On Friday 10 January 2025, the DfE announced a review of the national professional qualifications (NPQs) frameworks. The review is expected to take 18 months and will be supported by a wide-ranging programme of engagement from across the sector.

The review will focus on four key areas:

• SEND,
• leadership progression
• workload reduction
• operational leadership.

Click here to view a Schools Week article about the NPQ review.

The review will include the convening of an expert steering group who will work in partnership with the DfE and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to update the frameworks. Details of the Review, along with the Expert Steering Group members, are available at: NPQs framework review - GOV.UK.

On Thursday 10 July, DfE advised that an initial report on the responses to the first NPQ Call for Evidence, focused on the NPQs for Headship, Senior Leadership and Executive Leadership, has been published.

DfE are working closely with EEF and external experts to review the evidence and inform decision making when updating the frameworks.