Download Heads up - an NCSL and Education Guardian supplement 
(996kb, 7 pages).
1. Is NPQH now mandatory?
Yes. On 1 April
2004, it became mandatory for all first-time headteachers within the maintained sector to hold or be
working towards NPQH. The transitional arrangement allowing those with a place on the programme to be
appointed will end on 31 March 2009, after which, only those holding NPQH will be eligible for appointment
to their first substantive headship post.
2. When can I be appointed to my first substantive headship?
You
cannot be appointed to your first substantive headship until you have successfully completed the two-day
eligibility process. At this point you are deemed to have a confirmed place on the programme as set
out in the mandatory regulations. For intake one this will be in late September/October
2008.
3. Do I need qualified teacher status (QTS)?
You
do not need to have QTS to undertake NPQH. However, you should familiarise yourself with the National
Standards for Headteachers and reflect on our own readiness for headship as if you do not have
a role where you impact on teaching and learning you may find it difficult to meet the eligibility requirements.
For information on how to acquire QTS, contact the teaching information line, run by the Training and
Development Agency for Schools (TDA), on 0845 6000 991.
4. Why has NPQH changed?
NPQH was
last redesigned in 2001 and it is now time to update the qualification to reflect the changing nature
of the role of the headteacher and of school leadership in general. Heads today have new responsibilities
and there are radical changes in the way schools interact with other services.
5. Who can apply for NPQH?
NPQH
is for those close to headship and committed to applying for headship immediately on graduation. Further
details can be found on the How to apply page. NPQH is intended for those who are
12–18 months from headship.
6. When is the next opportunity to apply to NPQH?
There
are four application rounds per year. Further details on the next recruitment round can be found on
the how to apply page.
7. What
is the NPQH programme like?
NPQH
builds on prior learning and experience and develops professional skills and expertise. It offers a
personalised, stimulating programme based on individual development needs. NPQH trainee headteachers
can access a range of opportunities including national learning materials, placements, coaching, online
resources and local leadership development activities.
8.
How long is the NPQH programme?
The NPQH programme
is personalised and focuses on the development needs of each candidate as they approach headship. For
this reason, every candidate will be on the programme for a different amount of time – between 4 and
12 months.
9. What is the timetable for
intake two?
The indicative timetable is as follows:
-
12 September to 10 October 2008: application round window.
- January/February 2009: two-day
assessment event. Successful applicants at this stage will be deemed to have a confirmed place on
the programme. In line with the mandatory regulations, it is only at this stage that applicants will
be able to be appointed to their first substantive headship.
- February/March 2009: introductory
sessions.
- April
2009 to March 2010: personalised learning pathway followed by graduation panel.
10.
How is the application process different
in the revised model?
The previous model had a one-stage eligibility process
- application form with a supporting statement. The revised model has a second stage following application
in the form of a two-day assessment event. It is not until the applicant has successfully completed
the assessment event that applicants are deemed to have a confirmed place on the programme, at which
point they proceed to trainee headship.
11. Do I need NPQH to proceed to deputy headship?
No.
NPQH is not required for deputy headship. NPQH is intended for those who are 12-18 months from headship.
It is designed to prepare people for headship rather than just to provide really good professional development.
12. I am an acting head. Do I need NPQH?
No.
You only need NPQH before you take on your first substantive headship.
13. I'm currently overseas. Can I apply?
Yes.
As NPQH has been redesigned to be completely personalised, there are fewer compulsory face-to-face elements.
However, there are still some elements that must be completed face-to-face and for which you would need
to travel to England. These are:
14. I work in the independent sector.
Do I need NPQH?
No. You only need NPQH for schools in the maintained sector,
but if you intend to move into a headship position in the maintained sector you can apply. However,
you will have to fund the programme yourself. If you subsequently take up your first substantive headship
position in a maintained school, you or your sponsor will be able to claim back the cost (or part cost)
of the fees for the programme.
15. I don't work in a school. Can I still do NPQH?
Yes.
In order to get on the programme you can draw on any leadership and management experience you have had
in recent years. There is no requirement to be working in a school in order to do NPQH, as long as you
have a leadership/management role of some kind. There is no longer a school-based project as was previously
the case.
As NPQH is completely personalised and self-directed, you can choose what forms of development are most appropriate for you - which could mean learning on the job rather than going out onto a training day. You will have the opportunity to discuss your personalised pathway with an assessor and a coach as well as with your line manager.
16. Are there any other opportunities available
to me?
Yes,
you can explore our website for full details. Some of the NCSL leadership development opportunities
that might be of interest to you are below.
17. Can NPQH count towards a Master’s
degree, or vice versa?
NCSL has an agreement with some universities whereby NPQH
can contribute to a Master’s and has equivalence of up to 60 CAT points.
If you have done a Masters degree, you may draw on the evidence from your degree work in your NPQH application.
For more information and a list of participating universities, please see our page on Master’s accreditation.
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