NPQ in Executive Leadership

A leadership National Professional Qualification (NPQ) delivered in partnership, for Dixons leaders who want to develop the expertise to become an outstanding executive leader.

We are proud to deliver the National Professional Qualifications in partnership with our delivery partner, Ambition Institute alongside Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust and Beckfoot Trust. To read about how we work in partnership for the NPQs click here.

What are the programme benefits?

As part of a fully blended learning approach that is designed to fit around your role, the programme will help you develop the specialist knowledge necessary for running a multi-school organisation. Executive leaders will learn to build a sustainable trust culture, developing policies that work across all schools, in areas such as assessment, behaviour and professional development. You’ll also discuss governance and accountability, and the best methods for building a partnership with families.

Who is this programme suitable for?

This programme is suitable for Dixons school leaders who are or aspire to be an executive principal or or have a school trust role with responsibility for leading several schools. Participants must be in a principal role or above currently.

Roles may include:

• Executive Principal
• Principal
• CEO (in first year)

Programme curriculum

The programme follows the Department of Education’s National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Executive leadership that will include learning on:

• creating a positive and effective culture across our schools or trust
• supporting school leaders and your senior team to put in place an evidence-informed approach to designing the curriculum
• giving clear feedback to teachers and making sure they are supported with guidance and training to do their jobs effectively
• creating and sustaining a positive, safe and predictable environment for all students across our schools or trust
• working with school leaders and your senior team to make sure professional development priorities are aligned with plans to improve your school or our trust
• working effectively in partnership with familes, the community and other schools and trusts
• participating in governance and be fully transparent and accountable

What is the commitment?

Over 18 months you will:

• participate in expert led coaching
• attend two all day, face-to-face conferences
• attend four twilight two-hour facilitated clinics
• attend one two-hour assessment clinic
• attend five online peer-led community groups
• complete nine online courses (six modules per course)

At the end of the programme, you will be supported in completing an open book structured assessment of up to 1500 words over a period of eight days.

Participants have two opportunities to sit the assessment, if required.

Next steps for Dixons teachers

Please complete an expression of interest form, or speak to your CPD lead.

This programme involves submitting an application directly to Ambition Institute and onboarding with them.

Centre for Growth will support you with the application and onboarding process.