NPQs for Continued Professional Development
On this page you will find;
1. Frequently Asked Questions
2. Guidance notes for line managers to use when discussing NPQs in PDRs
3. Questions potential applicants may ask
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of completing an NPQ?
Completing an NPQ can help you develop your leadership skills, improve your teaching practice, and prepare for future leadership roles. It can also contribute to the improvement of your school and raise standards, improve your career prospects, and open up new opportunities for professional development.
2. Who is eligible to apply for an NPQ?
NPQs are for teachers and school leaders at all levels; from those who want to develop expertise in high-quality teaching practice to those leading multiple schools across a trust or other group of schools. To apply, you'll need your Teacher Reference Number.
3. What changes have been made to the delivery model for the NPQs?
TWe have revised the delivery model for the NPQs to include more flexibility and accessibility for school leaders like yourself. The training is now delivered through a blended learning approach, which includes online learning and face-to-face sessions.
The Church of England has three routes by which you can access our suite of fully funded DFE accredited qualifications for school leaders and teachers, both of which involve coaching.
Our NPQStandard route is our most popular route. If you choose this route, you will have most of your sessions online but will also benefit from some face-to-face sessions with a local delivery partner. You can visit our website to find out more... https://www.cefel.org.uk/npqoverview/
Our NPQSmall is specifically designed with small schools in mind. Both the delivery (fully virtual with a choice of when to attend some of the sessions) and the content (including case studies and examples from small schools) are designed to help you develop as a leader in small schools and beyond. You can visit our NPQSmall website to find out more...https://www.cefel.org.uk/npqsmall/
4. How long does it take to complete an NPQ?
When it comes to the duration of an NPQ, it can vary depending on the specific qualification and your preferred study pace. Generally, NPQs are designed to be completed within 12-18 months. However, we understand that you have professional commitments and other factors to consider. We have provided an overview of the time commitments here.
6. How is the NPQ programme funded?
Our NPQs are free of charge. The DfE funds all Church of England NPQs for teachers and leaders employed in state-funded schools and state-funded organizations, including those that offer 16-19 places in England. Additionally, primary schools with 150 or fewer pupils will receive £800 per member of staff participating in NPQs, while state-funded secondary schools and state-funded 16-19 educational settings with one to 600 pupils will receive £200 for each participating staff member.
7. What is the application process for an NPQ?
The application process for an NPQ typically involves several steps to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Before applying, you should review the available NPQ qualifications and routes, and select the one that aligns with your professional goals.
Step 1 - Register with the DFE
Step 2 - Complete your Application Form
Step 3 - Sponsor Endorsement
We are here to support you throughout the application process and beyond. If you have any further questions or require additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are dedicated to assisting you in your NPQ journey.
How to talk about the NPQs
You might be a line manager who wants to encourage your staff to do an NPQ. Below we have shared some notes to support these conversations
- Explain the benefits
You can explain the benefits of completing an NPQ, such as gaining new skills and knowledge, developing their leadership abilities, and improving their career prospects. They can also highlight the positive impact that completing an NPQ can have on the school and its students.
- Discuss career aspirations
As a line manager, you can discuss the career aspirations with the staff member and how completing an NPQ can help them achieve their goals. You can also explore how the NPQ aligns with the teacher's personal and professional development plan.
- Provide support
Line managers can provide support throughout the NPQ process, such as helping teachers to identify the appropriate NPQ, providing time for training and assessments, and offering guidance and feedback.
- Share success stories
Line managers can share success stories of other teachers who have completed an NPQ and the positive impact it had on their career and their school. This can inspire and motivate other teachers to pursue an NPQ.
- Highlight funding opportunities
Teachers and leaders employed in state funded schools and state funded organisations including those that offer 16-19 places in England can access a fully funded NPQ
Recognize achievements
Line managers can recognize and celebrate the achievements of teachers who complete an NPQ. This can include congratulating them publicly, acknowledging their achievements during staff meetings, and providing opportunities for them to share their experiences and insights with colleagues.
Questions potential applicants may ask
Which NPQ is for me?
We offer six NPQs for all stages of your leadership journey. We have three specialist NPQs: Leading Teaching (LT), Leading Teacher Development (LTD) and Leading Behaviour and Culture (LBC). These are fantastic for middle leaders, heads of departments and subject leads. The NPQLBC isn't just limited to teachers, and our schools have found it particularly helpful for pastoral support staff.
We also offer leadership NPQs: Senior Leadership, Headship and Executive Leadership. These are great if you currently are or aspiring to be in these senior leadership positions.
How will I fit it in?
The Department for Education's new NPQs are specifically designed with the workload of busy leaders in mind. There is no longer a project to complete, this has been replaced with just one 1500-word assignment, undertaken at the end of the course. A significant proportion of sessions are delivered online, allowing you to access without travel. Many participants have commented that this flexibility has been useful for childcare or other commitments. In-person sessions are delivered in your local area, with full details of available locations set out here: Delivery Locations
Much of the learning is undertaken in your own time using our online resources, allowing you to fit your NPQ around work and home commitments. Some sessions will take place during the working day, whilst others will be held after school. The time required to complete each course is fully set out, and you can view this here: Overview of NPQs
Finally, there is up to £800 funding available for schools to support with costs associated with the NPQs, for example providing cover to attend sessions. For further details see: Funding
How much will it cost?
Did you know that all our NPQs are now COMPLETELY FREE?!*
In fact, your school may be eligible to receive £800 for each person undertaking an NPQ!*
*For funding eligibility criteria, see here
How far will I have to travel?
We have a network of local schools, universities, Dioceses and trusts who will deliver face-to-face sessions in a venue which is close to you. This has the added benefit of allowing you to network and collaborate with peers from your local area who understand your context. For a full map of all our local Delivery Partners, including their training locations, please visit the link below:
Additional Needs
We are delighted to welcome people any form of additional need, disability or access requirement. If you want to find out more about the support available, including how we might be able to implement reasonable adjustments to support you please email npq@churchofengland.org in confidence.
Browse our full NPQ offering
You can browse our full suite of NPQs: cefel.org.uk/npqoverview/