The next application round will open on Friday 27 February. In the meantime, you can attend a taster session to find out more about the programme. Find out where the taster sessions are taking place.
NPQH is NCSL’s highly successful flagship provision for aspiring headteachers. It is mandatory to hold or have a place on NPQH in order to apply for a first headship in the maintained sector and from April 2009 all first-time headteachers must be NPQH graduates.
NPQH has been redesigned to reflect the changing role of headship. It is for those who aspire to headship, not for those just seeking professional development.
You should be highly motivated to be a headteacher, no more than 12-18 months from applying for headship posts and have the full support of your headteacher or line manager. You should then be ready to take up a headship as soon as you graduate.
A number of resources are available to help you decide if you are ready to apply for NPQH. Find out more about these resources, including the National Standards for Headteachers and an online self-assessment exercise.
If you want to apply, read the guidance we have prepared and complete the online application form.
The NCSL help desk is able to provide support for NPQH applicants. The telephone number is 0845 609 0009 or you can email [email protected]. Help desk opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am-9pm.
Find out how NPQH can support aspiring headteachers in your school and how you can help develop them.
Further information about NPQH can be found by following the links on the right hand side of this page. If these pages do not answer your query, please email [email protected] or contact the NCSL help desk on 0845 609 0009.
"I am confident that the new NPQH will help inspire the next generation of school leaders, and make a real difference to the schools and pupils of the future." Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families