FAQs

Will NPQs help me progress in my career? 
NPQs are there to support you in your current role or help you progress into an aspiring role. They will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need, to ensure you are confident and have the techniques you require to make executive and informed decisions as a teacher or leader.  

How do I choose the right programme for me? 
It’s important to think about your aspirations for taking the programme and if it will help support you achieve these. Some of the programmes require you to have a certain level of experience or qualification prior to taking them. So, do ensure you check thoroughly the information on our website.  

When do programmes start? 
For most NPQs we start cohorts around April or October. However, there are other courses that we provide that start at different times of the year.  

Can I realistically fit a programme in around my day job? 
It’s important to us that you can successfully complete your programme alongside your day-to-day work..  
That’s why the studying and tasks required are paced carefully over the period of the programme and deadlines are clearly communicated well in advance. Online tasks can be completed flexibly according to your personal schedule and preferences. If you experience any problems our team is on hand to support you.  

Should I do an NPQ if I did the old version of NPQs? 
The format of NPQs has changed and been developed. The historic NPQML has now been replaced by specialist programmes to provide greater focus on specific areas of school leadership. If you have previously engaged with the legacy NPQs you should review the new NPQs to see which would most suit your role and career aspirations. 

Which NPQs are funded for April 2026

NPQs in April 2026 are not supported by DfE bursary funding. All places are fee-paying, with a separate apprenticeship route available for NPQSL.

Will there be funded opportunities in the future

The DfE have not confirmed if there will be any future funding for the November 26 cohort as of yet.

Do you provide a payment plan? 
Unfortunately, we do not offer a payment plan at this moment in time, but participants or schools are invoiced directly for the cost of the NPQ programme. 

Am I able to split the costs with my school / organisation for my chosen NPQ? 
Yes, however, this would be agreed by the school/organisation and yourself and an invoice would be generated to the proposed contact i.e. the participant or the school business manager/bursar. 

How much does an NPQ cost? 
Prices are available from here under each of the different NPQ programmes. Please note, NPQ prices are subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%. 

Do I need a Teacher Reference Number to study an NPQ? 
If you do not have a TRN (Teacher Reference Number), you will need to apply for one at a later stage once you have been accepted on to the April 2026 NPQs. We will notify you when you need to do this.

How long does the application process take? 
The length of time in completing the application varies depending on how much time you can dedicate and how quickly the nominated individuals can return their responses. It is not an onerous task and you can speed it up by making sure you have the following details to hand: Headteacher / Principal email address, school address, in-school coach email address, Teacher Reference Number (TRN), Bursary / Finance Manager email address. 

What information do I have to provide? 
The application has multiple stages to capture sufficient detail on your experience, your motivations for wanting to undertake the NPQ and what you hope to achieve. You will take the opportunity to nominate an in-school coach to support you, alongside your headteacher / sponsor. Your application will then be submitted for review with your chosen delivery partner. 

Who should my sponsor be? 
Your sponsor should be your Headteacher/Principal or the leader with responsibility for CPD in your school/organisation. 

On the application form, it states “Aspiring” what does this refer to? 
We recognise that you may not have taken on the role of a senior leader, headteacher or the role you are hoping to attain. Therefore, our NPQs are designed to give you the foundations to enable you to build and develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to accelerate your career. You will be making an impact from day one! The NPQ programmes we have designed enable you to gain the knowledge and skills required for your role and support you to apply your learning in your school whilst undertaking your studies. Whether you are in role or aspiring our NPQs are tailored to suit your starting positions – apply today!  

I started an application form but did not complete it, can I still apply for an NPQ? 
Yes, our system will hold onto your application and allow you to revisit this, even if it’s been a little while! If you are unsure on how to access your application, please email enquiries@llse.org.uk and our friendly team will be able to get you back on track! 

How do I know which delivery partner to select? 
Delivery partners are the organisations (like Universities or Teaching School Hubs or MATs) who we work with to enable you to study for your NPQ in your location, helping you build your community of leaders and making sure you don’t have to travel too far for your face-to-face events.  
The delivery partner that you select will be based upon where your home or school location is based. Please take a moment to view our delivery partner map to aid your search. Can’t find a partner in your area? Get in touch with us and we will support you to find an appropriate option. 

My delivery partner has multiple clusters, which one is right for me? 
Some of our larger delivery partners will have clusters, which in essence, is a cohort running from a specific location with its own facilitators. Clusters will cover smaller geographical areas, providing greater access to professional development. We also have some Delivery Partners who run cohorts (groups) which have a specific focus such as our BAME ED Senior Leadership programme or our NPQLT for Teaching Assistants and Support Staff, these enable us to bring together people who are working in similar roles or contexts – you can find out more about these here. 

What if I change my mind on the NPQ I want to study? 
If you have only just started your NPQ application, then there is an opportunity to change the NPQ programme you want to apply for. However, as we are operating on a first-come, first-served basis, we cannot guarantee that a funded place will be available should you change your mind whilst completing all stages of our application. 

I haven’t got approval to study an NPQ from my Headteacher/Principal, should I speak to them before I apply? 
Yes, we would urge you to speak to your Headteacher/Principal in the first instance to identify if the NPQ is right for you. As part of the application process, you will be required to gain your sponsor / headteachers approval and commitment for you to undertake the NPQ programme.  

How do I decide on a suitable coach? 
We would suggest a trusted colleague or someone who will help to challenge your thinking and provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your learning to date. 

Do I have to have an in-school coach? 
Part of our ethos is the belief in the power of coaching. Therefore a benefit of our NPQs is that you have access to a in-school coach who can help support put your learning into practice. 

What should I expect from my coaching session?
You should proactively prepare discussion topics, ensuring your coach has reviewed any necessary documents beforehand. While we suggest discussion topics, the focus is up to you. Your coach won’t provide answers or solutions but will help you work through your ideas and reflections

How often will I meet with my coach? 
This will vary on whether you are studying a specialist or leadership NPQ, but this will be a minimum of once per module (3 modules for a specialist NPQ and 4 for a leadership NPQ).  

Will my coach receive information directly from LLSE? 
Yes, we will take every opportunity to update and communicate with your coach, whether this be inviting them to coach CPD sessions or sending through our updated coaching handbook. 

How do I update you if I’ve changed coach? 
Please speak to your chosen delivery partner in the first instance, passing on your new coach’s name and email address. Alternatively, you can email our friendly and dedicated support team on enquiries@llse.org.uk to update your details. 

My nominated coach has no formal experience of coaching, what training will they receive? 
As part of our commitment to offering high-quality learning opportunities, we ensure that your nominated coach benefits from a Coach induction session shortly after delivery of your programme begins. This will equip them with the knowledge, tools and confidence to support you throughout your NPQ journey. There are periodic meetings throughout the year we call our ‘Communities of practice’ that provide a forum where coaches come together, celebrate their collective success and share best practice. 

What is the difference between an in-school coach and an Executive coach? 
An in-school coach has been identified by an NPQ Participant to support them, this is usually in the form of a trusted colleague, senior leader or in some cases, their immediate line manager. Our Executive Coaches may have undertaken formal training in the field of coaching and often have experience in Senior & Executive leadership roles, enabling them to support a wide range of participants, specialising in a particular phase or strand of education or more generally. Sessions with an Executive Coach are features of our NPQH and NPQEL programmes. The sessions are funded by LLSE and you can choose your own coach, we have a directory to support you to find the right person, you can see that directory here.  

What type of coaching does LLSE provide? 
LLSE supports facilitative coaching which means working with your coach on the topics and challenges which you choose, they are there to guide your thinking, ask you questions and support you to challenge yourself. Facilitative coaching isn’t about following a script or giving you advice, it’s about empowering you and developing your leadership skills and behaviours.  

How do I become a coach / Executive coach? 
We are always on the lookout for individuals to become involved in coaching to support the many NPQ participants with further information found here including become an Executive Coach. 

What if I do not work in a school, how do I select an appropriate coach? 
If you are not currently working in a school or a similar setting i.e. you are currently working with an agency in a supply teacher role then we would suggest nominating a trusted colleague, your current line manager or taking the opportunity to select Executive coach from our directory. Please note, LLSE support with coach funding for individuals studying the NPQH and NPQEL programmes. If you seek the expertise of one of our Executive coaches outside of one of these programmes, you will be liable for any costs. 

I am a NPQH / NPQEL participant, how do I select a coach? 
LLSE support with coach funding for individuals studying the NPQH and NPQEL programmes. For those studying the NPQH, you will nominate an in-school coach as part of the application process and will meet with them for two of the four sessions. The remaining two sessions allow you the opportunity to work with an Executive coach from our Executive Coaching Directory. There is no determined sequence for engaging with coaches, but support is available via your delivery partner. For those studying the NPQEL programme, all coaching sessions will be with an Executive Coach (unless you have nominated a suitable coach).  

Do LLSE offer any additional coaching courses? 
Yes! We are offering the ILM Level 5 Coaching qualification in partnership with one of our delivery partners, Aspirations Academies Trust as part of their Aspirations Learning Institute offer.