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How to Apply

Applications for the next NPQ cohort (Autumn 26) will be opening soon, and expressions of interest are now open.

If you are interested in an NPQ, please complete our expression of interest form, and we will let you know when applications go live. Further details will be shared in due course.

Complete our expression of interest form

 

 

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

Kindly ignore the instructions below until applications are open again.

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 DfE Identity account or sign in to your 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. 

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. 

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