Guidance

Apply for a national professional qualification (NPQ)

Steps to start an NPQ or the early headship coaching offer.

From:
Department for Education
Published
20 September 2023
Last updated
16 December 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

The registering for an NPQ service is currently closed. You can request an email notification to tell you when it will reopen.

1. Choose an NPQ

Find out about the different NPQ courses and the early headship coaching offer. 

If you’re employed, talk to your employer. You may need their approval to take an NPQ. They may be able to help you choose a course that’s suitable for you and your workplace. 

Some courses have specific eligibility requirements, so check you’re eligible before you register. 

2. Check if you can get funding 

Teachers and schools leaders in many state funded settings in England will be eligible for funding to cover their NPQ course fees, subject to eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for funding does not guarantee a place on a funded NPQ course.

3. Find a NPQ course provider 

If you’re employed, ask your workplace if they already work with a particular course provider. 

You can also contact providers directly. Select your course to find out which providers offer the NPQ:

Alternatively, find your local teaching school hub and ask them who provides your chosen NPQ in your area. 

Most providers operate throughout England, but your NPQ will include some face-to-face sessions that you need to attend in person. 

4. Register with DfE 

You need to register with DfE for your NPQ or early headship coaching offer, even if you’re not eligible for scholarship funding. 

This is so that DfE can keep your professional record up to date, check and allocate NPQ funding, and issue NPQ certificates. 

5. Apply through your provider 

As well as registering with DfE, you also need to apply directly to your provider. 

Your provider will send you an application form by email once you’ve registered with DfE. They will assess your suitability for the course. If your application is successful, they will confirm how your course will be funded. 

6. Start your NPQ 

Once you’ve applied, your provider will confirm whether you have a place on the course and will give you your course start date if you’ve been accepted. 

If you pass your NPQ, you can access your teaching qualifications to get your certificate.

Updates to this page

Published 20 September 2023
Last updated 16 December 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated information about funding.

  2. Updated page to show that the register for an NPQ service is currently closed.

  3. Updated to reflect the service to register for a national professional qualification is now open.

  4. Added special educational needs co-ordinator's national professional qualification to the list of qualifications.

  5. Updated to highlight that registration is currently closed.

  6. Updated sections on funding and finding a training provider.

  7. Restructured content in the 'Find a training provider' section to clarify information.

  8. Added a link to a tool which you can use to find a local teaching school hub.

  9. First published.

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