NPQH - frequently asked questions

1. What are the implications for current participants?

Current participants' provision will not be affected. They should continue on the programme to graduation. We know that the current NPQH is highly-regarded by governing bodies and therefore the status and credibility of the qualification will not be affected.

2. Why has the government decided to remove the mandatory status of NPQH?

The government recognises that high-performing schools are led by strong leaders, and it has a commitment to ensuring that those who aspire to this role have access to the best leadership development. But it also recognises that schools should be allowed more freedom to choose how these skills are developed.

3. Does this mean that I can now accept a substantive headship without graduating from NPQH?

As from early 2012 those aspiring to take up their first headship within England will be allowed to apply and be appointed to substantive headships without holding the NPQH qualification.

4. I am on a governing body currently interviewing for a vacant headship post. How does this affect me?

The change in mandatory status will not affect your current recruitment process if you are due to appoint in the near future. However, if you appoint after the mandatory status legislation has been lifted in early 2012 then candidates will no longer require NPQH to be appointed.

5. Does this mean that my NPQH will no longer be recognised?

No, the National Professional Qualification for Headship remains a professional qualification and is not time limited. Once you have graduated from the programme this qualification will remain valid for the remainder of your career.

NPQH is still recognised as high quality leadership development and importantly seen by governors as evidence of your whole school leadership abilities.

6. Why should I do NPQH, if it is no longer a mandatory requirement?

Evaluation evidence from trainee heads who have completed the programme demonstrates that NPQH remains a high quality leadership development programme that has direct impact on the individual, the school in which they work and their pupils.

Ninety-nine per cent of trainee heads who have participated in NPQH say “I have improved my work practices as a result of going on the programme” and 98 per cent believe “There has been a positive impact for children and families from going on the programme”.

7. I am a current participant, if I withdraw from the programme will I be charged?

Providing you have not yet completed your placement, there will be no charge to withdraw from the programme. If you have completed your placement, there would be a charge of £760.

If you are a small school and have received your first payment following your attendance of the regional introductory day, you will be required to repay £750.

8. How can I contact my provider?

The following contact details are for current NPQH participants:

Provider	Contact details
NPQH entry centre (North)	Email: barbara.fisher@manchester.ac.uk Telephone: 01612 755 438
NPQH entry centre (Central England)	Email: l.rae@hti.org.uk Telephone: 02476 698 509
NPQH entry centre (South)	Email: enquiries@selt.org.uk Telephone: 01795 416 800

9. What does this mean for anyone thinking of applying for NPQH – should they still apply?

Yes. You can register your interest by emailing newnpqh@nationalcollege.org.uk. The first application round will be opening in spring 2012 with the programme starting in autumn 2012.

10. Will new NPQH be subsidised?

The College will continue to invest in supporting high calibre trainee heads. This will include paying all the costs of initial and final assessments as well as the introduction of a new scholarship (subsidy) scheme for all participants to contribute towards the costs of development training.

11. How is the new NPQH different?

The new NPQH draws on the best of previous programmes – for example, hands-on placements have been highly successful and these will increase in quality and duration – but the programme also has significant new features:

A higher bar for the entry and graduation assessments.
The new NPQH is made up of three essential modules with more focus on leading pupil behaviour and teacher performance, plus two elective modules to suit participants’ development needs and aspirations.
We know from research that the best way to spot a future headteacher is to watch them working, and handling a range of leadership issues, so we want to place more emphasis on the role of an applicant’s line manger in providing a reference and sponsoring the applicant through the programme.
The new NPQH will link more closely to Master's and other postgraduate qualifications and so allow trainee heads to move more seamlessly onto higher degrees if they wish.

12.What does the new programme include?

Trainees will study three essential (compulsory) modules: Leading teaching and learning; Developing your own leadership; and Leading an effective school, covering pupil behaviour, teacher performance and budget management. Participants will then select two electives to suit their development needs and career aspirations from a range of choices. There will be additional electives available which will be added to over time and reflect the needs of aspirant headteachers and principals. Currently they will cover areas such as curriculum leadership, leading change, building a great team, developing staff, using data to improve performance. In addition, there will be electives designed for aspirant heads who know they want to work in a particular context, such as small primary schools, faith schools, an academy trust, a federation, a special school, a free school, etc.

13. When will the new qualification be available?

The first application round is expected to open in the spring with the first participants starting in autumn 2012.

14. How will the new programme be delivered?

We will be moving away from a wholly commissioning model to one featuring a new licensed approach to delivery, which opens up the market to a diverse range of innovative providers, including schools, academies, private companies and charities. This will allow for more flexibility and more choice for aspirant leaders. We will continue to commission the entry and final assessments, to ensure strong control of the assessment procedures leading to award of NPQH.

15. What was the NPQH review all about?

The Secretary of State asked the National College to review the content of NPQH to make sure that it meets the highest standards for leadership development set in other countries and in other sectors of the economy.

16. Why did you need to review NPQH so soon after the last review?

NPQH has always evolved over time to keep pace with the changing nature of schools and reflect the skills and qualities essential for leading schools well. The National College was asked to review NPQH content and provision to match the best anywhere in the world.

17. Who was involved in the review?

The College recognises the importance of listening to and involving the profession and wider stakeholders in the development of new work: we consulted with leaders from a wide range of organisations including academies, independent and state-maintained schools.

18. I work in a British international school, is it possible to participate in NPQH without travelling to England?

Yes. The qualification of choice for aspiring headteachers and principals is now available to British international schools. During 2012 the College will, for the first time, deliver NPQH to British international schools. International participants will follow exactly the same programme as in England, and will be subject to the same rigorous accreditation standards. The new programme will be suitable for both aspirant and newly qualified principals. Placements will be made available with a number of good or outstanding British international schools. More detailed information will be available early in the new year. If you’d like to register your interest please email international@nationalcollege.org.uk.