Get the tools to establish and – more importantly – sustain your school’s strategic direction. Learn how to create an effective school culture and align your staff in your school’s mission.
Get additional support tailored to the needs of new headteachers. Receive structured, unassessed, face -to-face support from an experienced former headteacher who will offer guidance and coaching to help you get the most out of your training.
Become part of a community of school heads who share a passion for addressing educational disadvantage. Build valuable connections with other headteachers and senior school leaders from across the country and learn how they faced and overcame similar challenges.
If you work in a school serving disadvantaged communities, you can apply for our free one-to-one support which runs alongside the NPQ in Headship (NPQH). You’ll be supported by an experienced former school leader who will coach and guide you throughout the programme. You can apply for this additional support in your application.
This is for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school.
If you’re new to the role of headship, you’ll also be able to access a free additional targeted package of support – the NPQH additional support offer for, and tailored to the needs of, new headteachers.
This 21-month programme (18 months’ delivery and up to three months for assessment, with flexibility to extend by up to six months for teachers new to the role of headship) consists of a series of courses based on the DfE’s NPQ frameworks. Each course cycle features:
This cycle repeats throughout the programme, with implementation a consideration in every course. Towards the end of the programme, you’ll also take a course focused specifically on effective implementation. This provides an opportunity to complete a significant but manageable change project as part of your role. There will be ongoing support through a seminar group and discussion forum.
You’ll develop expertise in the knowledge, skills and concepts for areas of whole school responsibility related to your role as an aspiring or current headteacher. These include curriculum and assessment, professional development and governance and accountability. Our content is informed by the best and most recent evidence, and is developed with input from school leaders and subject matter experts.
Our programmes have a practical focus. You’ll be supported to make small but important changes to your and others’ practice throughout the programme. This will conclude with the implementation module and practical implementation cycle of the programme.
Find out more about the DfE’s NPQH content framework:
The programme is designed to fit around your other school commitments. Over the course of the whole programme (spread over five terms), you’ll undertake 77 hours of learning, including 41 synchronous and 12 in-person. This includes a combination of seminars, learning modules, conferences and a practical learning cycle.
Assessment takes place within three months of you completing your NPQH. Detailed dates will be shared with you before the start of the programme.
The assessment process for all NPQs has been refreshed to reduce the workload burden on teachers while still providing an opportunity to apply their knowledge. To pass the programme, you’ll need to engage with at least 90% of the course and pass one summative assessment.
Fully funded places will continue to be available to all teachers and leaders from publicly funded schools and settings for the NPQ in Headship.
If you are not able to access a funded place the National Professional Qualification in Headship costs £1885.
Applications are now open for the autumn 2024 intake.
If you have any further questions please contact Lindsey Martin at martinl@onecumbria.education.
As I reflect on my journey as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) with One Cumbria, I am filled with gratitude for the support and guidance that has shaped my professional development. Completing my ECT induction period has been a transformative experience, and the Early Career Framework (ECF) has been instrumental in my growth as a teacher.
From the outset, One Cumbria provided a structured and positive environment that was essential for my transition from trainee to practitioner. The program was meticulously designed to align with the ECF, ensuring that I had access to the best resources and support networks.
One Cumbria organised a series of seminar sessions and resources focused on the core areas outlined by the ECF: behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and professional behaviours. These sessions were not only informative but also interactive, providing me with tools and strategies to enhance my teaching practice. The emphasis on evidence-based methods ensured that I was implementing best practices in my classroom.
The ECF framework has been a cornerstone of my professional development, enabling me to achieve significant milestones in my career. The framework emphasised the importance of curriculum knowledge. Through One Cumbria’s support, I gained a deeper understanding of the curriculum content and how to deliver it in a coherent and accessible manner. This has been vital in ensuring that my students achieve their learning objectives. This knowledge and experience enabled me to take on the role of Computer Science Curriculum Coordinator, where I have been able to shape and enhance the computer science curriculum to better meet the needs of our students and to be an ambitious curriculum.
The comprehensive support and development provided by One Cumbria and the ECF have not only enhanced my teaching skills but also prepared me for leadership roles. Starting this September, in my third year of teaching, I am thrilled to join the Senior Leadership Team with responsibility for Engagement and Technology at St. Benedict’s Catholic High School. This new role will allow me to leverage my skills and experiences to drive technology integration and foster student engagement across the school.
Completing my ECT induction period with One Cumbria has been a profound and rewarding journey. The support of the ECF and One Cumbria has empowered me to excel in my teaching career, take on the role of Computer Science Curriculum Coordinator, and step into a senior leadership position. I am excited about the future and committed to continuing my professional growth, contributing to the success of students and school communities.
I am currently in the middle of completing an NPQSL with One Cumbria. The online seminars have been great! The information that has been covered throughout the modules so far has been relevant and valuable to someone wanting to progress in their career. I will be joining the Senior Leadership Team in my school in September and the scenarios covered and the discussions with other practitioners have really prepared me for this progression and prepared me with knowledge and skills to apply within my own setting. The tasks on Brightspace are very thorough and detailed and cover all elements needed to become equipped in leadership. I would recommend the NPQ to others.
Hello! I’m Sarah and I’m from Tebay in South Cumbria, and currently working at Netherhall School in Maryport. My professional interests are in making English exciting for future learners through diversifying the curriculum; using oracy; and using drama, especially when teaching plays! Personally – I am a HUGE Swiftie (the attached picture is preparation for the Eras tour).
As a teacher with an ADHD brain, often I can try to put the cart before the horse and try to complete everything at once. On the NPQ course, I learnt to take my time with projects: it’s ok if something takes a couple of years – in fact, that probably means it’s done more thoroughly! The modules on implementation especially have helped me to prioritise and give myself grace to adapt (and not take it personally!) if a project is not successful straight away. In my current practice, I am aiming to practice what I preach and use the implementation work to help the department to modernise the Key Stage 3 curriculum for English.
I have completed an NPQH with One Cumbria. The training modules and online seminars helped me become a more reflective practitioner and to consider alternative viewpoints and ways of working. I was able to apply the knowledge and skills to my own practice and make positive changes within our school. The collaboration and networking with colleagues is invaluable and has created a support network amongst us to continue to improve as we move through our careers.
Tanya is Headteacher at Flimby Primary School, a vibrant village school at the heart of the community. Nestled by the sea and the railway and once home to the many coal pits in the area. Flimby primary school are soon to celebrate 150 years!
