National Professional Qualifications

We are working with Best Practice Network to deliver the suite of National Professional Qualifications.

The National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a suite of DfE accredited qualifications for school leaders, designed to support professional development - helping school leaders and teachers become more effective.

Eligibility and Funding for Autumn 2025

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

Funding eligibilty for all other NPQs
To be eligible for a funded place, participants must work in a:

- State-funded school or academy in England
- School in the top 50% nationally with the highest levels of pupil premium
- Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) schools

Check your school's eligibility here by entering your schools Unique Reference Number (URN).

Why choose an NPQ?

All of the qualifications are based on NPQ Frameworks which draw from the very latest evidence and research and complete the golden thread, running from initial teacher training through to school leadership, rooting teacher and school leader development in the best available evidence and collective wisdom of the profession. 

Learn more about the benefits of NPQs for schools and individuals in our Guide to NPQs.

Download 'A Guide to NPQs' - advice and guidance for leaders and prospective applicants

How to Apply

To register for an NPQ, you'll need to:

- Create a DfE Identity account or sign in to your existing account
- Provide a Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
- If you’ve lost your TRN, use the Find a lost TRN service

Apply now for your NPQ.

NPQ Application Journey