With the DfE finally confirming an autumn 2026 cohort of NPQs, as well as the fact that all four leadership qualifications (excluding the NPQ in Executive Leadership) will be fully funded for all state-funded settings, we thought we'd remind you what all the fuss is about...

NPQ for SENCOs

Who is it for?

Current and aspiring Special Educational Needs Coordinators. This course replaces the NASENCO qualification.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• Contribute to establishing and sustaining a positive and supportive culture across the school for all pupils.
• Support senior leaders to ensure staff and governors enact statutory guidance.
• Support teachers and support staff to understand the importance of expert teaching for all pupils and to implement a graduated approach in the classroom, subject or domain effectively.
• Support the delivery of effective provision for pupils with SEND and their families, and be able to review, monitor, evaluate and improve the impact of SEND provision.
• Work with staff, specialists and other agencies to assist the school in meeting the needs of all pupils.
• Implement an efficient SEND identification process across the school which ensures that barriers to learning are identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
• Work with and equip fellow leaders with the skills to establish and sustain effective curriculum planning that enable teachers to plan, adapt and teach effectively for all pupils.
• Support the development of a positive, safe and supportive environment for pupils across the whole school.
• Ensure all pupils feel motivated in school with a supportive setting to enable them to reach their aspirations and potential.

Where next?

• SENCO
• Leadership of SEND in a school or Trust
• Further leadership qualifications.

Course duration: 18 months
Cost without funding: £1,332

NPQ in Senior Leadership

Who is it for?

Current and aspiring senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities such as assistant or deputy headteachers.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• Set clear goals and communicate shared values that improve the culture in your classrooms and school
• Establish a safe and positive environment for pupils
• Support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum
• Lead school-wide professional development for staff
• Make and act on evidence-informed decisions
• Work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
• Lead by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure colleagues know their responsibilities.

Where next?

• Assistant or Deputy Headteacher
• Headteacher
• Further leadership qualifications.

Course duration: 18 months
Cost without funding: £1,139

NPQ in Early Years Leadership

Who is it for?

Current and aspiring teachers, EYFS and senior leaders in schools, leaders in nurseries and childminders with leadership responsibilities.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• Set a strategic direction for your early years setting and apply ambitious standards for all children
• Champion evidence-based practice
• Plan and deliver care and a high-quality curriculum to support children’s development
• Establish communication, language and literacy approaches to support children’s learning
• Make sure all children experience success
• Identify children who need support and make appropriate referrals
• Create an environment for all children and colleagues where everyone feels welcome and safe.

Where next?

• Senior practitioner or equivalent
• Deputy Headteacher
• Headteacher
• Further leadership qualifications.

Course duration: 18 months
Cost without funding: £1,139

NPQ in Headship

Who is it for?

Current and aspiring headteachers.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• Set clear goals and communicate shared values that improve classroom and school culture
• Lead effective implementation in educational settings
• Lead effective professional development to improve practice and outcomes for pupils
• Support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum
• Lead school-wide professional development for staff
• Establish good financial, human and educational resource management
• Make and act on evidence-informed decisions
• Work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
• Lead by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure staff know their professional responsibilities.

Where next?

• Headteacher
• Executive Headteacher
• Trust-wide responsibilities.

Course duration: 18 months
Cost without funding: £1,949

How do I apply?

Applications open via Ambition Institute's website on 8 June.

You also need to register via the DfE's website to confirm funding eligibility – you can do this from 23 June.

Find out more about our NPQs here.