Supporting the NPQH

Supporting the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) Wales is a unique chance to inspire and boost the next generation of Headteachers in Wales. These roles are central and crucial to ensuring the success of NPQH Wales and are a key part of planning strategic succession for school leadership. Leaders supporting NPQH Wales will be committed to making sure participants are ready to take on a headteacher role, with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed.

Applications are welcomed from those who hold NPQH and are either:

• a practising Headteacher in Wales

• a recently retired Headteacher (since September 2025)

• a previous Headteacher with level 7 coaching qualification

Key responsibilities of the Leadership Coach will be to:

• provide ongoing professional feedback to the participant

• support the participant in reflection of the 360 self-assessment and facilitate leadership conversations, based on personal leadership growth

• support the selection of the head ship development project

• to act as a ‘broker’ between the host school Headteacher and participant to ensure that the participant is given support, time and opportunity to carry out the headship development project and other agreed tasks

The benefits of being a Leadership Coach are:

• high-quality professional learning for coaching

• opportunities to share practise across other schools and settings

• professional networking and collaboration opportunities with other leaders in schools across Wales

• access to research and professional learning in leadership

Coaches will be allocated to NPQH Wales participants based on sector, language, geographical need and coach experience.

The leadership coach will be funded 23.5 days.

How to apply

Information regarding the application process for Leadership Coaches will be available on Hwb from 14th December 2026.

Applications are welcomed from those who hold NPQH, or an equivalent leadership qualification or experience.

NPQH Wales Advisory Group are an integral part of ensuring that the programme is relevant to the profession and responsive to the leadership needs of the system.

The Advisory Group will provide feedback and critique on the programme and support iterative development.

As a member of the NPQH Wales Advisory Group you will:

• provide strategic insight on leadership development across Wales

• review and inform NPQH Wales programme design, structure, and assessment approaches

• identify emerging priorities, risks, and opportunities in school leadership

• support alignment with Welsh Government policies and reform agendas

• promote effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders

• share effective practice and contribute to system-wide improvement

Selection will be based on ensuring a representative group across Wales.

The Advisory Group will be funded for their work to a maximum of 10 days annually.

How to apply

Information regarding the application process for NPQH Wales Advisory Group will be available on Hwb from 14th December 2026.

Applications are welcomed from those who hold NPQH, or an equivalent leadership qualification or experience.

The NPQH Wales Programme includes presentations, panels, facilitation and input from leaders, this aspect of the programme provides vital learning for participants and is valued as credible and pragmatic.

The benefits of being an NPQH Wales contributor are:

• access to research and professional learning in leadership

• opportunity to share practice and experience with future leaders in Wales

• professional networking and collaboration opportunities with other leaders in schools across Wales

Contributors are selected based on the needs of programme content. The NPQH Wales contributor will be funded per day of preparation and delivery.

How to apply

Information regarding the application process for NPQH Wales Programme contributor will be available on Hwb from 14th December 2026.

Applications are welcomed from those who hold NPQH and are either:

• a practicing Headteacher in Wales or

• a recently retired Headteacher (since September 2024)

To ensure an equitable and transparent recruitment and assessment process, DYSGU invites headteachers to contribute to the assessment and interview process. The benefits of being an NPQH Wales assessment and interview panel member are:

• engaging professional discussions with future and serving Headteachers

• opportunity for professional reflection and collaboration with other leaders in schools across Wales

Selection will be based on ensuring representation and a broad and balanced range of knowledge, skills and experiences in the panels.

The assessment and interview panel members will be funded per day, approximately two days in an academic year.

How to apply

Information regarding the application process for Assessment and interview panel member will be available on Hwb from 14th December 2026.

If you have any further questions or queries, please contact: CPCPNPQH@dysgu.llyw.cymru.