Catholic Leaders Programme with NPQSL
Equip your future leaders to lead with faith and purpose
This NPQSL programme prepares Catholic school leaders to step confidently into senior leadership roles within Catholic schools.
The School Leader Programme is a dual award which has mapped the DfE's NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) to the Level 5 Operations Manager Standard.
Delivered in partnership with Best Practice Network, and contextualised for Catholic schools and MATs, the programme blends academic rigour with real-world leadership challenges.
Who is this for?
This course is for Catholic school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities.
Although the role varies, many senior leaders contribute to all aspects of the school through the leadership team and having a specific whole-school responsibility of their own. This means the role is often both operational and strategic and relies on working with and through colleagues (in particular, through middle leaders) to ensure every pupil gets an excellent education.
Why undertake the Catholic Leaders Programme with NPQSL?
Strategic Leadership and Business Insight
- Gain cross-sector experience - Learn from thought leaders and practitioners across sectors bringing fresh insights into school leadership.
- Make use of apprenticeship levy funding - Access this professional development opportunity fully funded through the levy, including the NPQSL at no extra cost.
- Broaden your leadership perspective - Apply cross-sector leadership theory to your school context, deepening your understanding of organisational improvement.
- Enhance your business and management knowledge - Stay current with essential business theory and develop core leadership competencies.
Personal Growth and Practical Support
- Learn through real-world practice - Complete school-based activities assessed against your day-to-day role, helping you build practical leadership skills.
- Benefit from 1:1 coaching and content - Receive personalised coaching and support to help you succeed throughout the course.
- Work with an experienced tutor - A dedicated tutor will guide you through both the apprenticeship and NPQSL elements of the programme.
- Build your confidence as a team leader - Strengthen self-awareness and lead more effectively.
I have found this course to be the one that most clearly impacted upon my practice. In particular, the focus on linking theory and wider reading to my day job was hugely effective.”
Leaders Apprenticeship with NPQSL Programme Graduate
- 18-month course
- Flexible, school-based learning blending face-to-face and online delivery
- Catholic contextual content integrated throughout
- Dedicated Catholic school facilitators and peer learning groups
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Induction
- Programme induction begins with:
- Short Course 1: School Improvement and Implementation
- Initial orientation and reading tasks
Cycle 1
Face-to-Face 1: Ethical Principles and Leadership Behaviours
Short Course 2: Ethical Principles and Leadership Behaviours
Other elements:
- Monthly tripartite progress reviews and coaching
- Begin portfolio building and cross-sector online study
- Take part in enrichment activities
Cycle 2
Face-to-Face 2: Leading Culture and Ethos
Course 1: Leading Culture and Ethos
Continued support includes:
- Project development and practical assessment tasks
- Online and enrichment activities continue
Cycle 3
Face-to-Face 3: Leading Teaching
Course 2: Leading Teaching
Ongoing:
- Portfolio building, practice activities
- Tripartite reviews and study
Cycle 4
Face-to-Face 4: Leading Organisational Effectiveness
Course 3: Leading Organisational Effectiveness
Wrap-up includes:
- Final project completion
- Final coaching and reviews
Assessment Phase
- Tripartite Impact / Gateway Review
- End Point Assessment (EPA):
- Includes project report and presentation
- SAT (Summative Assessment Task)
Delivery Details
- Apprenticeship duration:
- NPQSL elements:18 months
- Commitment:
- 47 hours of synchronous activity
- 6 hours/week of asynchronous activity (based on 30+ hours/week employment)
- Deeply aligned with the Catholic mission and vision for education
- Nationally recognised and Department for Education accredited
- Backed by one of the UK’s leading school leadership training providers
- Delivered in partnership with your values, your context, and your goals
The School Leader Programme with NPQSL can be funded through your school’s apprenticeship levy. Schools will be able to access the funding through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
If your school needs help setting up your DAS account, just let us know and we’ll guide you through it.
The Catholic Leader Programme with NPQSL costs £9,000 from Apprenticeship Levy funds or co-investment for non-levy payers where the government pays 95%.
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The levy is paid by large employers with a wage bill of over £3 million. These employers pay 0.5% of their total annual pay bill into the levy. Most state-maintained schools and multi-academy trusts pay into the levy.
The levy is designed to create long term sustainable funding for apprenticeships and to give employers more control to provide their staff with a range of training opportunities.
Apprenticeship funded training is designed for both new and existing staff members.
Preparation & Induction - 2 hours
Face-to-Face Events - 4 days (24 hours)
Online Course Study - 38 hours
Performance Coaching & One-to-One Support - 6 hours (includes 2 group sessions)
Expert Delivery Webinars (Optional) - 4 hours
FATs (In-School Practice Application of Learning) - 20 hours
Total Learning Hours - 90 hours
Summative Assessment - 8 hours: Case Study (1500 words)
Cost - £1,140
Preparation & Induction - 2 hours
Face-to-Face Equivalent
- 2 hours (FDOL webinars)
- 18 hours (16 monthly reviews + gateway meeting)
Online Course Study - 12 hours (1.5 hours bimonthly)
Performance Coaching & One-to-One Support - 10 hours (optional 1:1 delivery and support)
Expert Delivery Webinars (Optional)
- 4 monthly BPN Boost webinars/podcasts
- Optional: personal development, CIAG, welfare
FATs / In-School Application
- Off-the-job learning hours based on contract
- Portfolio build = 8 hours
Total Learning Hours - 42 hours
Summative Assessment - 6 hours (Project Report + Presentation)
Cost - £9,000 (Levy funded or co-invested)
- Applicants must be in a middle leader role as a minimum and have completed 2 full years of teaching.
- All applicants must have either QTS, QTLS, a Level 5 (or higher) qualification (any subject), or an international equivalent. You must be able to evidence this with a copy of your certificate.
Benefits at a glance
Built for Catholic school leaders
Expert Support
& Coaching
Collaborative Learning Experience
Wraparound Apprenticeship Benefits
Step into senior leadership — with purpose
Prepare your future Catholic school leaders not only to manage — but to lead!
Apply nowServices
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