National Professional Qualifications
Our programmes support educational leaders to develop their leadership practice.
Autumn 2026 admissions
The DfE registration portal will open on 23 June 2026. In the meantime you can fill in our expression of interest form. Once you have filled in the form, we will send you a reminder that the portal has opened.
About the programmes
- Why choose a UCL NPQ?
- Our NPQ programmes
- Applying for a UCL NPQ
- Funding and fees
- Delivery Partner network
- Testimonials
- Research
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact us
Why choose a UCL NPQ?
UCL IOE is ranked number one globally for Education in the QS World University Rankings. We have been designing and delivering NPQs since their inception 30 years ago.
We are proud that in our latest Ofsted inspection, we were judged ‘outstanding’ in all areas with inspectors noting how UCL IOE set the bar for what outstanding delivery of NPQs looks like.
The new NPQs are designed and delivered with national partners who share our belief in equity and research-informed professional development that supports educational leaders to develop their leadership practice.
Our programmes are designed to grow ‘Learning Leaders’ who question, reflect, learn and “apply their learning to improvements that lead to desired outcomes” (Stoll 2020). All our NPQs, uniquely, include an implementation project that allows this new leadership learning to be applied in the workplace.
Informed by research and practice, the qualifications are designed and delivered through collaborative partnerships between UCL, regional, national and international educational delivery partners.
Our NPQ programmes
Specialist NPQs
- NPQ Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM)
- NPQ Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
- NPQ Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
- NPQ Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
- NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
Leadership NPQS
Applying for a UCL NPQ
The UCL IOE's NPQs are delivered in partnership with regional Delivery Partners. The UCL application form lists our partners and the qualifications that are available through them.
Select your preferred Delivery Partner and check that the programme of your choice is available.
Register with the DfE and choose the UCL IOE as your Lead Provider.
This is done through the DfE NPQ Registration Service platform and requires the following information:
- Teacher Registration Number (TRN) if applicable. If you do not have a TRN you can apply for one at this stage.
- Name as recorded by the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA)
- Choice of NPQ
- Choice of Lead Provider i.e. UCL IOE
The registration service will confirm if you are eligible for a scholarship based on your school details. Eligibility for a scholarship does not guarantee a funded programme place.
If you are not eligible for a scholarship place, you may decide to pay, or your school may pay on your behalf. See a schedule of fees under Funding and fees.
Once registration is complete, the DFE will confirm the details with UCL IOE, usually within three days although this can take longer if you are waiting for a TRN.
Once registered, you will receive an email from UCL within 48 hours asking you to complete a short UCL IOE enrolment form requiring your preferred delivery partner and your approver’s details.
UCL will confirm whether you have been awarded a scholarship place or not. Regarding the awarding of scholarship places, UCL will operate a strict ‘first come, first served’ approach to applications for Spring 2025.
Similarly, self/ school-funded places for those not eligible for a scholarship will be confirmed as soon as possible.
The form requires headteacher/principal's and line manager details. For early years colleagues where this is not possible, please secure verification of your role, this could be from a local network manager or colleague – verification is required to ensure that the funding is being allocated to the correct recipient. Line manager details may be a colleague in your setting or network who you have a professional relationship with.
Funding and fees
Scholarship places are available but will depend on the programme and/or the school pupil premium data. You may be able to get your NPQ course fees paid for by the Department for Education (DfE). You do not need to apply for it.
Information about scholarship funding can be found on the DfE website. When you register for an NPQ, the DfE will tell you if you are eligible for funding.
If you are not eligible for a scholarship or if funded places are unavailable, you can still invest in your professional development by choosing to self-fund or have your school sponsor your place on the programme.
The fees for each NPQ can be found on their individual pages and are summarised in the table below.
NPQ Fee Schedule for non-scholarship self/school-funded programmes (England only)
| Spring 2026 | Price (£) |
| NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) | £902 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) | £902 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) | £902(+VAT) |
| NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) | £902 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM) | £902 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) | £1,149 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Headship (NPQH) | £1,985 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) | £4,099 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQ EYL) | £1,149 (+VAT) |
| NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (NPQSENCO) | £1,265 (+VAT) |
Please note if you are eligible for a scholarship but have been unsuccessful in securing one in the first instance you will be placed on a waiting list and there is a possibility additional scholarships will become available in the current application window. Alternatively, you can apply to another Lead Provider, but you would formally have to decline your place with UCL in doing so and there is no guarantee the other Lead Provider will have scholarships available.
To register with another provider please visit GOV.UK.
International Delivery Fees
Different fees apply to NPQs delivered internationally, which are paid for in local currency. More information can be found on the international delivery partner websites.
Delivery Partner network
Collaboration lies at the heart of our success, and we have developed a nationwide network of partnerships with the newly established Teaching School Hubs (TSHs) and Delivery Partners who have a deep understanding of the local context.
Balcarras and Odyssey Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Cheltenham, Cotswold, Stroud, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Tewkesbury
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQs delivered this cohort: NPQSENCO
- Areas covered: Birmingham, West Midlands
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Camden and local area
- Location: Google Maps
CATS Global Schools, South-East UK
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLTD, NPQLT, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: South-East England
- Location: Google Maps
Centre for Literacy in Primary Education
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQLL
- Areas covered: Kensington, Westminster, Lambeth, Barnet, Kingston Upon Thames
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQLL, NPQLPM
- Areas Covered: Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Beds, Luton, Stevenage, East and North Herts, Bishops Stortford and Broxbourne
- Location: Google Maps
Coventry and Central Warwickshire Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Area covered: Coventry and Central Warwickshire
- Location: Google Maps
East London Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Tower Hamlets, Hackney
- Location: Google Maps
East Manchester Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Oldham, Tameside
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Barnsley, Doncaster, Selby, Wakefield
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: Not delivering this cohort
- Areas covered: Islington
- Location: Google Maps
Haringey Education Partnership
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Haringey and Waltham Forest
- Location: Google Maps
Inspire Learning NW Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Liverpool and Wirral
- Location: Google Maps
Learners First Schools Partnership
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLL, NPQLT, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Sheffield, Derbyshire, North Lincolnshire, Rotherham
- Location: Google Maps
London South Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLT, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire
- Location: Google Maps
One Cumbria Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLTD, NPQLT
- Areas covered: Allerdale, Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden, South Lakeland
- Location: Google Maps
Redbridge Education Partnership
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQSENCO
- Areas covered: Redbridge
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLTD, NPQLT, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire
- Location: Google Maps
South Central Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset, Poole, Purbeck, West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland
- Location: Google Maps
South East London Partnership (Haberdashers’ and Odyssey)
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Southwark, Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Sussex Coast and surrounding areas including Brighton & Hove, Uckfield
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow
- Location: Google Maps
Thames South Teaching School Hub
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich
- Location: Google Maps
The Glass House Leadership Lab
- NPQs delivered this cohort: EHCO
- Areas covered: National
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham
- Location: Google Maps
UCL Central Delivery
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEL
- Areas covered: All of England
- Location: Google Maps
Wandle Teaching School Hub, SW London
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Areas covered: Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQ’s delivered this cohort: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD
- Location: Google Maps
CATS Global Schools, South-East UK (Northern Europe)
- NPQs delivered this cohort: NPQH, NPQLTD, NPQLT, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Location: Google Maps
- Delivering the following NPQs: NPQLPM, NPQLL, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLBC, NPQSENCO, NPQSL, NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQEL
- Location: Google Maps
- NPQs delivered this cohort: NPQLTD, NPQSL
- Location: Google Maps
Tanglin Trust School (Kuala Lumpur / Singapore)
- Delivering the following NPQs: Not delivering this cohort
- Location: Google Maps
The Black Sea Group of Schools (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine)
- Can also support Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
- Delivering the following NPQs: NPQEYL, NPQH, NPQLT, NPQSENCO, NPQSL
- Location: Google Maps
- Delivering the following NPQs: NPQH, NPQLT, NPQSL
- Location: Google Maps
- Delivering the following NPQs: NPQLT, NPQSL
- Location: Google Maps
It was always a high priority, as a headteacher, to provide my staff with a career pathway which focused on leadership from their early career. Every teacher is a leader from day one and needs support in learning how to grow and develop their teams to enable successful school improvement to take place for the benefit of the children.
In a small school, teachers soon become subject leaders, requiring another set of leadership skills. The NPQs provided my staff with an opportunity to explore leadership strategies. They developed their ability to communicate their vision more effectively with stakeholders; to recognise their own leadership traits; to consider ways of managing their time more effectively; to look at change models and how others might react to change; and to explore the benefits of working in partnership.
The NPQ courses linked theory and practice perfectly. It gave me the confidence to lead a team of professionals and the skills to reflect and monitor impact. I could not recommend the programmes highly enough. Working with my local cluster and UCL, the support given at all levels is fantastic.
I am now Deputy Head teacher and leading the school for two days a week. Without completing these courses, I would not be in this privileged position where I get to support, develop and lead a fantastic team. I will be continuing my NPQ journey and will be completing the NPQH this year.
As a federation of schools, the NPQs have been a focused part of our leadership continuum. The impact is very clear. Four secured Headship, and the others have moved to senior positions within and outside of our federation. Many of them have been involved in supporting other schools in school development. We were also able to shift our Ofsted grading to good with outstanding leadership in a short space of time. More importantly, the impact on our children is clear to see.
More than anything, completing the NPQSL helped restore my confidence in my abilities following a challenging period in my life and restored my ambition to become a senior leader. During the course, I was appointed SENDCo, an SLT-level role. Since then, I have been promoted to Assistant Head for Inclusion, so I have successfully realised my ambitions since undertaking the course. It’s hard work, sometimes challenging, but very rewarding. I am glad of the skills and knowledge I gained.
We have all gained so much from participating in this NPQ, particularly through collaboration with peers, reading research and applying it, structured reflection, case studies, agency and autonomy with the implementation project.
National Professional Qualification frequently asked questions
“I’m interested in doing an NPQ with UCL. Please could you advise on the process?”
You will need to register with the DfE NPQ Registration Service selecting UCL IOE as your national provider. UCL IOE will then provide you with a link to our short online application within 48 hours. If you have any questions during the process, please contact us.
“I no longer wish to do an NPQ with UCL. Please could I decline my application?”
Please notify us and the team will remove your details from our system and you will no longer be registered with us for your chosen NPQ and cohort.
“I would like to defer my place until the next cohort. Please advise”
As you have not yet started the NPQ programme, we are not able to defer you at this point. We advise that you decline your application and you re-register in the DfE when the portal opens for the next available cohort.
“I’ve realised that I selected the wrong Delivery Partner in my application. Can I change?”
Please let us know your preferred delivery partner and we will make the necessary changes on your application. If your preferred delivery partner no longer has spaces available, we will let you know so you can choose another.
“I’ve realised that I selected the wrong programme. Can I change?”
If you wish to change programme, please notify us and we will decline your application. You will then need to re-register in the DfE portal for the correct programme. We will then provide you with a link to a new application form to complete.
“I want to do my NPQ with UCL, but I’m being asked to choose a delivery partner. What is a delivery partner and why can’t I select UCL?”
UCL is the Lead Provider of the NPQs. We design the programme and delegate delivery of live sessions to Delivery Partners. Delivery Partners are hubs that cover different regions across the country/world – they are familiar with the local context and issues impacting your areas. They oversee your engagement on the programme, arrange your in-person sessions and are your first point of contact should you have any queries about your programme.
As they run your sessions, we always advise that participants select the Delivery Partner closest and most convenient for them to get to. You can establish which Delivery Partner is most accessible using our Google Maps.
“I’m trying to choose a delivery partner, but I’m not sure which one is best for me. Can you help?”
You are welcome to choose any delivery partner – We advise choosing the most convenient for you. Please see this map of our delivery partner locations to help you decide.
“Who is my mentor? / Will UCL provide me with one?”
The NPQ mentor is an individual/colleague within your setting who can support you throughout your programme. They should be aware of your role and responsibilities as well as the context of your setting. They are required to meet with you once per module for a formal meeting and support you informally with your Implementation Project. In most cases, a participant’s mentor is their line manager, specialist (e.g. SENCO) or headteacher. UCL do not provide participants with a mentor.
“I do not have the backing of my school/my application isn’t being approved, can I still complete my NPQ independently?”
Unfortunately, without support from your school, you will not be able to complete an NPQ. This is because, as part of the application process, your headteacher/CEO needs to confirm that they agree to your suitability for and attendance on the programme. Without their consent we cannot accept your application.
“How long will I wait to hear back about the outcome of my application?”
Once you have registered and applied, you will hear about the outcome within 5 working days of submitting your application. On occasion, we may require further information. If that happens, you may not have an outcome within the 5-day window.
“Am I eligible for a scholarship?”
The DfE set the criteria for NPQ funding eligibility. To check if you are eligible, you can check the lists on the DfE website GOV.UK.
“How much does the programme cost?”
Please consult our website for NPQ programmes fees. The information can be found under ‘Programme fees’ and on the course profile pages.
“I am an international participant – what are my programme fees?”
Please contact your chosen DP directly to find out more about your programme fees. Contact details can be found on our website.
“Can the NPQs be funded using the government’s apprenticeship levy?”
No, if your school is not on the eligible schools list then you will need to either self or school fund.
“My school has agreed to cover part of the costs of the NPQ with me, how does that work?”
Our finance team can only send the invoice to one party, therefore, if you have an agreement with your school to split the course fees you will need to set up an arrangement with the school.
“Can a member of staff without QTS apply for an NPQ and get DfE funding?”
Holding QTS is not a requirement for the NPQs. However, you need to be in a role where you will be able to implement a project based on your learning. You should speak with your headteacher/line manager if you are unsure about your suitability.
All NPQ applicants, regardless of if they hold QTS or not, are required to have a TRN as part of the registration process. You can apply for a TRN at GOV.UK.
“Can supply teachers complete an NPQ?”
Yes, provided you have the backing of the school you are currently based at. The school/ headteacher will be asked to confirm they agree to your participation on the programme using an approval form.
“I have previously completed an NPQ in the old framework, can I do the same course again?”
Yes. The specialist NPQs are completely distinct from the old NPQML and the TDT NPQSL and NPQH have been designed from scratch, so you will have a different experience doing the same course again.
“Do I need to have completed a Specialist NPQ to complete a Leadership NPQ?”
No, completing a Specialist NPQ is not a pre-requisite to being able to complete a Leadership NPQ. You and your school should ensure that you are suitable for the programme you are applying for.
“Can ECTs take part in an NPQ?”
While there are no restrictions in place for an ECT to complete an NPQ, the DfE’s Golden Thread (for professional teacher development), identifies that NPQs should be undertaken later in one’s career. If you are considering applying for an NPQ, you should discuss this with your headteacher/line manager, in the first instance, before completing a registration.
“Do I need to be employed in an educational setting to be accepted onto the NPQ programme?”
Participants should have access to a school (or early years for EYL) setting to undertake an NPQ as they are required to implement their learning. For example, if you work for the local council, you may have access to the schools in your borough.
“I do not work in a school, but a school has agreed to me completing my NPQ with them. Can I apply for the NPQ?”
You need to be employed at the establishment you list on your DfE registration. Therefore, if you are only with a school in a volunteering capacity your application will be rejected. This is because the school’s headteacher will not be able to confirm that you are employed by them.
“I am interested in more than one NPQ, can I complete multiple programmes concurrently?”
While there is no restriction on the number of programmes a participant can complete in a cohort, we always advise that one NPQ is completed at a time. This is to ensure that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The exception is NPQEHCO and NPQH as a pre-requisite to being able to apply for the NPQEHCO is that you have completed/are completing the NPQH and have become a head in the past 5 years.
“Will UCL sponsor a study visa to complete my NPQ in the UK?”
No – we are unable to sponsor visa applications for the NPQ programme.
“What is the programme duration?”
The duration of your programme depends on the NPQ you are applying for. Specialist NPQs (NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT and NPQLTD) run over 12 months while the Leadership NPQs (NPQEL, NPQEYL, EHCO, NPQH, NPQSL and NPQSENCO) run over 18 months. Please see links to programme route maps below:
- NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
- NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
- NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
- NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
- NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM)
- NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
- NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
- NPQ in Headship (NPQH)
- NPQ in Executive Leadership (NPQEL)
“Would I be required to attend in person sessions on an NPQ course?”
In-person attendance is a compulsory component of the NPQs. However, if you have exceptional circumstances, you may wish to contact your chosen Delivery Partner to see what alternative arrangements they might have in place.
“What if I move school during the course?”
If you move school over the duration of your NPQ, you can still continue your programme. Just don’t forget to let us know.
“Attendance requirement/hours of study?”
Depending on your NPQ you will have the following live sessions which you must attend.
- Specialist programmes (NPQLT, NPQLBC, NPQLTD, NPQLL, NPQLPM): Induction, four Peer Learning Groups and a Consolidation Conference to wrap up your learning.
- Leadership programmes (NPQSL, NPQH, NPQSENCO, NPQEL): Induction, three Face to Face events and four Peer Learning Groups. SENCO also has a Consolidation Conference at the end of the programme.
The exact session dates and times will depend on the delivery partner you select.
“Is the programme assessed and if so, how?”
All programmes (except NPQEHCO) are assessed at the end of the course. Participants complete a case study written assessment in an 8-day window. The assessment counts as 100% of your grade.
To support/prepare you, participants complete a number of formative assessment tasks over the duration of the programme.
“Can credits from my NPQ qualification be used against a Master's?”
Certain NPQ programmes may count as credits towards a Master's. Please note that it is likely to only be the leadership programmes (the NPQLT does not count towards a master's as it is not the appropriate level). You should contact UCL's Recognition of Prior Learning team to establish if your NPQSL is transferable to Master's credits.
Please follow this link for more information about RPL. The form includes information about who to contact should you have any questions. This relates to studying at UCL only (other institutions will have their own policy).
Contact us
UCL Centre for Educational Leadership
Department of Learning and Leadership
UCL Institute of Education
University College London
20 Bedford Way
London WC1H 0AL
For all enquiries there is an email only option: npq@ucl.ac.uk
Please be assured that your email will be answered within 48 hours.
Kindly do not attempt to call other departments or UCL switchboards with your NPQ or ECF query as they won’t be able to assist you.
