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Inspiring leaders; improving children's lives

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Download Heads up - an NCSL and Education Guardian supplement Adobe Acrobat Reader required (996kb, 7 pages).

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National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

NPQH

Apply for NPQH

The application round for intake 5 of NPQH is open until Tuesday 9 June. Find out more and apply for the programme.

Overview

NPQH is NCSL's highly successful flagship provision for aspiring headteachers. It is mandatory to hold or have a place on NPQH in order to apply for a first headship in the maintained sector. From April 2009 all first-time headteachers must be NPQH graduates.

NPQH has been redesigned to reflect the changing role of headship. It is for those who aspire to headship, not for those just seeking professional development.

Who is NPQH for?

You should be highly motivated to be a headteacher, no more than 12-18 months from applying for headship posts and have the full support of your headteacher or line manager. You should then be ready to take up a headship as soon as you graduate.

Applying for NPQH

A number of resources are available to help you decide if you are ready to apply for NPQH. Find out more about these resources, including the National Standards for Headteachers and an online self-assessment exercise.

If you want to apply, read the guidance we have prepared and complete the online application form.

Help desk support

The NCSL help desk is able to provide support for NPQH applicants. The telephone number is 0845 609 0009 or you can email enquiries@ncsl.org.uk. Help desk opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am-9pm.

Information for headteachers and governors

Find out how NPQH can support aspiring headteachers in your school and how you can help develop them.

Further information

Further information about NPQH can be found by following the links on the right hand side of this page. If these pages do not answer your query, please email npqhredesign@ncsl.org.uk or contact the NCSL help desk on 0845 609 0009.

"I am confident that the new NPQH will help inspire the next generation of school leaders, and make a real difference to the schools and pupils of the future." Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families