Download Heads up - an NCSL and Education Guardian supplement 
(996kb, 7 pages).
The next round will open on 21 August 2009.
In the meantime, if you are thinking of applying for NPQH, find out what current participants have to say about the programme.
NPQH is NCSL's highly successful flagship provision for aspiring headteachers. It is mandatory to hold or have a place on NPQH in order to apply for a first headship in the maintained sector. From April 2009 all first-time headteachers must be NPQH graduates.
NPQH has been redesigned to reflect the changing role of headship. It is for those who aspire to headship, not for those just seeking professional development.
If you would like to find out more about headship and if you are ready for headship and NPQH, explore this exciting new interactive resource. It looks at what headship and NPQH is to help you decide if this is the next step for you.
A series of videos are also available where you can hear from experienced headteachers who are leading a variety of schools in different phases and contexts.
You should be highly motivated to be a headteacher, no more than 12-18 months from applying for headship posts and have the full support of your headteacher or line manager. You should then be ready to take up a headship as soon as you graduate.
You can find out more about NPQH by using our online resource. This provides more information about what's involved in NPQH including participants from the programme talking about their experiences and giving advice on applying.
Other resources are available to help you find out if you are ready to apply for NPQH, including the National Standards for Headteachers and an online self-assessment exercise.
If you want to apply for NPQH, read the guidance we have prepared and view the online application form.
Find out how NPQH can support aspiring headteachers in your school and how you can help develop them.
Further information about NPQH can be found by following the links on the right hand side of this page.
The NCSL help desk is also able to provide support for NPQH applicants. The telephone number is 0845 609 0009 or you can email enquiries@ncsl.org.uk. Help desk opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am-9pm.
"I am confident that the new NPQH will help inspire the next generation of school leaders, and make a real difference to the schools and pupils of the future." Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
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