NPQ FAQs

NPQ programmes begin at various points in the year. Please email Helen Main at Unity Teaching School Hub (hmain@unitysp.co.uk) to enquire.  Our advice is to begin your registration and application early so that you are ready in good time.  See Register & Apply for details.

While it is not a requirement that participants have QTS status, providers will assess candidates' suitability for NPQ qualifications, bearing in mind that content frameworks contain sections on teaching and learning. This would need to be considered in line with the context of the individual circumstances.  Participants must have a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) in order to register for an NPQ programme but the DfE will support with applying for a TRN during registration if the candidate doesn't yet have one. 

Most teachers are eligible for a scholarship to fully cover your NPQ course fees, or to do the early headship coaching offer.  Please see our summary page or the DfE webpage for up-to-date information. 

The school does not have to pay towards any course fees. There are costs associated with enabling anyone studying for an NPQ to have non-contact time to attend course events. Some schools are eligible for targeted support funding for this: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-professional-qualifications-npqs/funding-for-national-professional-qualifications-npqs#targeted-support-funding 

The benefits to your school far outweigh the associated costs: see our summary. 

Study can last between 12 and 18 months, depending on your chosen NPQ. The course structure is determined by each lead provider (e.g. TDT or NiOT and delivered by a local delivery partner (e.g. Unity Teaching School Hub).  

The great majority of study happens flexibly around work, with online learning, online discussion and locally-run webinars.  The online learning is complemented by face-to-face sessions so you can spend some time working together with your peers. 

Here's an idea of time commitment from you (please check each NPQ course description on the leader provider's website for updates).

Teachers receive a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) when they qualify for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Participants must have a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) in order to register for an NPQ programme but the DfE will support with this during registration if the candidate doesn't yet have one.   Click 'I don't have a TRN' when prompted and follow the instructions. 

If you do have one, but don't know what it is: 

• Check your QTS certificate
• Check your payslip
• Check your teachers' pension documentation
• Check your GTC card (former organisation General Teaching Council)
• Contact your employer, HR department or Payroll Department
• Continue with the DfE registration for NPQs - click 'No, I don't know my TRN' and follow the instructions.

Yes, however, if you withdrew from or failed an NPQ, you will not be eligible for further funding for this NPQ.

The new suite of NPQs is designed to provide training and support for teachers and leaders at all levels, and through the entirety of a teacher's career.  Therefore, teachers are permitted to take more than one NPQ for example, to support their career progression or if changing leadership role at the same level. We would expect teachers to have successfully completed their NPQ before undertaking a further NPQ.   If you withdrew from, or failed, the NPQ you wish to redo, you will not be eligible for funding for this NPQ.

Our NPQ homepage contains this information. Please navigate there: /programmes/npq

To ensure our participants get the most from their NPQ and that they are supported for the duration of their course, we require them to name an NPQ course sponsor on their application.

An NPQ course sponsor should be the applicant’s direct line manager, usually their head of school or another member of the senior leadership team.   

If you are a Sponsor and wish to know more, click here.