Offered for the first time as a dual-award, school leaders can now access an accredited school leadership qualification funded through the apprenticeship levy.

The Leader dual awards incorporate both the Level 5 Departmental/Operations Manager Apprenticeship and the DfE accredited National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) to provide outstanding leadership development underpinned by cross-sector learning and practice.

Leaders Apprenticeship with NPQML is suitable for middle leaders with responsibility for a team including Key Stage leaders, subject leaders, and curriculum leaders, and also heads of department or pastoral leaders.

Leaders Apprenticeship with NPQSL is suitable for senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities, for example, an experienced middle leader, a deputy head, a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), an advanced skills teacher or a senior member of staff.