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It’s a blow to the engine room of teaching

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The end of funding for specialist NPQs is a blow for some of the most vital members of the teaching workforce – middle and aspiring leaders, says Elizabeth Jobling
Cut backs: Since September, only professionals working in schools with most students on Pupil Premium have been eligible for funded NPQs. NPQs for headteachers and SENCOs are still available for free - Adobe Stock

The Leadership and Training Centre has delivered the suite of National Professional Qualifications for more than 12 years, locally and nationally, sitting at the heart of the 5 Dimensions Trust.

I like to think that we have our “finger on the pulse” in terms of educational workforce. We are well placed to witness the very real impact that the recent funding cuts linked to the qualifications are having on schools.

The cuts came into effect in September last year when the Department for Education’s £184m fund for NPQs ended.

Since the autumn, only professionals working in those schools with most students on Pupil Premium will be eligible for funded NPQs, with funded places limited to 10,000. NPQs for headteachers and SENCOs are still available for free to all schools (DfE, 2025; 2024).

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