Teacher Training
International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)
Train to become a qualified teacher with a UK government-backed qualification, without having to leave the country where you live and work.International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is designed to the same high standards as English Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). With Best Practice Network International, you’ll combine high-quality teacher training with hands-on experience in an international school.
For teachers currently working in international schools.
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At a glance
Course duration
9 months
Virtual Face-to-Face Events*
4
Online learning
38 hours
Coaching
6 hours
Total Learning Hours
90 hours
What will you learn on the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)?
iQTS gives you the knowledge, practical skills and classroom experience you need to become an effective teacher.
Your training combines evidence-informed learning with regular opportunities to put what you learn into practice in an international school.
You’ll develop your understanding of:
- Curriculum and teaching
Build your subject or phase knowledge and learn how to plan, teach and assess lessons that help pupils make progress. - Responsive teaching
Learn how to adapt your teaching to meet different pupils’ needs, including SEND and the cultural and linguistic diversity found in international classrooms. - Professional practice
Develop your understanding of safeguarding, inclusion, professional responsibilities, continuing professional development and the wider international school context. - Classroom practice
Put your learning into practice through 120 days of school-based training, supported by an experienced subject or phase mentor. - Intensive Training and Practice
Spend 20 days focusing closely on important aspects of teaching through expert input, observation, rehearsal, deliberate practice and feedback.
Apply here
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Who should apply for iQTS?
- Assistant Headteachers
- Deputy Headteachers
- Senior Pastoral Leaders
- Senior Curriculum Leaders
- Leaders of School Improvement
- Heads of Key Stage
How is the Senior Leadership programme delivered?
The NPQSL is an 18-month programme that includes four face-to-face events, 38 hours of online study, and time allocated for independent learning.
This qualification follows a structured, cyclical approach, beginning with a face-to-face event that participants can attend either in person or remotely from any location worldwide.
Each cycle then progresses with an online module, practical activities, and a formative assessment task, enabling you to immediately apply newly acquired skills. The cycle concludes with in-school performance coaching, providing tailored support to help embed your learning effectively. This approach combines flexibility with practical, in-depth development tailored to the needs of school leaders.
The programme culminates in an Impact Review and a Summative Assessment Case Study.
What are the benefits of completing the NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)?
The NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) provides international school leaders with the latest strategies for driving whole-school improvement and achieving excellent pupil outcomes.
Designed with global educators in mind, the curriculum equips you with the skills to lead effectively across diverse, multicultural settings, building a cohesive vision and promoting high standards throughout your school.
With Best Practice Network, you’ll receive continuous support, including personalised coaching and access to a purpose-built virtual learning environment tailored for international contexts.
Our global network of schools, organisations, and universities ensures that the programme is informed by a wealth of international expertise. Delivered by skilled facilitators in your region (or available as a remote online-only qualification), the NPQSL offers a learning experience that is relevant, supportive, and directly applicable to the unique challenges and opportunities in international education.
Benefits for schools
- Leaders trained through the NPQSL will be equipped to contribute to establishing and sustaining the school's strategic direction, driving impactful, long-term improvement.
- Participants will help develop and maintain an effective school culture, ensuring a unified approach to achieving high standards across all areas.
- NPQSL-trained leaders will contribute to improving the quality of teaching, ensuring lessons stimulate pupil thinking and understanding, and lead to better academic outcomes.
- By fostering effective school-wide planning and preparation, these leaders can ensure that educational delivery is consistent, efficient, and aligns with the school’s broader goals.
- Schools gain from regular updates provided to mentors and headteachers, keeping leadership development aligned with the school’s priorities and providing clarity on progress.
- The programme ensures leaders are well-prepared, minimising disruption and providing a steady path to passing final assessments, which supports smooth, effective transitions into senior roles.
Benefits for learners
- You will learn how to establish and sustain a strategic direction for your school, developing your ability to lead with impact and influence long-term outcomes.
- You will gain skills in creating and maintaining an effective school culture, empowering you to make meaningful and lasting improvements.
- The NPQSL will prepare you to take on greater responsibilities, enhancing your ability to drive school-wide initiatives and contribute to overall school success.
- By mastering strategic planning and aligning efforts across teams, you’ll position yourself as an influential leader capable of implementing lasting change.
- You will have access to a purpose-built virtual learning environment, making study flexible and convenient, with resources designed for mobiles and tablets.
- You will also receive guaranteed support to pass the final assessment, giving you the confidence and tools needed to succeed in your senior leadership journey.
Frequently asked questions about National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
Applicants must have full support from a sponsor within their school/organisation. This can be a head teacher, member of the SLT, line manager, Executive Head (or similar authoritative role) who must confirm their support for your application and that all information submitted is true and correct. There is no financial obligation for this role and it is a Department for Education mandatory requirement.
To apply for NPQSL, applicants must have the following:
- 2 years teaching experience
- 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.
NPQSL International costs £1705 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.
- 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
At the end of the programme, in conjunction with their mentor, participants will evaluate the impact of the programme on their leadership development and the benefits to their school.
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 NPQSL Framework below. If your computer or device does not support the Adobe plugin you can download the framework pdf here.
Related Courses & Content
NPQ for Headship
Equips headteachers or aspiring heads with the skills to manage and lead a school effectively.
Learn moreNPQ for Executive Leaders
Prepares executive-level leaders, or aspiring leaders, to effectively lead multiple schools at the CEO level.
Learn more
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