackle the complexities and challenges of your daily role.

Drive habit change
Embedding new habits can be tricky. Our dual modules help you to apply what you learn, connecting theory to practice, to help those habits stick. Insight modules capture the very best the sector has to contribute on a given topic. Application modules help you to use the ideas in context, with support from peers.

Build your network
You’ll connect with other senior leaders, sharing your experiences and building a strong support network that lasts long after you finish the course.

Create confident school leaders
Headteachers are equipped with school-focused leadership knowledge, which they can use to establish a culture and conditions where staff and pupils can thrive.

Underpinned by the latest evidence
The framework for the new NPQ for Headship was developed using the latest evidence on effective professional development for teachers and leaders, approved by the Education Endowment Fund (EFF).

Shared learning
Participants learn alongside colleagues whose context is similar, facilitated by delivery partners who know and understand your needs.

Create a common knowledge base
All our NPQs are aligned, meaning teachers and leaders share a common language and framework to drive improvement in their school.

Transform pupil outcomes
Education Policy Institute research shows that high quality professional development can improve pupil outcomes almost as effectively as having a teacher with 10 years’ experience in the classroom.*

Our NPQ for Headship course follows the Department for Education’s National Professional Qualification: Headship.

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• set clear goals and communicate shared values that improve classroom and school culture
• lead effective implementation in educational settings
• lead effective professional development to improve practice and outcomes for pupils
• support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum
• lead school-wide professional development for staff
• establish good financial, human and educational resource management
• make and act on evidence-informed decisions
• work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
• lead by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure staff know their professional responsibilities.

Note: programme content is subject to change.

Our NPQH is designed so you can engage in live, facilitated sessions alongside modules you can complete at any time.

Over 18 months, our NPQH includes:

• A school visit.
• Two full day conferences (6hrs each).
• Nine courses (each course lasts six weeks and loosely aligned to a school half term).
• Each course includes six modules.
• Seven two-hour clinics (facilitated sessions).
• One two-hour assessment clinic.
• Five communities (1hr15mins group sessions).

The content is delivered through blended learning. This includes 12 hours of in-person delivery (via 2 full day conferences and in-person twilight sessions), 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. The programme starts with a one-day live conference.

Note: programme content is subject to change.

Ambition Institute provides high-quality content and materials, built on our experience in schools and other learning environments, and our deep knowledge of evidence and practice.

Our partner in your region will put this knowledge into context and manage your experience on the programme, from facilitation to day-to-day support.

The timings and methods of activity, sizes of cohorts and the cost of the programme may vary across delivery partners.

What is the NPQH qualification?
The NPQH is a DfE accredited qualification, designed to equip and develop current and aspiring headteachers in England.

How do I become a Headteacher?You need to be a fully qualified teacher and show that you have worked in a senior position in the education sector.

Do I need NPQH to be a Headteacher?No, you do not need the NPQH to be a headteacher. This requirement was removed in 2012 however, this qualification will still be beneficial for your professional development and applying for roles.

The NPQ for Headship is designed for serving headteachers, or are aspiring to be a headteacher or head of school with a responsibility of leading a school.The NPQ for Headship is designed for serving headteachers, or are aspiring to be a headteacher or head of school with a responsibility of leading a school.

Is the NPQH equivalent to a Master's?Ambition does not have an arrangement with any Higher Education Institutions (HEI) to guarantee that completing one of our NPQs will count towards Master’s credits. However, your HEI may agree to recognise your NPQ if you enquire with them. So, we recommend directly contacting your place of study to ask.

Is the NPQH programme fully funded? The NPQ for Headship is fully funded for teachers and school leaders who work in eligible schools and organisations in England, by the Department for Education. Find out more about the eligibility criteria in the 'Funding' tab.

How long does the NPQH programme last?
The NPQ for Headship is an 18 month programme.

Can you do the NPQH online?Most of the content is delivered online through a blend of real-time, interactive online sessions and asynchronous self-guided modules. Throughout the programme, there are also 12 total hours of in-person learning, in the form of two one-day conferences.

How does the NPQH programme accommodate busy schedules?The NPQ for Headship is designed to fit around your schedule with a 'little and often' approach that aligns with insights from the science of learning.

Are the any specific requirements to enrol on the NPQH programme?
To be eligible for the NPQ for Headship, you must be a serving teacher in a school or eligible organisation in England and have completed your early career training.

What is the NPQH assessment process like?You’ll sit an ‘open book’ style assessment in which you respond to a short case study. The assessment window starts at the end of the programme and runs for three months. During this which, you’ll be given an eight-day window to complete the case study. We will offer a webinar and live clinic in advance of the assessment window to support you.

What is the pass rate for the NPQH?
We are proud of the positive impact our NPQH is having on school leaders. Check our latest pass rate on the 'Assessment' tab.

Conference one for Ambition’s national NPQH autumn cohort will take place on Tuesday 18 November and will be held at Burleigh Court Conference Centre, Loughborough University. Partner cohort locations and dates may vary.