No cost, big impact: why now is the time to complete an NPQH or NPQSENCO

Over the summer holidays, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed full funding for the national professional qualification for headship (NPQH) and the national professional qualification for special educational needs coordinator (NPQSENCO) for teachers this year.

Why now?

This scholarship funding is only available for autumn’s intake, which is the only intake of 2025/26 and begins this November. So, if you’re an aspiring headteacher or SENCO, now is the time to apply. The funding may not be available for 2026/27.

What sets Inspire Learning TSH apart?

As the DfE’s Teaching School Hub (TSH) for Liverpool and the Wirral, Inspire Learning TSH has supported over 591 teachers to complete NPQs since their inception in 2021. It partners with University College London (UCL) to deliver a suite of NPQs and the university has been ranked number one by QS World University Rankings for education and training for 12 consecutive years.

Inspire Learning TSH currently offer six NPQs, including the NPQH and NPQSENCO. Both are designed by UCL, with input from Inspire Learning TSH’s education experts, to be:

• Relevant – grounded in current practice and expert theory
• Sequenced – a spiral, inquiry-based approach that builds on prior knowledge
• Practical – embedded in day-to-day teaching, not an added burden

Each programme includes face-to-face events, mentoring, coaching, and self-directed learning. Plus, a unique implementation project that allows participants to demonstrate their learning over the previous 18 months.

How do NPQs benefit schools and staff?

If you’re a teacher and unsure about starting an NPQ, or you’re a school leader considering releasing staff to complete one, Inspire Learning TSH have put together four key advantages. The following points showcase why NPQs are beneficial to teachers continuing their professional journey and for schools in achieving wider goals:

1. Expertise with immediate impact

Participants gain evidence-based strategies they can apply immediately, improving practice and pupil outcomes.

2. Leadership at every level

NPQs provide a structured pathway into leadership and support schools with succession planning.

3. Professional confidence

NPQs create confident and collaborative teachers who contribute meaningfully to staff development and training.

4. Motivation and retention

Participants who complete an NPQ with the backing of their school go on to have increased job satisfaction and schools, subsequently, witness increased long-term retention.  

To complete your NPQH or NPQSENCO this year, register now and select UCL with Inspire Learning TSH as your chosen organisations.