Frequently asked questions about NPQH with British Schools in the Middle East

Questions

Answers

1. What is being proposed for the future direction of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and when will the redesigned NPQH be available?

In the Schools White Paper we were asked to review the content of NPQH, to make sure that it meets the highest standards for leadership development set in other countries and other sectors of the economy, whilst continuing to deliver individuals with the key skills required for headship.

The date that the redesigned NPQH will be available is not yet confirmed, however we anticipate that the first cohort will start in England in late 2012. As soon as we have a date for the first intake round of the redesigned NPQH we will announce it on our website.

The content of the programme is currently being developed in discussion with leading headteachers. New modules are being written in line with Master’s level criteria by leading academics and serving school leaders. The programme will involve both essential and elective modules involving extended case studies and in-school related assignments. Further information about the programme content will be available soon but has not yet been launched.

At present only the current model of NPQH is being delivered internationally. The delivery of NPQH internationally will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure we are delivering the most appropriate model for participants.

2. If I am not in headship within 18 months will my NPQH qualification expire?

NPQH is not time limited. Once you have graduated from the programme this qualification will remain valid for the remainder of your career.

3. Do I need NPQH to proceed to deputy headship?

No. NPQH is not required for deputy headship. NPQH is intended for those who are 12–18 months from headship. It is designed to prepare people for headship rather than just to provide really good professional development.

4. What is an NPQH placement?

An NPQH placement will make a significant contribution to your leadership development by providing you with the opportunity to gain insights into an unfamiliar context and experience different leadership styles. You will spend 5 days in a school contributing to a school activity or task.

5. What will I gain from a placement?

The placement will provide you with the opportunity to further develop your leadership expertise and practise the skills of contextual literacy - the ability to read context accurately, make judgements about priorities and recognise leadership behaviours required to address school improvement priorities are important strategic leadership qualities. You will also negotiate, with the headteacher of the leadership development school, a leadership task to undertake during your placement.

In summary a placement will provide you with the opportunity to:

experience excellence and be influenced by highly effective school leaders
undertake a leadership task negotiated with the leadership development school headteacher
operate outside your "comfort zone", challenge your thinking and so develop your leadership skills in different contexts
understand leadership challenges within different contexts
address some leadership development needs you have identified in your personal development review and thereby practise and further develop your "contextual literacy" skills

6. How have leadership development schools been identified?

Schools taking part in the scheme have been chosen to represent a range of contexts and to reflect current policy initiatives. The headteachers of these schools are positive, influential role models and have demonstrated the ability to build leadership capacity in their schools. Schools offering placements ensure that appropriate personnel, including the headteacher, are available to work with you.

7. What is the role of the leadership development school headteacher?

The headteacher of the National College leadership development school in which you take a placement will be in a position to model excellent leadership and provide you with a unique opportunity to experience leadership in a different context.

8. Can NPQH count towards a Master’s degree, or vice versa?

The National College has an agreement with some universities whereby NPQH can contribute to a Master’s and has equivalence of up to 60 CAT points. If you have done a Masters degree, you may draw on the evidence from your work in your NPQH application. For more information and a list of participating universities, please see our page on Master’s accreditation.