NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)

Strengthen your impact as a senior leader.   

The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) is designed for experienced school leaders who are responsible for leading across a school and driving improvement beyond their own classroom. 

Delivered in partnership with Ambition Institute, this programme combines evidence-informed leadership development with practical application in your setting. 

Who is this programme for?

The NPQSL is ideal for: 

- Assistant headteachers  

- Deputy headteachers  

- Senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities  

- Middle leaders stepping into whole-school leadership  

If you are leading teams, shaping school strategy, or driving improvement across a phase or subject, this programme will help you lead with greater confidence and clarity. 

What you'll gain

By the end of the programme, you will: 

- Strengthen your ability to lead teaching and learning across a school  

- Develop expertise in implementing sustainable school improvement  

- Build confidence in leading teams and managing change  

- Use evidence to inform strategic decisions  

- Improve outcomes for pupils through effective leadership  

You’ll apply your learning directly to your own context throughout the programme. 

How the programme works

The NPQSL it is designed to fit around your role, with flexible, structured learning over time.  

Duration: 18 months 

Delivery includes: 

- Self-paced online modules 

- Facilitated sessions with experienced leaders 

- Opportunities to reflect and apply learning to your current role 

Assessment: 

NPQs are assessed at the end of the programme through a written case study based on what you have learned (1,500 words). Support and guidance will be provided in preparation to this endpoint, and the process is manageable alongside your role in school. 

Funding and eligibility

NPQSL is fully funded for many schools through Department for Education scholarships. 

Eligibility depends on your role and school context. 

We can support you to: 

- Check your eligibility  

- Understand funding options  

- Complete your application 

What Participants Say

Ready to get started

Get started today by completing the Ambition Institute registration form here: https://www.ambition.org.uk/contact-us/npq-enquiry-page/