Applications for the next NPQ cohort (Autumn 26) are now open.

There is only one opportunity to begin an NPQ in the 26/27 academic year

Before applying, please speak to your Headteacher or line manager about getting support to do an NPQ. 

We recommend registering using a personal email address, which will reduce the likelihood of DfE, Best Practice Network or Teach First emails being screened out by school anti-malware systems.

Before registering for an NPQ with the DfE, you’ll be asked to create a GOV.UK One Login or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login account.

You need a teacher reference number (TRN) to register for an NPQ, even if you’re not a teacher. Learn about TRNs, including how to request one if you do not have one, here. 

If you work in early years or childcare, check if your workplace is registered with Ofsted and get their Ofsted unique reference number (URN) if they have one. 

If you experience any issues with registering on the DfE service, use the Support - GOV.UK One Login to request support.

NPQs with Best Practice Network (BPN)

We will continue to offer the NPQs, listed below, in partnership with BPN for the Autumn 2026 cohort. 

To apply, ensure that both Step 1 and Step 2 are fully completed: 

Step 1: DfE Application - click here to complete the DfE part of the NPQ application process.

Step 2: BPN Application - when completing your chosen NPQ application form (using the programme links below), please ensure you nominate 'HISP Teaching School Hub' as your chosen Delivery Partner from the drop-down list. 

• National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) - free to eligible schools only. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £895 

• National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) - free to eligible schools only. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £895 

• National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour & Culture (NPQLBC) - free to eligible schools only. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £895

• National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) - Scholarships available to all teachers and leaders from state-funded schools and 16 to 19 educational organisations. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £1,145

• National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs) - Scholarships available to all teachers and leaders from state-funded schools and 16 to 19 educational organisations. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £1,298

• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) - Scholarships available to all teachers and leaders from state-funded schools and 16 to 19 educational organisations. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £1,980

• National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) - free to eligible schools only. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £4,095

• Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) - free to all maintained schools (application criteria will apply). Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £800

NPQS with Teach First (TF)

We will continue to offer the NPQs, listed below, in partnership with TF for the Autumn 2026 cohort. 

To apply, ensure that both Step 1 and Step 2 are fully completed: 

Step 1: DfE Application - click here to complete the DfE part of the NPQ application process. .

Step 2: TF Application - complete this application form to apply for the following NPQs. When completing Section 3, you will need to demonstrate your readiness to undertake your chosen NPQ programme and explain your motivations for wishing to do so. We appreciate that it can be challenging to pinpoint this within 400 words. We therefore have put together an overview document of the elements that could be included in a strong response.

• NPQ Leading Literacy (NPQLL) - free to eligible schools only. Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £899  

• NPQ Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM) - free to eligible schools only.  Self-funded (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £899 

• NPQ Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) - scholarship funding is available for publicly funded early years settings and maintained nursery schools. Self-fund (with either the participant or their setting paying the cost): £1,090 

We look forward to working with you on your chosen NPQ programme.

If you have any questions please email: npqs@hisptsh.org