With the DfE finally confirming an autumn 2026 cohort of NPQs, we look here at the partially funded specialist NPQs that the Julian TSH is hoping to run, and why they might be worth your investment.

NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture

Who is it for?

Pastoral staff, teachers and middle leaders who have, or want to have, responsibilities for leading on behaviour and supporting pupil wellbeing in your school.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• Create a culture of high expectations across your school
• Support the development of a positive, predictable and safe environment for pupils
• Assist pupils with complex behavioural needs
• Nurture improvement through evidence-based professional development
• Put new approaches to leading behaviour and culture into practice in your school setting.

Where next?

• Head of Year
• Head of House
• Pastoral Lead
• Further specialism.

Course duration: 12 months
Cost without funding: £899

NPQ in Leading Literacy

Who is it for?

Teachers and middle leaders who have, or want to have responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how:

• To support staff, of all subject specialisms, to develop pupils’ language and literacy skills
• Pupils develop aspects of literacy, including how effective spoken language supports literacy development at every age, how children learn to become fluent readers and how teachers can support this across every stage
• To support pupils' writing – whether learning to write in primary school, through to writing academically at key stage five
• To support, develop and teach pupils literacy using evidence-informed approaches
• To lead literacy through curriculum, culture and motivation
• Effective literacy education can support your school
• To contribute to effective professional development for literacy, linking it to teaching, the curriculum and assessment across the school.

Where next?

• Subject Lead
• Leadership of Teaching and Learning
• Further study.

Course duration: 12 months
Cost without funding: £899

NPQ in Leading Teacher Development

Who is it for?

All staff who have, or want to have, responsibility for leading the development of other teachers in their school. This includes anyone interested in mentoring trainees or early career teachers.

What will you learn?

On this programme, you will learn how to:

• Make sure professional development in your school is focused on a shared responsibility for improving outcomes for all pupils
• Diagnose what teachers know and can do, starting professional development from that point and adapting the approach based on developing their expertise
• Gain an understanding of what teachers have learned by reviewing patterns of performance over a number of assessments
• Develop and lead a team of colleagues who can facilitate a range of professional development approaches
• Contextualise teacher development based on a variation of school, pupils and teacher needs.
• Contribute to a programme of professional development for mentors, trainees and early career teachers.

Where next?

• Leadership of CPD
• Mentor
• Induction tutor.

Course duration: 12 months
Cost without funding: £899

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.