NPQ for Headship

A leadership National Professional Qualification (NPQ) delivered in partnership, for Dixons teachers who want to develop the knowledge and skills to lead school improvement at headship level.

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 knowledge that underpins expert school leadership and apply it to become an outstanding principal.

Who is this programme suitable for?

This programme is suitable for:

• Dixons teachers who are or who aspire to be a principal or head of school with a responsibility for leading a school. Participants must be at senior leadership level or above currently

Roles may include:

• Principal / senior vice principal / vice principal / assistant vice principal / associate AVP
• Assistant principal / associate assistant principal

Please note, this list is not exhaustive.

Programme curriculum

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

• setting clear goals and communicating shared values that improve classroom and school culture
• leading effective implementation in educational settings
• leading effective professional development to improve practice and outcomes for students
• supporting colleagues to meet individual needs and making sure all students have access to a rich curriculum
• leading school-wide professional development for staff
• establishing good financial, human and educational resource management
• making and acting on evidence-informed decisions
• working well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community
• leading by example, be accountable for decisions and make sure staff know their professional responsibilities.

What is the commitment?

Over 18 months you will:

• attend a school visit
• attend two all day, face-to-face conferences
• attend seven 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 can sit the assessment two times, if they need to.

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. Please contact centreforgrowth@dixonsat.com to find the next cohort start date.

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