Level 3: the new NPQH

Dr Angela Jensen

What has changed

No longer mandatory for first time head teachers
New essential and elective modules with longer
placements and closer links to Masters and other
postgraduate qualifications
A more rigorous entry process and final assessment
Diverse range of organizations, including schools,
delivering the programme
Only one entry point per year

Application process
Online application process:
Online application
Applicants evidence assessed against pre-determined
criteria from NPQH assessment framework.
Online activity: a tool applicants will complete to
determine their leadership characteristics and
analytical and conceptual skills.
Sponsor (line manager) endorsement to verify the
applicants readiness for headship.

Assessment day
If on line application is successful invited for a one day
assessment.
3 assessed activities on the day:
Written response to a case study; an in-depth
interview; a scenario with an actor.
Candidates informed soon after the assessment day if
they have been selected as a trainee head teacher.
You r sponsor will be interviewed on the telephone
before the assessment day (the fourth assessed
activity).

Delivering the programme

Based on a new modular curriculum;

Each module has about 50 hours of learning;
A new approach to the delivery - licensing
32 licensees around the country;
A school/academy led approach;
Serving leaders involved in delivery (>50%);
Target recruitment numbers;
Strong approach to quality management.

Levels 1 to 5: the modular curriculum

Level 1:Leading a team within an organization (NPQML)
Level 2:Leading beyond a team (NPQSL)
Level 3: Aspiring to lead an organization (NPQH)
Level 4: Leading an organization
Level 5: Leading beyond an organization
3 areas underpin all the levels:
Educational Excellence;
Operational Management;
Strategic leadership

Level 3 modules
Essential:
Leading and improving teaching
Leading an effective school
Succeeding in headship
Electives:
Curriculum development
Achievement for all
Closing the gap
Using data and evidence to improve performance
Leading staff and effective teams
Leading change for improvement
Leadership in diverse contexts
School improvement through effective partnerships

Development Stage
In order to present for final assessment trainee
heads will need to have completed the following:
3 essential modules
2 elective modules
9 -10 day placement
In addition, licensees may offer additional
activities such as coaching.

NPQH Assessment Framework

16 competencies
Strategic Leadership

Educational Excellence

Operational Management

Self awareness and self

management

Delivering continuous
improvement

Efficient and Effective

Personal drive and

accountability

Modelling excellence in
teaching

Resilience and emotional

maturity

Learning focus

Conceptual thinking

Partnership and
collaboration

Future focus
Impact and Influence

Organisational and
community understanding

Analytical thinking
Relationship management
Holding others to account
Developing others

Finance
Scholarships
Eligibility criteria based
Values based on eligibility (Max 2,375)
Maintained sector standard school (Max c1500)
Capped number of scholarships (c1300)
No cap on programme numbers (for full paying
participants)
National College will fund:
Initial gateway assessment
Final assessment for all trainee heads within the
maintained
sector.

More information
New National College website:
www.education.gov.uk/nationalcollege
SELT (Southern Education Leadership Trust) are
the national lead organization for NPQH gateway
assessment and hold regular information
sessions and online information sessions.
SELT website:
www.selt.org.uk