Benefits of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSL

• Participants will undertake a single, integrated programme in which the NPQ learning outcomes and the Apprenticeship knowledge, skills and behaviours have been seamlessly mapped.
• Enjoy applying learning in the workplace through practical projects and case studies.

Content overview

Key topics you’ll explore through the lens of the work of a senior leader:

• School / college culture
• Teaching
• Curriculum and assessment
• Behaviour
• Additional and special educational needs and disabilities
• Professional development
• Organisational management
• Implementation
• Working in partnership
• Governance and accountability

The Learning Journey

Within each module there are opportunities for you to complete formative assessment activities which will enable you and your facilitator to reflect on and evaluate the progress you make whilst completing the qualification.

• Strengthen your ability to make informed, strategic decisions that ensure long-term sustainability and compliance.
• Learn how to empower staff to improve teaching practices and drive continuous professional development across your school.
• Stay ahead of educational trends by identifying and responding to the evolving needs of pupils and your wider school community.

• Use evidence-based approaches to drive sustainable school improvement.
• Support colleagues to apply research-driven strategies in the classroom.
• Understand the key principles that enhance teaching quality.

• Extend and deepen your leadership knowledge through engaging with current research and applying evidence-based strategies to real-world challenges.
• Develop crisis management skills by learning how to effectively manage and respond to critical situations with confidence, ensuring stability and continuity within your school.
• Understand the educational landscape clearly and explore marketing strategies that strengthen your school’s values and public perception.
• Learn how to enhance parental engagement and build positive relationships with parents, empowering them to support their children’s learning and contribute to a thriving school community.

• Use strategic decision-making approaches to drive sustainable school improvement.
• Gain insights from experienced leaders in other schools through discussion forums and shared best practices.
• Recruit, develop, and support staff effectively, fostering a high-performing team.
• Apply financial planning and risk management to workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Understand the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in education leadership and its impact on your school community.

Participants can access Virtual Specialist SEND Masterclasses, delivered termly, to enhance their knowledge of supporting children with SEND. These webinars cover key topics, including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Communication Needs, providing valuable insights for effective inclusion and support strategies.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is designed for school and college leaders who are, or who are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school/cross-college responsibilities, including recently appointed headteachers.

To be eligible for this programme you will need to:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Be employed for a minimum of 16 hours per week in England
• Provide evidence of a GCSE English and Maths at a Grade 4 (Grade C) or a Level 2 Functional Skills

How will I study?

Throughout the programme, you will engage in a variety of learning activities  These activities form a compulsory element of the programme. You will also apply new knowledge and skills through practical activities and projects, including:-

• independent online learning
• face-to-face workshops and training events
• online webinars and 1:1 coaching and support

As part of the online learning, you will have the opportunity to engage with relevant research and evidence, learn how leaders in other schools carry out their role and participate in discussion forum activities.

In addition, you’ll be asked to complete a series of activities to build a personal online learning journal, record of CPD and a portfolio of evidence.

Throughout your programme, you will be expertly guided with support from your two facilitators, one will be apprenticeship focused and the other NPQ focused. They will work side by side.

Additional support will be by your in-school coach who will work with your apprenticeship facilitator to review your progress on six occasions throughout the programme.

Off-the-job Training

Off-the-job training is a key part of your development. This means dedicated time during your normal working hours to focus
on learning and applying new skills related to your apprenticeship.

Think of it as your chance to dive deeper expand your knowledge, and grow professionally.

All of the required learning during the programme (asynchronous learning, workshops, webinars, face-to-face events and progress reviews) count towards your Off-the-job time. It can however also include a variety of other activities, such as:

• Reading relevant articles or publications and staying up-to-date on education or leadership trends and developments
• Applying your knowledge to real-world projects, solidifying your leadership skills and confidence
  
• Networking with peers and education leaders
• Research and revision
• Coaching and mentoring with both your Apprenticeship and NPQSL coaches and your in-school coach.

 Essentially, any activity that helps you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in your apprenticeship standard counts as “off-the-job” training. This dedicated learning time is crucial for your success and will help you become a skilled and competent leader in your setting.

How will you be assessed?

Formative assessment takes place throughout the programme, helping you to understand the progress you are making, and for your facilitators to adapt your learning experiences.

Whilst studying regular progress reviews will take place with you, your in-school coach and the Apprenticeship facilitator.

The final assessments provide the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of knowledge, skills, and behaviours you have developed
throughout the programme.

There are two separate assessment processes, one of each of your qualifications.

For the Apprenticeship

The Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place over a 2-month period and comprises:

1. Portfolio of evidence that documents your understanding of the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs)
2. Strategic Business Proposal (4,000 words) plus presentation
3. Professional discussion based on your portfolio of evidence.

For the NPQSL

There are two criteria to achieving the qualification:

• Engagement with a minimum of 90% of the course
• Successful completion of the NPQSL Summative Assessment.

The summative assessment takes the form of a 2,500-word response to a case study, completed in a single 8-day window at the end of your programme. The assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate how you would deploy the knowledge, skills and understanding gained through the NPQ to lead and implement a specific aspect of change.

Further details on NPQSL assessment.

Fully fund the Level 7 programme using your Apprenticeship Levy

Frequently Asked  Questions

Eligibility

When does the course start

The next cohort starts April 2025 and applications are now open. 

How to apply