National Professional Qualifications
NPQs are now OPEN!
We are pleased to share that applications for the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are now open for the Autumn 2026 cohort.
These programmes provide a powerful opportunity to develop leadership capacity across your schools, with a strong focus on evidence-informed practice, sustainable improvement, and real-world impact.
Xavier work with STSN to deliver the full suite of Teach First NPQ programmes.
Funding
DfE scholarship funded places are available, making professional development more accessible and cost-effective.
All state funded schools are eligible for funding for the NPQ in Headship, NPQ in Senior Leadership, NPQ in Early Years Leadership and the NPQ for SENCO’s.
All other NPQs are funded for the 50% of schools with the highest proportion of students who attract pupil premium funding. More information on funding can be found here: Funding - STSN
Key dates
Application window: Now open
- Early bird deadline: 9 October 2026 – applying before this date give you the best chance of receiving a funded place.
- Programme launch: November 2026 (Introduction session)
- First online seminar: January 2027
Why engage with NPQs with ourselves and STSN?
Access Teach First programmes with the delivery experience from STSN alongside Xavier Teaching School Hubs
- Strengthen leadership at all levels - middle, senior and executive leadership
- Improve teaching, curriculum and organisational culture
- Retain and develop high-potential staff
- Aligns school improvement with national frameworks and best practice
Flexible by design
NPQs are structured to fit around the realities of school life:
- Blended delivery (online seminars, self-directed study and practical application)
- 2 full days of in-person conferences plus a half-day introduction – dates are given at the start of the programme allowing plenty of time for planning
- Manageable workload designed for busy professionals
- Learning tailored to build on your existing knowledge
- Immediate application to school priorities
Our programmes
We offer the full suite of NPQs, supporting teachers and leaders at every stage—from aspiring leaders to experienced executives.
Visit the STSN website for more information on each of the programmes.
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Specialist NPQs |
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Leadership NPQs |
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For those not eligible for funding the cost is £899 excl. VAT |
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SL, EYL, H and SENCO are funded. |
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12-month programme |
For teachers and leaders who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for… |
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18-month programme |
For school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be… |
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NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT) |
Leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase |
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NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) |
A senior leader with cross-school responsibilities |
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NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) |
Leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school |
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NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) |
Managers of private, voluntary, and independent nurseries. Headteachers of school-based or maintained nurseries. Childminders with leadership responsibilities |
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NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) |
Leading the development of other teachers in their school |
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NPQ in Headship (NPQH) |
A headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school |
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NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL) |
Leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase |
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NPQ in Executive Leadership (NPQEL) |
An executive head or have a school trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools. Please enquire costs for those who are not eligible for DfE funding |
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NPQ in Leading Primary Maths (NPQLPM) |
Leading maths across a primary key-stage or school |
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NPQ for SENCOs (NPQSENCO) |
Responsible for leading special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision in school. From September 2024, this NPQ became the mandatory qualification for SENCOs |
Next steps
We strongly encourage you to:
- Identify suitable staff across your schools
- Encourage early registration of interest
- Aim to secure funded places before the early bird deadline: 9th October 2026
👉 Register interest here: STSN
Once registered, applicants will receive an application form.
We hope that you enjoy engaging with the programmes of professional development on offer across the region. If you have any other development needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Contact: Leanne Fullbrook on l.fullbrook@xaviercet.org.uk