National Professional Qualification
Executive Leadership (NPQEL) for international schools
Our National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) programme equips senior leaders to manage multiple schools, driving strategic improvement and building success at scale.
98% NPQ Participant satisfaction Rating
DfE Satisfaction Survey, Spring 2023
At a glance
Course duration
18 months
Virtual Face-to-Face Events
6
Online learning
38 hours
Coaching
6 hours
Total Learning Hours
116 hours
What will you learn on the NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) programme?
The NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) programme is tailored to develop the strategic and operational skills required to lead multiple schools or educational settings within an international context. Participants will gain expertise in setting a clear vision, managing diverse resources, and cultivating a positive organisational culture that drives continuous improvement across various school environments.
The programme focuses on key areas, including systems thinking, effective stakeholder engagement, financial management, and leading change. Participants will also explore strategies for building collaborative networks across the global educational community.
The emphasis is on developing leaders who can inspire, influence, and implement sustainable improvements in international school settings, ensuring success across different cultural and educational landscapes.
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Who should apply for NPQEL?
- Head Teachers
- Executive Headteachers
- Aspiring Executive Leaders
- Directors of Education
- CEOs of Multi-Academy Trusts
How is the Executive Leader programme delivered?
The NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) is an 18-month programme that includes six Face-to-Face events, 38 hours of online study, and dedicated time for independent learning.
The qualification is delivered through a structured, cyclical approach, starting with a face-to-face event that participants can attend either in person or remotely from any location worldwide.
Each cycle then continues with an online module, practical activities, and a formative assessment task, enabling you to immediately apply new strategic leadership skills across multiple educational settings. The cycle concludes with in-school performance coaching, providing personalised support to help you implement your learning effectively. This approach offers flexibility while delivering practical, in-depth learning specifically designed for leaders in international schools.
The programme culminates in an Impact Review, followed by a Summative Assessment Case Study to consolidate your learning and demonstrate your impact on school improvement.
What are the benefits of completing the NPQ for Executive Leaders (NPQEL)?
The NPQ Executive Leadership (NPQEL) provides candidates with up-to-date knowledge on how to lead multiple schools effectively, setting a strategic vision and driving sustainable improvement across all schools within their organisation.
Not only does Best Practice Network support you throughout the course via personal coaching and a purpose build virtual learning environment, we also have a global network of 165 schools, organisations, and universities.
This diverse expertise helps us develop tailored programmes, which is delivered by skilled facilitators in your area.
Benefits for schools
- The NPQEL equips leaders with the skills to make evidence-based strategic decisions, ensuring that leadership across multiple schools is both effective and efficient.
- Leaders will have the capability to review and evaluate current practices, driving systemic improvements that benefit both staff and pupils across the organisation.
- Leaders trained through NPQEL will foster stronger relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, governors, and community partners, enhancing school and community collaboration.
- Schools benefit from leaders who are committed to building partnerships that support the organisation’s goals and strengthen its impact within the wider community.
- Schools gain access to increased national and international partnership opportunities, enriching leadership practices through diverse perspectives and best-in-class approaches from various sectors.
- This programme provides leaders with valuable insights into wider education systems and cross-sector strategies, enabling them to adopt and implement the most effective practices across their schools.
Benefits for learners
- You will develop the capability and confidence to lead multiple schools effectively, gaining the strategic knowledge required to make impactful decisions across a large organisation.
- The NPQEL enhances your ability to evaluate and improve practices across schools, ensuring that you can drive meaningful, systemic change.
- You will gain increased self-awareness and a deep understanding of the behaviours needed to lead successfully across multiple organisations.
- The programme offers dedicated time for reflection on your leadership practice, allowing you to identify your learning needs and shape your professional development.
- Engage in national and international networking opportunities, connecting with executive leaders from both within and outside the education sector.
- Benefit from a fully blended learning approach, including executive coaching and enrichment activities, which will provide diverse perspectives and expand your leadership toolkit.
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 or Chair of Governors (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 NPQEL, applicants must have the following:
- Teacher Reference Number (TRN) - see TRN Support Guide
- 2 years teaching experience
- Leadership aspiration/experience
- Must be proficient in English
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.
NPQEL International costs £5950 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.
The Leadership Performance Coach (LPC) is a participant’s main point of contact for the duration of the NPQEL. Our Leadership Performance Coaches are experienced teachers and leaders who are experts in our programme curriculum. They understand first-hand the challenges teachers experience in work life. Their role is to support a participant's progress and development through the programme. They support you by:
- 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
Our Leadership Performance Coaches apply flexibility and are accountable to ensure success on your programme. With the above responsibilities, their main role and purpose is to help you manage your workload and ensure work life balance as much as possible whilst studying with us.
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 NPQEL Framework below. If your computer or device does not support the Adobe plugin you can download the framework pdf here.
Related Courses & Content
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Learn moreNPQ for Headship
Equips headteachers or aspiring heads with the skills to manage and lead a school effectively.
Learn more
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