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​​SWIFT
National Professional Qualifications

​​

SWIFT
National Professional Qualifications​
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Introduction to SWIFT
National Professional Qualifications

NPQs with SWIFT

SWIFT is delighted to be working in partnership with Leading Schools South West (LSSW), Teach First and the National Institute of Teaching to make available to your school the full suite of reformed National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).
Leading Schools South West

Our NPQ Programmes

NPQs are a national, voluntary suite of qualifications, designed to support the professional development of teachers and school leaders. A reformed suite of NPQ's are now available. The reformed NPQs are informed by best available research and evidence. All our programmes for 2023/24 will be fully funded by the DfE and therefore free for state schools to access.
APPLY NOW | Spring 2024 Cohort
Application Guidance Document
The application window for Cohort 3b (Spring 2024) opens 6 November 2023 to 15 January 2024.  Please ensure you download the application guidance ahead of submitting your application.

Specialist NPQs

In 2021, three new NPQs were launched in specialist areas of teaching, with the addition of two more specialist NPQs becoming available from September 2022.
NPQ for Leading Teacher Development - Teach First
The Teach First NPQLTD is designed for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading the development of other teachers in their school. 
Fully funded by the DfE and available to all teachers who meet the following criteria: 
​
  • have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading the development of other teachers in their school 
  • are employed in state-funded schools, as well as those employed in state-funded 16 to 19 organisations in England  ​
NPQ LTD Brochure
NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture - NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TEACHING
SWIFT is delighted to be working with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) and this year we are piloting the NIoT’s NPQLBC which is designed for ambitious teachers and leaders, including behaviour-management leads and SENDCOs, who want to be involved in developing and implementing behaviour and wellbeing strategies at their school. Developed by teachers for teachers, the programme will harness the NIoT’s leading research and putting it to immediate, practical use. Because the programme has been designed by teachers, there will be no time wasted: it will provide only the information essential to helping you do your job efficiently, effectively and in a way that inspires pupils to success.
Overview
A culture of high expectations and good behaviour provides the foundations for everything that school is about: effective learning and pupil wellbeing. The NIoT’s NPQLBC will provide access to cutting-edge research, developed by people who know what teachers need. You’ll be supported in putting this into practice, learning to develop and implement behaviour strategies in your school. You will learn to create the conditions for good behaviour, and gain the confidence to support colleagues in the classroom. You will also spend time exploring the link between pupil wellbeing and behaviour. And you will learn to deal with complex behaviour needs, including how to respond to – and prevent – bullying. At the heart of it all will be your pupils. Everything you learn will help ensure that your pupils flourish and are able to live the fullest and most successful lives they possibly can.
Benefits
  • Essential knowledge: There is no fluff – every minute spent working towards an NPQLBC will enable you to make a greater impact in your job.
  • Research-informed practice: You’ll have access to the latest and best evidence of what works in education, and will be able to apply this to engaging pupils, motivating staff and reducing disruption in the classroom.
  • Create a positive culture: You’ll learn to develop school-wide systems to support pupils. This will enable staff to teach to the best of their ability and will allow pupils to flourish.
  • Community of educators: You’ll be part of a diverse community of educators, all learning from one another during the course – and potentially afterwards, too.
  • Fulfilment: The better and more knowledgeable you are at your job, the more enjoyable and exciting you will find it – and that enthusiasm will be passed on to your pupils.
How you’ll learn
The programme is made up of 5 modules, studied over 12 months. Each module contains a combination of self-study units, locally delivered sessions, online masterclasses delivered by specialists, practice clinics and virtual visits to a school.
Time commitment
There are two or three scheduled events every half term, some online and some in-person and around six to eight hours of self study.

NPQ LBC NiOT
NPQ for Leading Teaching - TEACH FIRST
The Teach First NPQLT is designed for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase.  

Fully funded by the DfE and available to teachers who meet the following criteria: 
​
  • have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase 
  • are employed in state-funded schools, as well as those employed in state-funded 16 to 19 organisations in England ​
NPQ LT Brochure
NPQ FOR LEADING LITERACY - tEACH FIRST
The Teach First NPQLL is designed for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase.

Fully funded by the DfE and available to teachers who meet the following criteria: 
​
  • for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase 
  • are employed in state-funded schools, as well as those employed in state-funded 16 to 19 organisations in England ​
NPQ LL Brochure
Teach First Brochure

Leadership NPQs

In 2021, three new NPQs were launched in specialist areas of teaching, with the addition of two more specialist NPQs becoming available from September 2022.  New for 2024 is the Leading in Primary Maths Programme which we are offering to applicants to study through either the NIoT or Teach First.
NPQ for Executive Leadership - tEACH FIRST
The Teach First NPQEL is designed for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, an executive headteacher or have a school trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools 

Fully funded by the DfE and available to re available to those who meet the following criteria: 
​
  • are, or are aspiring to be, an executive headteacher or have a school trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools 
  • are employed in state-funded schools, as well as those employed in state-funded 16 to 19 organisations in England ​
NPQ EL Brochure
NPQ for Headship - TEACH FIRST
The Teach First NPQH is designed for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school  

Fully funded by the DfE and available to re available to those who meet the following criteria: 
​
  • are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school 
  • are employed in state-funded schools, as well as those employed in state-funded 16 to 19 organisations in England ​


Additional support offer for the NPQ in Headship 

You are eligible for this targeted support package if you meet the following criteria: 
  • are in your first 24 months of headship 
  • are employed in a state-funded school, or are employed in a state-funded 16 to 19 organisation in England upon starting the training 
  • have either completed a national professional qualification for headship (NPQH) before taking up your first headship post or are currently taking the NPQH 
  • have not withdrawn from the additional support programme previously 

The offer provides structured, un-assessed face-to-face support based on the best available evidence about what makes an effective headteacher. While the exact content of this support will depend on the provider chosen, activities could include a combination of group coaching, one-to-one support discussions and peer network support. 
NPQ H Brochure
NPQ for Senior Leadership - TEACH FIRST
The Teach First NPQSL is designed for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities  

Fully funded by the DfE and available to re available to those who meet the following criteria: 
​
  • are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities 
  • are employed in state-funded schools, as well as those employed in state-funded 16 to 19 organisations in England ​
NPQ SL Brochure
NPQ FOR EARLY YEARS LEADERSHIP - TEACH FIRST
The Teach First NPQEYL is designed for leaders qualified to at least level 3 with a full and relevant qualification who are, or are aspiring to be: 
  • managers of private, voluntary and independent nurseries 
  • headteachers of school-based or maintained nurseries 
  • childminders with leadership responsibilities 

​Fully funded by the DfE and available to teachers who meet the following criteria: 
NPQ EYL Brochure
NPQ for leading primary Maths - teach first
This course is for:
  • teachers and leaders with responsibility for leading maths across a primary key-stage or school, or those who want to have this responsibility
  • teachers familiar with mastery approaches to teaching primary maths, who want to improve leadership skills in this area
  • subject leaders in a school already engaged in the primary Teaching for Mastery programme or similar programme example

This 15-month programme (12 months’ delivery and three months for assessment) consists of a series of modules based on the DfE’s NPQ frameworks.

Each module cycle features:
  •  evidence-based online content to refresh and build knowledge, as well as exemplify what this looks like for your role and level of leadership
  • a formative assessment task to support your learning 
  • a face-to-face seminar with a group of peers, facilitated by a serving school leader or Teach First Development Lead – you’ll analyse and reflect on the task and hear further examples of good practice
  • the opportunity to record reflections and consolidate learning
This cycle repeats throughout the programme, with implementation a consideration in every module. Towards the end of the programme, you’ll also take a module focused specifically on effective implementation. This provides an opportunity to plan a strategic improvement, focused on your context and pupils. There will be ongoing support through a seminar group and discussion forum.

During the Practical Implementation cycle, programme members will be required to put learning into practice and implement an improvement, or plan the implementation of an improvement, in their setting based on the NPQ programme they are working towards.

The focus will be identified by the programme member and must be level appropriate. This improvement should be a stretching professional development target within the programme member’s existing role. For aspiring leadership programme members, the school/employer should support them to implement an improvement at the aspiring level. The allocation of learning time is five hours so any implementation focus should be feasible within the timeframe.

What will I learn:
You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and expertise that underpins effective leadership of mathematics. This will include leading and guiding others to develop their approach to ‘mastery mathematics’, supporting pupils to build a deep understanding of concepts, secure number sense, and positive attitudes towards mathematics.

Our content is informed by the best and most recent evidence and developed with input from school leaders and subject matter experts.

​Our programmes have a practical focus. You’ll be supported to make small but important changes to your and others’ practice throughout the programme. This will conclude with the implementation module and practical implementation cycle of the programme.


What are the training commitments?
The programme is designed to fit around your teaching and other school commitments. Over the course of the whole programme (spread over three terms), you’ll undertake around 55 hours of learning.

This includes a combination of seminars, online learning modules, conferences and focused work on implementation.
​
Why study with Teach First?
Teach First is an education charity.  Since 2003, we’ve been improving the life chances and choices for children experiencing poverty.
We train talented teachers and equip school leaders working in some of the poorest areas of the country – to give children with the fewest opportunities access to a great education.

Teach First one-to-one support
Teach First is offering free one-to-one support on all of our NPQ programmes, for teachers and leaders working in schools and settings serving disadvantaged communities.
This free support comes in the form of an experienced former school leader who will coach and guide you throughout your NPQ. You can apply for this in your application with us or your delivery partner, and we will allocate this support on a priority school basis.

How will I be assessed?
The assessment process for all NPQs has been refreshed to reduce the workload burden on teachers while still providing an opportunity to apply their knowledge.
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete your summative NPQ assessment during a fixed eight-day window. We’ll share detailed dates with you before the start of the programme.
Your assessment submission is a written response to a case study related to the content covered in your NPQ. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the NPQ framework.

It will represent a likely situation that a leader might encounter at the relevant NPQ qualification level. The summative assessment is designed to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the relevant NPQ framework and how this can be applied to school improvement.
You must pass the summative assessment to pass the NPQ.

To be eligible to complete the assessment, you'll need to have engaged with at least 90% of the course content, both online and in person. Diagnostic tasks contribute 30%, reflective tasks 20%, and attendance at events 50% to this total.

In the eight-day window, you will provide a written response of a maximum of 1,500 words for the case study. It is an ‘open book’ approach, so you can refer to your course materials when completing your response.

NPQ for Leading Primary Maths - National Institute of Teaching
​Overview
Getting off to a strong start in numeracy is key to children achieving their potential both in later education and in the world of work.

The NPQ in Leading Primary Maths is designed to help you build on the knowledge you already have as an experienced Maths teacher and will enable you to lead your colleagues to deliver this subject effectively in your primary school setting.

You will enhance your knowledge of how to develop and embed a coherent Maths curriculum, and get to grips with the nuts and bolts of what makes great teaching and leadership using deliberate practice with peers as well as guidance from expert facilitators to consolidate this learning.

Why Study at the NIoT?
The National Institute of Teaching was founded by four leading multi-academy trusts. Our programmes are underpinned by leading research and driven by what we have found works best in schools. Through our programmes, we aim to ensure participants develop their leadership to ensure their hard work and dedication has the maximum impact on pupils.
Expertise from the frontline
Teachers want to learn from other teachers. That’s why our programmes are school-led: they are delivered by individuals who work in schools, right now.  They speak your language; they understand the challenges you face. Benefit from their deep expertise, real-world insights and practical strategies that have been tried and tested in today’s classrooms.
We show as well as tell
Our strong exemplification helps you put what you’ve learned into practice. We give useful and practical advice on how to problem-solve and apply learning in your own context, via exemplars from some of the best teachers and school leaders in the country. You’ll also have the chance to practice what you’ve learned in a safe, supportive space.
Get a backstage pass to some of the best schools in the country – without leaving your office
See what really happens on a normal day in a great school with our virtual visits – through the eyes of a great leader, but with expert narration to unpack and explain how practices were decided on, developed, implemented and sustained. You can experience the energy and dynamism of live teaching in action without the need for travel or disrupting a lesson.
Respectful of your time
We know you spend most of your time doing the most important job there is – serving the children in your community. That’s why our programmes are designed to be flexible, to deliver exactly what you need in the most time-efficient manner possible, and to have impact.
Unlock the power of research
Our NPQs blend seamlessly with our in-house research and best practice function. Gain exclusive access to up-to-date research and invaluable insights, empowering you to implement evidence-based strategies in your practice.

What will I learn?
  • How to develop colleagues’ Maths teaching and lesson design
  • How to develop and implement a coherent Maths curriculum that supports pupils’ long term learning in Maths
  • How to develop a school culture where staff and pupils have a positive attitude to Maths
  • How to lead a culture of professional learning and continuous improvement for colleagues
  • How to support colleagues to adapt their teaching for different pupil needs
  • How to create assessments and feedback systems that enable colleagues to know the next steps to be successful in teaching Maths to their pupils
  • How to plan and deliver changes and improvements across your setting in Maths teaching and learning
How you'll learn
  • Local seminars: extend your learning with an expert, school leader facilitator, build your network and apply your learning to your own context.
  • Virtual school visits: visit some of the country’s leading schools, learning about how they have developed and improved their practice over time to deliver exceptional outcomes and experiences for young people.
  • Online masterclasses: hear school-based sector experts sharing best practice from their context and experience.
  • Online practice clinics: apply your learning to scenarios and to your own context, trouble-shooting with an expert school-based practice lead.
  • Online self-studies: learn cutting-edge research and how it is being applied successfully in schools.
Time Commitment
On average, participants will spend between one and two hours a week working towards the NPQLPM. Where possible, study should be done in dedicated career-development time during school hours.

Assessment
In order to receive NPQLPM accreditation, participants will need to complete the programme and achieve a pass mark in a written, ‘open book’ style, structured assessment of up to 1,500 words.

We will support participants with writing clinics before they embark on gaining their accreditation.


​The assessment itself takes place over an eight-day window. There are two assessment windows per year and participants have two opportunities to take part.
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Conference 2, Cohort 1a Programme Member
​Superb facilitators with an obvious depth and breadth of knowledge. Superbly delivered and it is great it be challenged professionally in a safe environment
 
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Conference 2, Programme member
I am thrilled to be able to share with you that I have secured an Assistant Head of School role for a school in January. My interview was following our Conference session and I want to thank you both for the whole day which supported me in the process and without doubt put me in the right frame of mind for what is now an exciting new job and promotion for me.
I was so positive in talking about the Theory of Change that we had discussed together!
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Conference 1, NPQSL Programme Member
I have enjoyed thinking about how to break down the changes of behaviour using the COM-B model. I also found it was excellent to challenge my thinking by talking to colleagues from my schools in my local area.
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Conference 2, 2a NPQH Programme Member
This course is very well organised, the documentation received is always very clear and the seminars and face to face sessions are run very well. The opportunity to network is excellent! 
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Conference 2, 2a NPQEYL Programme Member
It has given me a deeper understanding of how the issues of CPD affect nursery settings and how these can be addressed. 
I have been promoted to Federation Early Years Lead since undertaking the NPQEYL!

November 2023 and February 2024 Cohort

November 2023 and February 2024 - teach First 
Teach First Brochure Leadership NPQs
Teach First Brochure Specialist NPQs
november 2023 and February 2024 - National institute of teaching
National Institute of Teaching NPQ Brochure

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