UK Department for Education (DFE) Accredited (NPQs)

National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)

Our National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) programme equips senior leaders, in international settings, to manage multiple schools, driving strategic improvement and building success at scale.

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Quick Facts

Awarding Body

UK Department for Education

Study Mode

Online / Blended

Course Format

Online Study Units

Certification

England's DFE Accredited

Registration

Up to 4 weeks in advance of course

Certificate Timeline

Issued after completion within 4 weeks

Who should apply for NPQEL?

Head Teachers

Executive Headteachers

Aspiring Executive Leaders

Directors of Education

CEOs of Multi-Academy Trusts

Course Duration

18 months

Master Credits

100

Virtual Face-to-Face Events*

Online learning

38 hours

Coaching

6 hours

Total Learning Hours

116 hours

Registration Process

Submit Application

Submit your application through ICD's online form. Shortlisted candidates receive an offer letter.

Payment & Enrolment

Pay the course fee and share the payment receipt to confirm enrolment.

Access Portal

Once enrolled, you'll receive your login details by email to begin coursework on ICD's portal.

Each of the four annual intakes (Jan, April, July, October) runs for 3 months.

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What are the benefits of completing the NPQ for Executive Leaders (NPQEL)?

Benefits for schools

Strategic Organisational Improvement

The NPQEL equips leaders with the skills to make evidence-based strategic decisions, ensuring that leadership across multiple schools is both effective and efficient.

Leaders will have the capability to review and evaluate current practices, driving systemic improvements that benefit both staff and pupils across the organisation.

Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement

Leaders trained through NPQEL will foster stronger relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, governors, and community partners, enhancing school and community collaboration.

Schools benefit from leaders who are committed to building partnerships that support the organisation’s goals and strengthen its impact within the wider community.

Broader Network and Sector Insights

Schools gain access to increased national and international partnership opportunities, enriching leadership practices through diverse perspectives and best-in-class approaches from various sectors.

This programme provides leaders with valuable insights into wider education systems and cross-sector strategies, enabling them to adopt and implement the most effective practices across their schools.Participants will be equipped to support students who require more intensive behaviour interventions, improving overall pupil engagement and outcomes.

Benefits for learners

Advanced Leadership Skills

You will develop the capability and confidence to lead multiple schools effectively, gaining the strategic knowledge required to make impactful decisions across a large organisation.

The NPQEL enhances your ability to evaluate and improve practices across schools, ensuring that you can drive meaningful, systemic change.

Personal and Professional Growth

You will gain increased self-awareness and a deep understanding of the behaviours needed to lead successfully across multiple organisations.

The programme offers dedicated time for reflection on your leadership practice, allowing you to identify your learning needs and shape your professional development.

Expanded Professional Network

Engage in national and international networking opportunities, connecting with executive leaders from both within and outside the education sector.
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Benefit from a fully blended learning approach, including executive coaching and enrichment activities, which will provide diverse perspectives and expand your leadership toolkit.

FAQs

What are the requirements?

Applicants must have full support from their school/organisation. A School Improvement Officer, Director or Education/Learning (or similar authoritative role) must confirm their support and that all information submitted is true and correct. This is a Department for Education mandatory requirement.

To apply for NPQEL, applicants must have the following:

3 years experience as a headteacher
Leadership aspiration/experience
Must be proficient in English
A Teacher Reference Number (TRN) will also be required to obtain a DfE accredited certificate upon successful completion of the programme. Applicants will be supported to obtain their TRN during the registration process if they do not already have one.

If you are unsure if you meet the above requirements or have other relevant experience then please contact our team who will be able to support your application.

What does it cost?

NPQEL International costs £5950 plus VAT where applicable. VAT is chargeable on courses funded by private individuals.

Please refer to our NPQ programme funding guidance document for more information.

Leadership performance coach

The Leadership Mentor is a participant’s main point of contact for the duration of the NPQLBC. Our Leadership Mentors are experienced teachers and leaders who are experts in our programme curriculum. They understand first-hand the challenges teachers experience in work life. Their role is to support a participant's progress and development through the programme. They support you by:

Providing advice and feedback throughout the programme
Marking and responding to all of your practice task activities completed for each online course
Providing you with feedback on each of the Formative Assessment Tasks following their completion

Our Leadership Mentors apply flexibility and are accountable to ensure success on your programme. With the above responsibilities, their main role and purpose is to help you manage your workload and ensure work life balance as much as possible whilst studying with us.

At the end of the programme, in conjunction with their mentor and in-school performance coach, participants will evaluate the impact of the programme on their leadership development and the benefits to their school.

NPQEL Framework

The NPQ frameworks are based on a robust method of design and development, building on the evidence base and expert guidance already established in the ECF and the ITT Core Content Framework. The NPQ frameworks reflect the Teachers’ Standards and Headteachers' Standards to ensure coherency with the requirements already used by the teaching profession.

Please see the NPQEL Framework below. If your computer or device does not support the Adobe plugin you can download the framework pdf here.

Program Fee

LEADERSHIP Qualifications

Empowering school leaders and aspiring heads.

Cert in Executive Leadership

£ 5950

For CEOs and multi-school leaders.

Need-based and merit-based scholarships available at ICD Centers.

Enquire Now

Take the next step in your teaching journey by registering your interest with ICD. Submit your enquiry online to receive guidance on modules, preparation options, registration, and payment process.