NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NPQs)

A digital poster with a pink background promoting leadership opportunities for nonprofit organizations (NPQs). It features logos of Benfleet Team Supporting All, Best Practice Network, and Supporting Education Group at the top. The poster encourages applications for November and lists various NPQ programs including NPQL, NPQ for SENCos, NPQH, and NPQEL.

Applications Now open for Autumn 25

Early NPQ applications are recommended to secure funding and access priority processing. Best Practice Network has set a deadline for receipt of early applications for FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2025. We recommend all applications are submitted before this date

Apply Now

NOTE: THE AUTUMN 2025 NPQ INTAKE WILL BE THE ONLY NPQ COHORT FOR THE 2025/26 ACADEMIC YEAR.

Any delegates that have already registered their interest via BPN website, will have their expresssion of interest automatically converted to an application and be invited to register with the DfE.
DfE scholarship funding eligibility is largely unchanged from the previous two NPQ cohorts, and limited to the following eligibility criteria: 

NPQH and NPQSENCO
These two programmes remain fully funded for all teachers and leaders in state-funded schools and academies in England.

BTSA is proud to partner with Best Practice Network/Outstanding Leaders Partnership to deliver local, high-quality National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) to colleagues across the Essex area.

NPQs are nationally recognised school leadership qualifications that have been designed following guidance from the DfE, following the principles of their golden thread approach to teacher CPD. They are designed to equip current and future school leaders with leadership skills and with the latest education research, which, when implemented, can help to maintain and raise standards, ensuring the highest quality provision for all pupils, regardless of context and background. Each of our programmes is delivered by national or regional leaders of education, whose wisdom and input are valued by participants.

Some NPQs can be funded through DfE Scholarships. Please use the link below to check your eligibility for these: https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/npq-scholarship-checker

funding will target those teachers and leaders who work in the most challenging schools or educational settings, serving more disadvantaged communities. Eligibility criteria for Spring 25 intake is as follows:

  • All state-maintained schools and academies in England will be eligible for full scholarship funding for NPQH and NPQ SENCO

  • The 50% of schools with the highest % pupil premium enrolment will be eligible for full scholarship funding for the wider suite of NPQs (DfE will share an updated list of eligible schools with providers shortly)

  • All scholarships are subject to availability - apply early for the best chance of receiving a scholarship