Apply now for the November NPQ cohort funding is now confirmed.
These Level 5 and Level 7 programmes are designed for Senior Leaders, or aspiring Senior Leaders, in schools and colleges who are ready to invest in their professional growth and lay the groundwork for future career progression. It builds on your existing leadership skills and equips you with the tools, insights, and confidence to take your next career step with clarity and purpose.
Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship with a specialist NPQ
Study for a specialist NPQ alongside the Operations Manager apprenticeship.
NPQ options include NPQLT, NPQLBC, and NPQLPM.
The NPQ element, delivered by the Alliance of Leading Learning, takes 12 months. The apprenticeship element will be delivered over 18 months through the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).
The apprenticeship programme can also include the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership at an additional cost.
This programme is perfect for current and aspiring middle managers, heads of department, subject leaders, pastoral managers and those in charge of teacher development.
Level 7 Senior Leadership MA Apprenticeship with NPQSL and Chartered Management Status.
This two-year course offers a unique opportunity to gain a Master’s degree (MA) delivered by the University of Coventry and the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE). Throughout the programme, you’ll gather evidence for both your apprenticeship and Chartered Manager status, ensuring your learning is recognised and impactful.
Alongside the MA, you’ll complete the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) with the Alliance of Leading Learning (ALL), delivered locally to suit your needs.
The programme is coordinated by Leadership Learning Securing Excellence (LLSE), ensuring that all elements of your learning journey are aligned, complementary, and designed to support your professional growth.
Delivery
Below is a breakdown of how the programmes are delivered.
Funding
Currently these courses are offered at no cost to the learner.
The Apprenticeship will be paid for through the employer’s apprentice levy, speak to your School/Trust Business Manager for more information on this. The
NPQ (and CMI on Level 7) qualifications are funded through a bursary offered through NITE.
You do not need DfE funding for this educational option.
The 2025 intake for the Level 7 Apprenticeship is the last funded cohort – Don’t miss this opportunity!
How to Apply
The next cohort will start in November 2025.
There are two steps to apply, detailed below:
STEP 1
For both the Level 5 and 7, firstly email ‘[email protected]’ expressing your interest in the apprenticeship route and quote ‘LLSE’ in your email.
STEP 2
Complete your LLSE application HERE
For Level 7 – select NPQSL from the programme option, and select LLSE National for the Delivery Partner. For the cluster section, select ‘Level 7 Apprenticeship, MA, and NPQSL’
For Level 5 – Select either NPQLBC / NPQLT / NPQLPM from the programme option, and select LLSE National for the Delivery Partner. For the cluster section, select ‘Level 5 Apprenticeship with specified NPQ’
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