NPQSL 20/21
Our National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) is delivered in partnership with Ambition Institute.
NPQSL programme structure and components
The core components of the NPQSL programme are as follows:
- nine facilitated training sessions (each a minimum of 3hrs);
- 360 tool for self-evaluation against the core leadership competencies;
- school-based improvement project and associated written assignment.
To be considered eligible to complete their NPQSL and submit their written assignment for assessment, participants must have:
- Attended all training sessions over at least 2 academic terms and have missed no more than 2 training sessions; where a training session has been missed the candidate must have engaged with the material through catch-up activity (typically either attendance of the same session with a different cohort or a combination of independent study and time with the facilitator);
- Completed the required improvement project over a period of at least 2 academic terms;
- Submitted the written assignment and all required supporting documents;
- Submitted all documentation within 18months of the start of their programme; this is typically Session 1 but can be earlier depending on programme structure.
Programme duration
Our programme provides an enhanced offer of four full day (6 hour) and two half day (3 hour) facilitated sessions across two terms (24 hours).
Additional 1:1 project support sessions are offered across the 18 months programme duration (see additional support).
Type and hours of study
With the current situation with COVID-19 and the social distancing restrictions in place, Brooke Weston TSA have adopted a blended learning offer to accommodate our learners' needs, safety and wellbeing.
Participant Profile and Eligibility
To qualify for the NPQSL programme, participants must be either:
Middle leaders who are aspiring to senior leadership and meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Likely to be in a senior leadership role in the next 12-18 months;
- Have completed at least one year at a middle leadership level;
- May have served on an extended SLT;
- Have the ability – through their role or through additional responsibilities – to undertake such work as would enable them to meet the requirements of the assessment task.
Those currently in senior leadership roles who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Responsible for the results of a team, and line manage at least one middle leader;
- Serve on the senior leadership team and attend SLT meetings;
- In secondary schools, senior leaders are those in roles such as assistant head teacher or assistant/vice-principals;
- In large secondary schools, heads of large departments and faculties who have responsibilities commensurate with that of senior leaders may be eligible;
- In primary schools, senior leaders in roles such as assistant/associate head teacher or assistant/vice-principals as well as substantive whole school responsibilities.
- Have the ability – through their role or through additional responsibilities – to undertake such work as would enable them to meet the requirements of the assessment task.
Cost of programme including assessment
The programme cost is £1350.
Full scholarship funding is available for 20/21 cohorts, eligibility criteria is defined by the Department for Education as follows:
Eligibility criteria remain unchanged for this academic year. Candidates from schools that sit within a Category 5 or Category 6 area are eligible for funding. Candidates from schools within MATs or dioceses where at least one school sits within a Category 5 or 6 school.
Update July 2020: notification has been received that funding is limited and may not be available for applicants whom apply after July 31st 2020.
Cohort size
Maximum 25 participants per cohort.
NPQ Alliance policies
You can find our policies in relation to your programme on our NPQ Alliance Policy page.
Dates, times and locations of training sessions
Session |
Delivery |
Date |
Time |
Welcome | Online | Tuesday October 6th 2020 | 16:00-18:00 |
Session 1 | Online | Tuesday 17th November 2020 | 15:30–18:30 |
Session 2 | Online | Tuesday December 1st 2020 | 15:30–18:30 |
Session 3 | Online | Tuesday 19th January 2021 | 15:30–18:30 |
Guest Speaker - Katherine Walsh | Online | The Role of the SENDCo | 16:00 - 18:00 |
Session 4 | Online | Tuesday 23rd February 2021 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
Session 5 | Online | Tuesday 23rd March 2021 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
Session 6 | Online | Tuesday 13th April 2021 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
Session 7 | Online | Tuesday 27th April 2021 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
Session 8 | Online | Tuesday 25th May 2021 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
Session 9 | Online | Tuesday 8th June 2021 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
- Online sessions will be delivered via Zoom.
- Face-to-face sessions will be delivered at Brooke Weston Academy, Corby, NN18 8LA (unless government guidance restricts this due to COVID-19).
Additional support
Support |
Detail |
Who for? |
When? |
1:1 Zoom assessment surgery | Setting up your project | Participant & mentors | January/ February 2021 |
1:1 Zoom assessment surgery | Preparing for submission | Participant & mentors | November 2021 |
Submission document check window | Ensuring project is ready to submit. Checking all of your documents are present and labelled correctly. | - | March 2022 |
Individual Support: Sponsors, coaches and mentors
Each participant must have a name Sponsor who will support them throughout their NPQSL. Their feedback and input provide critical evidence – and Sponsor Comments are a required supporting document when it comes to submission. Detailed information and guidance about the Sponsor role can be found in this document: Sponsor Guidance and Template.
Participants should also be supported a coach or mentor. This person can also act as their Sponsor. This is the ensure that, as they complete their NPQSL, they have access to a range of leadership and instructional support.
NPQSL Application process:
- Complete the NPQ booking form: NPQ Booking Form (you will require your mentor/sponsor, invoicing and authorisation)
- A member of the team will be in touch with the scholarship registration form