How do I apply

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 Wales 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.

Applicants are required to submit an application form evidencing their skills and relevant experience in line with the professional standards for leadership and the eligibility and previous experience requirements.

A PDF version of the multiple-choice questions will be available here when the process opens on Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

All applications should be submitted via the online form by 16:00 on Monday 11th January 2027.

Applicants are required to provide details of two referees. One referee should be someone who works with you daily (for example, your line manager), and one referee should be someone who works at a local, regional, or national level.

Applicants must confirm that their application is supported by their manager or employer and the Local Authority.

Following the closing date for the applications, a national NPQH Wales selection panel will be convened to assess and sift all applications. The selection panel will include representatives from Higher Education Institutes, local authorities, 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 Dysgu by Monday 8th March 2027.

The decision of the sifting panel will be final.

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

The assessments will be held in locations across Wales during April 2027.

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.

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