National Professional Qualifications
Unlock your leadership potential and grow your career
What are NPQs?
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are the most widely recognised qualifications in the education sector for current and aspiring leaders. NPQs are open to all teachers and leaders in schools in England and Wales. They are fully funded by the DfE for all teachers working in eligible state-funded schools.
Our Delivery Partnership
Aldridge Education works in collaboration with Teach First to deliver NPQs in our region: leading seminars and conferences, providing guidance and support, and acting as your main point of contact throughout.
NPQ courses we offer
Specialist NPQs - for teachers and leaders who want to deepen expertise in a specific area:
- NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
- NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
- NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
- NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
Leadership NPQs - for those moving into senior leadership and beyond:
- NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
- NPQ for Headship (NPQH)
- NPQ for SENCOs (launching in autumn 2024 and will be the mandatory qualification for SENCOs.)
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Funding and Eligibility
Act now: Scholarship funding is highly competitive and limited to approximately 20,000 places nationwide. Early applications have the best chance of securing funding for the November 2025 cohorts.
Priority includes:
- The 50% of schools with the highest proportion of students attracting pupil premium funding
- 16–19 educational settings identified as having high disadvantage
Scholarships continue to be available for:
- NPQ for SENCOs
- NPQ for Headship (NPQH)
Early headship coaching offer: fees covered if you are in your first 5 years of headship in a state-funded setting in England, and you are taking or have completed NPQH.
For full eligibility criteria, see NPQ Funding
For costs for other individuals, see the NPQ brochure (see below - page 22).
Don't wait - once places are filled, funding cannot be guaranteed.
How to apply
Applications for programmes commencing in the Autumn term 2025 are now open
If you would like to join the November 2025 cohorts, complete the application below.
Apply Now - NPQ Application Form
Takes approx. 30 minutes
Questions: Contact Jemma Naish-Williams, Trust Lead for Professional Development (NPQ Lead), email: growingtogether@aldridgeeducation.org
npq brochure may 2024 draft two.pdf
More information and mailing list
- Brochure: Download the Aldridge Education NPQ brochure for programme details and dates (see below)
- Mailing list: To be informed of future opportunities beyond the November 2025 cohort, email growingtogether@aldridgeeducation.org
- Register Interest for Future Cohorts (for updates only)
Register Interest for Future Cohorts
Testimonials
“If we are to recruit and retain highly effective and committed teachers to meet the needs of our young people, investment in consistent, high-quality professional development is vital.”
Brendan Tapping, CEO, Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
"The Aldridge Education team works in partnership with the academy to facilitate CPD which has immediate and sustained impact. Their enthusiasm and expertise invites instant engagement and allows for personalised delivery underpinned by core principles of practice which ensure consistency and promote excellence."
Aldridge Education Colleague
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
Apply now while funded places remain available.
Apply Now - NPQ Application Form
After you submit
Once you’ve submitted your application:
- You’ll receive an email confirmation from the Growing Together team.
- We’ll contact you regarding your funding status and next steps.
- Funded places are capped. Early submission helps secure your place.
