NPQs: making an impression

The new-look suite of National Professional Qualifications got off to a roaring start in September 2022, with the first cohorts beginning a new chapter of their professional development journeys.

As well as cohorts beginning their work on our refreshed and revised leadership programmes we launched brand new specialist NPQs for experienced teachers in Leading Teacher Development, Leading Teaching, Leading Behaviour and Culture and Leading Literacy.

But what do the candidates think about these brand new programmes? Evaluation is part and parcel of BPN’s quality assurance of the new programmes, with candidates regularly asked for feedback about their impressions and experiences. And feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Here’s a selection of what the candidates had to say:

“It has been really fun to do...

I have grown in confidence, and I have also understood a lot more about why we do certain things in and outside of school. Mostly it has reassured me I am doing a good job!” not only am I now very clear about what is necessary to design and implement a successful CPD programme, my teaching and impact in the classroom has benefitted and I have made great new contacts with other teachers from the Faceto-Face events. I have enjoyed reading and learning about the evidence-based research articles which has deepened my understanding on topics such as cognitive load and metacognition and have been able to apply the principles of these in my teaching. In addition, it has been very timely for the fact that I picked up a new PM role at the beginning of the academic year and hence have been able to apply a lot of what I have learnt in this respect.”

“There have been many positives in my experience of completing the NPQLTD course...

Leading Teaching

“Organised and well-resourced...

very useful to network with teachers from other schools and share experiences.”

“I am very happy with the NPQLT... the self-study packs have provided me with plenty of information in a wide range of different areas. I found the Face-to-Face event very useful since I was able to interact with other people from different schools, key stages, and subjects. It was very positive to learn from others: strategies, point of views, ideas, etc. I appreciated that we had flexibility when uploading the tasks. Discussions are very helpful to interact with other people as well and learn new things.”

“The whole programme is well-organised... and I have found the online learning particularly clear and well-sourced. My online mentor has been very supportive, and I have found the opportunities to meet other colleagues in my region during face-to-face days a great tool for future networking.”

Leading Behaviour and Culture

“I have found this a very useful experience... which is already impacting on my own performance and approach to my classroom practise and wider school involvement.”

“I liked having a choice of tasks... this allowed me to choose areas that were most interesting and/or most impactful in my role at school.” as I am spinning many plates at the moment, so it was invaluable to work to my own pace yet still be supported well.”