How do I apply

The application process for cohort 3 is now live. The application process is being run by Dysgu.

Having gained the support of your current headteacher or employer and local authority, you need to complete the application form by 4pm on 16 January 2026. 

Applications are welcomed from senior school leaders from maintained schools across Wales who believe that they can evidence relevant experience to meet the professional standards for formal leadership and for whom headship is a realistic next step, for example, members of senior leadership teams.

Applications are also welcomed from those who hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and who have the necessary experience to lead a school gained through work in other organisations within the education system, for example, local authorities and partnerships, Estyn.

Eligibility and previous experience requirements

In order to apply, applicants must:

• hold qualified teacher status
• have completed statutory induction (if gained QTS after 1 April 2003)
• have experience of a senior leadership role in the education sector

If in a current teaching position, applicants must also be registered with EWC.

Knowledge and skills

As part of their application, applicants should demonstrate their:

• commitment to support all learners, enabling them to be the best they can be
• knowledge and understanding of the Welsh Educational context and reforms, including the requirements of Curriculum for Wales and the ALN Act
• commitment to the promotion of the Welsh language and culture
• commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and creating an environment where learners and staff feel safe to challenge, share ideas and express concerns
• knowledge and understanding of what constitutes excellent teaching and learning and how to implement it, in the interest of the varied and complex needs of learners across the school
• experience of communicating and developing relationships effectively with the school community and a range of partners
• commitment to the education reform agenda in Wales 

Behaviours

Applicants should also exemplify experience of:

• being resilient under pressure and remaining positive and enthusiastic
• using evidence and knowledge to make effective decisions
• acting with integrity and sensitivity
• willingness to learn

There are three stages to the application process:

• submission of an application form
• the national NPQH selection panel will assess and sift all applications
• successful applicants at the sift stage will be invited to assessment stage

Further information about each stage can be found below.

Stage 1: Application

Applicants are required to submit an application form evidencing their skills and relevant experience in line with the professional standards for formal leadership and the eligibility and previous experience requirements. The application form can be accessed via Microsoft Forms. 

All applications should be submitted via the online form by 4pm on 16 January 2026.

Applicants are required to provide details of two referees. One referee should work with the candidate on a daily basis, for example your line manager, and one referee should work at a local, regional or national level.

Applicants will need to confirm that their application is supported by their headteacher or employer and LA.

A PDF of the questions in the form are available for reference.

Stage 2: Sift

Following the closing date for the applications, a national NPQH selection panel will be convened to assess and sift all applications. The selection panel will include representatives from local authorities and regional partnerships and current headteachers. Applicants’ names will be anonymised at this stage of the process.

Demand for headteachers based on geographic, sector or language-medium will be considered to finalise the applicants progressing to assessment.

If successful at sift, references will be requested prior to the assessment stage.

Unsuccessful applicants at the sift stage will be notified by Welsh Government by 02 March 2026.

The decision of the sifting panel will be final.

Stage 3: Assessment

Applicants who are successful in the sift will be invited to assessment stage. 

The assessments will be held in locations across Wales during the weeks commencing 16 April 2026 and 23 April 2026.

Further information on what will be required as part of the assessment stage will be shared with successful applicants following the sift stage.

Once all assessments have taken place, the national selection panel will reconvene to moderate. 

As with the sifting stage, demand for headteachers based on geographic, sector or language-medium needs will be considered to finalise the successful applicants progressing to the programme. 

The panel may agree to place applicants who are successful at assessment but are not accepted onto the programme due to the need to ensure a balance of participants across Wales and for specific sectors, on a reserve list. Applicants on the reserve list could be brought into the programme if another participant declines their invitation or will be prioritised for a place on the next programme.

Appeals

Applicants will not be able to appeal against the decision of the national NPQH selection panel.