National Professional Qualification (NPQ)

Devon Education Services (DCC) is partnering with SWIFT to deliver NPQs across the South West.

Teaching School Hubs play a key role in implementing the Department for Education's (DfE) vision of world-class professional development opportunities for teachers that support recruitment and retention in the profession. 

The South West Institute of Teaching (SWIFT) encompasses both Colyton and Kingsbridge Teaching School hubs in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.  SWIFT’s work involves collaboration with key local, system organisations to support the contextualisation and delivery of national programmes.  Devon Education Services (DES) is delighted to be working in partnership with SWIFT to support National Professional Qualification provision in the region.

All programmes are subject to an application process and the deadline for application submissions is [next cohort deadline to be announced soon].  The application form and guidance can be found on the SWIFT website.

Designed with busy teachers in mind, the suite of nine NPQs comprises:

• Four specialist programmes in:
  • Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
  • Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
  • Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)
  • Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
• Five leadership programmes in:
  • Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
  • Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
  • Headship (NPQH)
  • Executive Leadership (NPQEL)
  • Leading Primary Maths (NPQLPM).

Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or looking to upskill in your current role, the fully funded training helps you develop as a leader and make an impact in the classroom straight away. SWIFT in conjunction with Leading Schools South West (LSSW) has successfully supported over 1400 programme members since the newly reformed NPQs were released and have exceptional pass rates and conference experience ratings.  SWIFT programmes are facilitated by local serving school leaders, and SWIFT build the NPQ cohorts around geographical locations to support your on going leadership network development.

SWIFT has partnered with Teach First and the National Institute of Teaching as Lead Providers for the NPQ programmes. Both Lead Providers offer considerable expertise in leadership training, and provide the programme content, tools and resources which along with expert, local facilitation create a high-quality experience for the teachers enrolled on the programmes.

If you have any questions about the NPQ programmes or process, please contact SWIFTs Programme Manager, Fiona McNeile, [email protected] who will be delighted to support you.