National Professional Qualifications

Aquila NPQ Flyer

What is an NPQ?

Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE), National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a nationally recognised suite of qualifications for teachers and school leaders at all levels; from those who want to develop expertise in high quality teaching practice, to those leading multiple schools across a trust or other group of schools.

Teachers and leaders employed in state funded schools and state funded organisations including those that offer 16-19 places in England will be able to access a fully funded NPQ.

Why should I do an NPQ?

In undertaking an NPQ you will:

  • Gain a nationally recognised qualification
  • Learn from a rich curriculum based on evidence-based practice
  • Complete your learning in a flexible way- both virtually and in regional face to face groups

In addition, the revised suite of NPQs has been refreshed to reduce the workload burden on teachers and school leaders, while still enabling you to develop and apply apply your knowledge, skills and understanding both to your current school, and to other contexts.

Why complete your NPQ with the Aquila and Aquinas? 

We are proud to be a delivery partner for the Church of England Education Office who are working with the Catholic Education Service.

Completing your NPQ with the Church of England (in partnership with the Catholic Education Service) will give you the added benefits of:

  • Small group expert coaching for every leader on every programme, in partnership with Chartered College of Teaching and Leadership Matters
  • Learning alongside peers with shared commitment to vision-driven education (including focus on rural and small schools)
  • Expert facilitators from high-performing MATs/schools, Teaching School Hubs supported by leading academics bringing the research base alive
  • Support for your wellbeing and personal growth through our extensive Peer Support Networks, and Diocesan Education teams

The Church of England’s mission is to develop school leaders to be Called to a lifegiving vocation, Connected to a thriving learning community, and Committed to evidence-informed excellence in education.

How to apply for the 2024/2025 cohorts? 

You will need to apply via the Church of England Education Office: https://www.cefel.org.uk/npq/

There are 3 steps to this process:

  • Step 1 - Register with the DFE (you will need your teacher reference number and your schools unique reference number to hand)
  • Step 2 - Complete your Application Form
  • Step 3 - Sponsor Endorsement

Teacher Reference Number (TRN) Guidance

Here are the NPQs we are offering:

NPQ - Leading Teaching

NPQLT Course Overview

For more details of the course overview download:NPQLT

NPQ - Leading Teacher Development

NPQLTD Course Overview

For more details of the course overview download:

NPQLTD

 

NPQ - Leading Behaviour & Culture

NPQLBC Course Overview

For more details of the course overview download:

NPQLBC

NPQ - Senior Leadership

NPQSL Course Overview

For more details of the course overview download:

NPQSL

NPQ - Leading Literacy

What is the National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy (NPQLL)?

For English leads, Whole school Literacy leads

A blend of flexible online learning, online discussion, virtual workshops and face to face workshops, for a few hours study each month over 12 months. This is followed by an assessment where you will complete a 1500-word case study assessment to demonstrate your understanding of real leadership and change.

This completely new Specialist NPQ has an evidence-informed curriculum design, connecting you to the latest research and best practice. Our research-rich course covers all of the core content in the government’s Framework for this qualification. It will help you to:

Understand how to effectively develop pupils’ language, reading and writing skills

Implement effective strategies to improve pupils’ outcomes in literacy

Professionally develop others, creating change and supporting school culture