National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) update
Recently, we have confirmed that we will be a delivery partner to Ambition Institute for the full suite of NPQs. We are hoping to commence application processes in the next few weeks, although this is subject to DfE processes relating to their contracting of lead providers.
We are seeking further information about the availability of scholarship funding too. Most schools look to have some degree of eligibility based on the DfE’s original criteria but the same ‘formula’ is yet to be confirmed for programmes commencing in autumn 2021. Please note, the DfE have delayed NPQ start dates to November 2021, rather than September. Eligibility criteria published previously included:
- Full funding for all teachers accessing the NPQ for Leading Teacher Development, who are employed by an Eligible School in England (subject to target limits set out in Delivery Call Offs).
- Full funding for all head teachers accessing the NPQ for Headship, who are employed by an Eligible School in England during their first two years in role (subject to target limits set out in Delivery Call Offs).
- For all NPQs (Specialist and Leadership), targeted funding will be provided for teachers employed by an Eligible School in England, that is within the top 30th percentile in relation to pupils on Pupil Premium, as of the end of the previous academic year (subject to target limits set out in Delivery Call Offs).
- Full funding for all head teachers eligible for the NPQH Additional Support for New Head Teachers, who are employed by an Eligible School in England during their first two years in role (subject to target limits set out in Delivery Call Offs).
The proposed eligibility criteria are more complex than these bullet points suggest, with only certain types of establishment eligible. However, most academies and maintained schools seem to meet this aspect of the criteria. We will seek to confirm eligibility ASAP.
In the meantime, we’d encourage you to prompt colleagues to complete an expression of interest form if you would like them to access an NPQ (places may be on a first-come basis with potential geographical limitations and subject to the number of places allocated to the lead provider (hence the reference to call-offs above)).