What are National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)? 

National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are nationally recognised leadership development programmes for teachers and school leaders at every stage of their career. They are designed by the Department for Education (DfE) and are based on the latest evidence in education and leadership. 

Teach West London delivers these programmes in partnership with UCL Institute of Education (IOE), one of the world's leading education institutions. 

Why should I choose Teach West London and UCL? 

By choosing Teach West London, you'll benefit from: 

  • A partnership with UCL Institute of Education, consistently ranked among the world's leading education institutions. 
  • High-quality face-to-face local delivery and networking opportunities. 
  • Expert facilitators with extensive school leadership experience. 
  • A programme that combines nationally recognised online learning with collaborative in-person sessions. 
  • Opportunities to build professional networks with colleagues across West London and beyond. 

Which NPQs are available? 

Teach West London with UCL offer a range of NPQs including: 

Specialist NPQS: 

  • NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) 
  • NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) 
  • NPQ for Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM) 
  • NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) 
  • NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) 

Leadership NPQs: 

  • NPQ for SENCOs (NPQSENCO) 
  • NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) 
  • NPQ for Headship (NPQH) 
  • NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) 
  • NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) 

Programme availability may vary between cohorts. 

Who are the programmes designed for? 

Each NPQ is tailored to a different stage of leadership, from aspiring middle leaders through to executive leaders. Whether you're developing expertise in teaching, curriculum, SEND, behaviour, senior leadership or executive leadership, there is an NPQ designed to support your next career step. 

How long do the programmes take? 

Specialist NPQs are carefully paced over approximately 12 months, from Induction to Assessment results. Leadership NPQs, typically run over around 18 months. All NPQs allow participants to balance study alongside their professional responsibilities. 

How is the programme delivered? 

The programmes combine: 

  • Self-directed online learning through UCL's learning platform. 
  • Live seminars and workshops. 
  • Face-to-face sessions delivered by Teach West London. 
  • Peer collaboration and professional discussion. 
  • Practical application of learning within your own school. 

This blended approach allows participants to immediately apply new knowledge in their own setting. 

How much time should I expect to commit? 

The programmes are designed for busy professionals. Learning is spread across the year through manageable online study, live sessions and practical workplace activities, helping participants fit professional development around their existing role. 

In addition to attending face-to-face sessions and live online events, you should expect to complete around 1-2 hours of independent study each week. This includes engaging with UCL's online learning platform, reading evidence-informed materials, completing reflective activities and preparing for programme discussions. 

Across Specialist NPQs, participants complete approximately 24 hours of self-directed online learning, alongside formative tasks, reflections and programme activities. Leadership NPQs include a higher volume of online study (around 32 hours) because of their extended content. 

This estimate is intended as a guide, and the time you spend may vary depending on your experience, role and learning pace. Many participants find it helpful to schedule a regular weekly study slot to stay on track.  

Leadership NPQ participants attend four online two-hour PLG (Peer Learning Group) sessions as well as three all-day face-to-face sessions. You will also have an Induction Conference which could be online or in-person, depending on your NPQ.  

Specialist NPQ participants will attend four three-hour in-person PLG sessions, as well as an all-day Consolidation Conference (online or in-person). 

All NPQs will finish with an online Assessment Workshop to prepare you ahead of your Summative Assessment. 

Are the NPQs accredited? 

Yes. All NPQs are nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Department for Education and delivered through UCL Institute of Education with Teach West London as the local delivery partner. 

Are NPQs funded? 

Many participants are eligible for Department for Education funding. 

For the 2026–27 cohort: 

  • NPQH, NPQSENCO, NPQSL and NPQEYL are fully funded for eligible schools. 
  • Funding for other NPQs is available where schools meet the DfE's disadvantage criteria. 

Funding eligibility is confirmed during the DfE registration process. Guidance on this process can be found here. 

How do I apply? 

Applications begin by registering through the Department for Education's NPQ portal. 

When applying: 

  • Choose your preferred NPQ. 
  • Select Teach West London as your delivery partner. 
  • Complete the DfE registration process. 
  • If eligible, funding will be confirmed automatically. 

UCL will normally contact you by email to complete your registration. Once your registration is complete, you'll receive further information about your programme, including enrolment and induction details.  

There isn't a published timeframe for NPQ applications, but applicants are typically contacted within a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on application volumes. If you haven't heard anything after 10 working days, it's worth checking your spam or junk folder and then contacting the UCL NPQ team. UCL aims to respond to NPQ email enquiries within 48 hours. 

Teach West London will be in touch with further information, including session details, closer to the start of the Autumn 2026 cohort which is currently scheduled for November 2026. 

Do I need my headteacher's approval? 

While requirements may vary by school, it is strongly recommended that you discuss your application with your headteacher or line manager before applying, as schools often support attendance at training sessions and implementation of learning. 

What will I learn? 

Each programme is built around evidence-informed practice and focuses on developing leadership knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately within your school. 

Depending on your chosen NPQ, you'll explore areas such as: 

  • Leading teaching and learning 
  • Curriculum development 
  • Professional development 
  • School improvement 
  • Behaviour and culture 
  • SEND leadership 
  • Strategic leadership 
  • Organisational improvement 
  • Leading change 

What are the benefits of completing an NPQ? 

Participants can expect to: 

  • Develop leadership confidence. 
  • Strengthen evidence-informed practice. 
  • Improve outcomes for pupils. 
  • Gain practical strategies to implement in school. 
  • Build a professional network of leaders. 
  • Support future career progression into leadership roles. 

Why is UCL's programme highly regarded? 

UCL Institute of Education has extensive experience delivering professional development for educators. Its NPQ programmes combine research-informed content with practical application, enabling participants to translate educational evidence into effective leadership practice. 

Will I meet other school leaders? 

Yes. One of the strengths of the Teach West London partnership is the opportunity to collaborate with teachers and leaders from schools across West London through face-to-face sessions, workshops and professional discussions. 

What support is available during the programme? 

Participants receive support throughout their studies through: 

  • UCL online learning resources 
  • Expert facilitators 
  • Local Teach West London delivery sessions 
  • Peer networking opportunities 
  • Structured guidance throughout each module 

NPQ participants, or those looking to apply, can contact [email protected] with any questions about their NPQ. 

What happens after I complete an NPQ? 

After successfully completing the programme and assessment, you'll receive your National Professional Qualification directly from UCL. Many participants use their NPQ to support progression into new leadership responsibilities while continuing to improve practice within their current school.