If after reading about his experience you would like to know more about the NPQEL and start your application visit National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership
Throughout my career, I have made a strong commitment to my professional development to ensure I am as well equipped as possible to fulfil my duties within the education system. Having completed Masters, NPQH and other professional qualifications, the NPQEL felt like the logical progression to support my role as an Executive Leader.
Having been based in London for the majority of my career, I was keen to better understand some of the challenges facing Executive Leaders in other parts of the country. Having searched online, I came across LLSE and felt that it would give me the opportunity to work with leaders outside London, but at the same time, not to be too removed from my own context.
Having previously worked as an Executive Headteacher in a large Trust and now in my role in a smaller Trust, the course has provided me with the space to step back from the ‘coal face’, where I can examine, critique, and explore my knowledge and experiences to date. This not only has supported me to be more effective in my current role, but I know that it is helping prepare me for my next step - into the role of CEO (fingers crossed).
As you would expect, there are some strands of the programme where I have already gained a lot of experience and knowledge; for these modules, the course feels reassuring. By contrast, in other modules I have had to spend more time engaging with guidance and research to gain a better understanding and knowledge. The balance between the online self-directed learning, webinars and face-to-face sessions has been a good balance to allow me to personalise and prioritise my learning. I have had a ‘broad and balanced’ curriculum, which is
‘ambitious’, well ‘structured and sequenced’ to ensure it has had a ‘positive impact’ on my learning. As a result, I know more, can remember more and so can do more. (Who can see what I did there?)
If you have reached a position in your career where you are considering the next step into Executive Leadership, the NPQEL is a super programme to support you. For those who are already in post, I believe you too should benefit from the course. Along with the planned learning activities, the opportunity to network with like-minded peers, to test ideas and to be challenged is really valuable. You really have nothing to lose!
