National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML)

Who is this course for?

The NPQML is suitable for middle leaders or aspiring middle leaders in roles such as key stage leader, curriculum leader, subject leader and head of department.

Course delivery and schedule

The qualification will be delivered using online learning. Due to Covid-19, We have adapted the mode of delivery to ensure a safe and effective programme for all. The programme takes one year to complete.

The modules allow you to engage at a time of day that suits you over a series of two week windows and there will be additional support to plan your in-school project and prepare for your final assessment.

Face to face sessions will be delivered in our training centre at our main office in Halesowen. From here we serve schools across Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Worcestershire.

Where we work with other multi academy trust partners, additional delivery locations are available. 

NPQML assessment

Each of the NPQ programmes has an assessment which is based on your learning from the modules put into practice through a workplace project. 

The assessment framework is compulsory and needed to complete the programme.

You will be guided through the assessment documentation, what evidence you need to gather and how best to present this. We will share examples of excellent submissions from our past delegates to help you to feel comfortable and assured ready for the assessment.

During the modules, you will get ongoing advice and guidance from qualified assessors and relevant templates and checklists to support your submission. We will also support your in-school coach so that they understand the process.

Cost and NPQ scholarship funding

The NPQML costs £1,199*.

The DfE is providing funding for participants in some areas to access the NPQ programmes at a fully funded rate. For applications made prior to the end of July 2020 eligible applicants are guaranteed the funding.

For NPQ programmes commencing in Autumn 2020 scholarships will continue but the criteria is still to be confirmed by the DfE and until they have established the available funding pot they have temporarily suspended scholarship applications. The latest DFE announcements on scholarships can be accessed here. 

We understand however that scholarship applications may be open again in late Autumn 2020 for schools in:

• Dudley
• Sandwell
• Walsall
• Wolverhampton
• Some parts of Staffordshire

If your school is not located within a funded area, there may still be an opportunity to access the funding. If you belong to a multi academy trust, which has a school in an eligible area, all staff within that MAT will automatically become eligible.

If DfE scholarship funding is unavailable, you will have the opportunity to withdraw prior to the programme commencing or your school could fund the qualification directly. 

*discounts are available for school and candidates that meet certain criteria. Please enquire at cpl@windsoracademytrust.org.uk to discuss this further. 

How to apply

You can apply for the NPQML by completing our online application form.

Apply now