How NPQs can enhance professional development in your school

The National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) reshape professional development for teachers and school leaders across the nation. Let’s delve into five compelling ways these qualifications enhance school professional development

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Ambition Institute

NPQs stand as a voluntary suite of qualifications strategically designed to elevate the professional acumen of teachers and school leaders. This suite, encompassing both specialist and leadership qualifications, acts as a catalyst for driving sustainable improvement within schools.

Under the specialist umbrella, five distinctive NPQs pave the way for honing classroom excellence:

• NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT).
• NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC).
• NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL).
• NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD).
• NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM).

These specialised qualifications offer continuous professional development (CPD) avenues, allowing teachers to refine their teaching prowess.

Leadership focus: Nurturing leadership potential

For those steering towards leadership roles, four targeted NPQs await:

• NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
• NPQ in Headship (NPQH).
• NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL).
• NPQ in Executive Leadership (NPQEL).

The content within these leadership-oriented NPQs draws from an evidence base approved by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), aligning with a robust foundation of educational expertise.

How do NPQs transform professional development?

A unified ‘golden thread’

NPQs seamlessly weave a ‘golden thread’ throughout every phase of a teacher’s career, ensuring alignment from classroom practitioners to leaders overseeing multiple schools.

Diverse pathways for growth

Diversification is the key. NPQs offer staff multiple pathways and options, whether they specialise in teaching leadership, behaviour management, or teacher development. This diversification aligns with the evidence-backed framework, fostering continuous improvement.

Focused learning objectives

NPQs spotlight the essential knowledge and skills members of staff require, steering away from generic leadership styles. In contrast, they concentrate on honing the sector-specific competencies vital for effective teaching and leadership in the educational landscape.

Rooted in robust evidence

Informed by comprehensive evidence, NPQ frameworks distil the essence of effective professional development, demystifying quality teaching and facilitating wider adoption by educators.

Impact on attainment

Backed by a study commissioned by Wellcome, NPQs are positioned as catalysts for boosting attainment. The study reveals that 35 hours of high-quality professional development annually could yield outcomes comparable to having a teacher with a decade of classroom experience. Moreover, quality CPD emerges as a key player in enhancing teacher retention.

As school business leaders navigate the challenges of running schools, understanding and embracing the transformative power of NPQs becomes crucial. These qualifications not only provide a clear path for professional growth but also play a key role in improving the overall educational experience and nurturing the future leaders in our schools.