The Department for Education has expanded funding for National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), providing increased opportunities for teachers and school leaders to access fully funded professional development.
This presents an excellent opportunity for colleagues who are considering their next career step — whether that involves progressing into middle leadership, developing expertise in a specialist area, or preparing for senior leadership responsibilities.
As demand is expected to be high, we would encourage schools to share this opportunity with interested staff and to register expressions of interest at an early stage.
An additional benefit of completing an NPQ with the National Institute of Teaching is the opportunity to gain 20 Masters-level credits through its partnership with Newcastle University.
If anyone is interested in joining the October 2026 cohort, they need to express their interest as soon as possible. Funding will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
| NPQ | Programme Description | Scholarship funding available? |
| Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) | 1:1 coaching for new headteachers. | Funded for ALL schools |
| NPQ for Headship (NPQH) | Designed for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, headteachers. | Funded for ALL schools |
| NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) | For experienced middle leaders or senior leaders who are responsible for leading significant areas of school improvement. | NEW – Funded for ALL schools |
| NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) | For leaders qualified to work in early years settings who are, or aspire to be, leaders responsible for Early Years provision. | NEW – Funded for ALL schools |
| NPQ for SENCO’s (NPQSENCO) | A mandatory leadership-level qualification for school special educational needs coordinators, replacing the NASENCO qualification from September 2024. It focuses on improving SEND provision and outcomes. | Funded for ALL schools |
| NPQ for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) | Designed for teachers who lead teaching in a subject, year group, key stage, or phase. Ideal for those responsible for improving teaching practice across a team. | Eligible schools only Or a school eligible for RISE intervention. |
| NPQ for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) | For staff who lead professional development for others, such as instructional coaches, mentors, or CPD leads. | Eligible schools NEW – Funding for teachers mentoring trainee teachers |
| NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) | For teachers and leaders responsible for behaviour, pastoral systems, attendance, or wider school culture. | Eligible schools only |
| NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) | Focused on developing and leading literacy across a school, particularly suited to literacy leads or those driving reading and writing improvement. | Eligible schools only |
| NPQ for Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM) | Designed for primary teachers and leaders who are responsible for leading maths across their school, supporting the development of high-quality maths teaching and curriculum. | Eligible schools only |
Three Rivers Teaching School Hub deliver NPQs through both Ambition Institute and the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), offering high-quality programmes and flexible options to support leadership and professional development across schools.
Ambition Institute
Key strengths:
- Highly structured national programme with clear sequencing and expectations
- Strong research base, drawing on established educational evidence and leadership theory
- Consistency of delivery, ensuring a standardised experience across cohorts
- Large national network, offering opportunities to connect with leaders across the country
- Clear progression pathways, particularly well aligned to leadership development
Best suited for participants who want:
- A tightly structured programme with clear guidance
- National-standardised content and expectations
- A highly research-led and consistent experience
NiOT (National Institute of Teaching)
NiOT offers a masters accredited, more flexible, context-responsive approach, with a strong emphasis on practical application and school alignment.
Key strengths:
- Greater flexibility and contextualisation, allowing content to be adapted to school priorities
- Strong focus on practical leadership application in participants’ own settings
- Regional collaboration and networking, supporting shared learning across local schools
- Closer alignment to school improvement priorities, rather than a one-size-fits-all model
- Opportunity for more personalised professional dialogue and support
Best suited for participants who want:
- A programme that reflects their school context and priorities
- More flexibility in applying learning directly to their role
- Strong regional collaboration and peer learning opportunities
Why choose Three Rivers TSH?
- Offer DfE-accredited programmes through national providers
- High-quality, evidence-informed delivery
- Delivered by expert practitioners who understand local school contexts
- Convenient, blended learning designed around busy school life
- Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the sector
Three Rivers TSH are happy to discuss the options available, please contact them at npqs@the3rivers.net if you would like further information.
