NPQ for Senior Leadership

A leadership National Professional Qualification (NPQ) delivered in partnership, for Dixons teachers who are, or aspire to be, a senior leader with cross school responsibilities.

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, you will be supported to lead others to develop their pedagogical knowledge and classroom skills and implement the development of good models of behaviour and learning across the whole school community including liaising with and training key stakeholders to ensure a safe learning environment for all. You will learn how to implement change successfully within your context and apply key principles of leadership with support from facilitators and colleagues.

Who is this programme suitable for?

This programme is suitable for:

• any Dixons teacher new in role as a senior leader or aspiring to be a senior leader
• Dixons middle leaders beyond their ECT years who are or aspire to be a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities

Roles of participants may include:

• Assistant principal / associate assistant principal
• Vice principal / assistant vice principal / associate AVP
• Head of faculty / department / subject / phase
• Head of year
• Head of early years
• Second in maths / equivalent
• SENCO
• Head of ITT
• Head of primary key stage / head of early years

Please note, this list is not exhaustive.

Programme curriculum

The programme follows the Department of Education’s National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for Senior Leadership, that will include learning on:

• setting clear goals and communicating shared values that improve the culture in your classrooms and school
• establishing a safe and positive environment for students
• supporting colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all students have access to a rich curriculum
• leading school-wide professional development for staff
• 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 colleagues know their responsibilities

What is the commitment?

Over 18 months you will:

• attend two all day, face-to-face conferences
• attend seven twilight two-hour facilitated clinics
• attend one two-hour assessment clinic
• attend three online peer-led community groups
• complete nine online courses (three modules per course) via StepLab, Ambition Institute's bespoke learning platform

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.