Who is the course for?

The NPQH qualification provides an opportunity to explore leadership theory, strategy and practical activities to see impact within the delegate’s own school and is aimed at those who are, or are aspiring to become, a Head Teacher or Head of School with responsibility for leading a school.

How is the Course Structured?

All candidates will study six modules:

Teaching and Curriculum Excellence

• Lead and grow excellent teaching in a school
• Support pupils of all backgrounds, abilities and particular needs in the school to achieve high standards, including Pupil Premium, SEND, EAL or the most able pupils
• Systematically review the cumulative impact of initiatives on teacher workload and make proportionate and pragmatic demands on staff

Strategy and improvement

• Anticipate changes in the external and strategic environment
• Develop an evidence- based organisational strategy, in collaboration with the governing board
• Lead a successful whole-school change programme

Increasing Capability

• Hold all staff to account for performance using performance management, appraisal, misconduct and grievance systems
• Create and sustain an environment where all staff are encouraged to develop their own knowledge and skills, and support each other
• Anticipate capability requirements or gaps in the school and design strategies to fill them

Leading with Impact

• Distribute responsibility and accountability throughout the school to improve performance
• Be an inspiring leader in a range of different situations
• Communicate and negotiate with different people effectively to make progress on objectives

Managing Resources and Risk

• Balance a school’s strategic or educational priorities with financial efficiency
• Implement accountability arrangements to manage resources and risks effectively and in line with statutory requirements (where applicable, fulfilling the Accounting Officer role as defined in the Academies Financial Handbook)

Working in Partnership

• Use different models of partnership working to improve educational provision, sustain a culture of mutual challenge and learn from others (including parents/carers, the wider community and other organisation)
• Lead an effective partnership which brings benefits to the school and wider education system, particularly in their school’s area(s) of expertise or specialism

How is the course delivered: 

• 30 hours of face-to-face learning
• Regular sessions with your own coach
• Self-directed study prior to each face to face session
• Online learning
• Work on an in-school development project for an additional minimum two hours a week
• A placement in a contrasting school lasting at least nine working days

Our course includes a 360° diagnostic test. The diagnostic tool is based around the seven leadership behaviours on which you will be focusing during the programme:

Commitment; Collaboration; Personal Drive; Resilience; Awareness; Integrity; Respect

It is designed to enable you to collect the views of your colleagues (peers, team members, line managers, governors) so you are able to analyse your specific needs and leadership competency areas to target, using the programme and your leadership in school to develop and extend areas of knowledge, understanding and competence.

You will have the opportunity to complete the diagnostic at the start and again at the end of the programme and so judge and reflect on the progress you have made.

How is the course assessed?

You will complete two end of course tasks. Participants must:

Task 1

Lead a change programme at whole-school level, lasting at least two terms, to improve pupil progress and attainment.
Present the plan to the Governing board prior to implementation and gather their feedback.
Submit a 4,000 word written account of the project for assessment.

Task 2

Undertake a placement in a contrasting school, lasting at least 9 working days.
Design an action plan to address the school's current or projected resource and capability challenges.
Present the plan to the placement school's governing board and gather their feedback.
Submit a 2,500 word written account of the project for assessment.
 

How long does the course take?

The course will takes between 12 and 18 months.

 

How much does the course cost?

The cost for the NPQH course from September 2017 is £1,800 including externally verified final assessment and 360° diagnostic.

DfE funding may be available in some areas, please contact us for more information.

 

Applications
To register an interest in the NPQH please email teachingschool@woodrush.org for more details.