Outstanding Leaders Partnership (OLP) is a national network of over 100 teaching school alliances, multi-academy trusts, dioceses and schools groups working in collaboration to design, develop and deliver professional development for the education workforce. The partnership is supported by Best Practice Network, a national organisation that specialises in professional development training.
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for UK Schools
![]()
Our qualifications are all designed by serving school leaders and subject matter experts to form a coherent learning pathway. The combination of online courses, face-to-face events and enrichment practice activity create a truly blended learning experience.
National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML) provides recognition of leadership development and professional achievement for middle leaders.
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) provides recognition of leadership development and professional achievement for senior school leaders.
National Professional Qualification for Headship
![]()
The NPQH is for those who are or are aspiring to become, a Headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school. This includes those with cross-school responsibilities such as a National Leader of Education (NLE).
National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership
![]()
NPQEL is suitable for colleagues aspiring to, or already in, leadership roles across more than one school. For example, headteachers, executive headteachers, directors of school improvement, teaching school directors or heads of school.
National Professional Qualification (NPQs) for International Schools
![]()
Accredited by the UK Department for Education, the Outstanding Leaders Partnership is the leading provider of the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) globally. The NPQs are a suite of four leadership qualifications for aspirant middle leaders through to executive leads and equip candidates with the skills, knowledge and understanding to lead sustainable improvement across their schools.
Local Training Partners
Our partnership enables you to deliver gold standard school leadership qualifications locally.
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for UK Schools
![]()
Our qualifications are all designed by serving school leaders and subject matter experts to form a coherent learning pathway. The combination of online courses, face-to-face events and enrichment practice activity create a truly blended learning experience.
Local Training Partners
Our partnership enables you to deliver gold standard school leadership qualifications locally.
Leadership Apprenticeship and NPQ Pathways
![]()
Offered for the first time as a dual-award, school leaders can now access an accredited school leadership qualification funded through the apprenticeship levy.
National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership - International
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML) is accredited by the UK Department for Education (DfE). The National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML) provides recognition of leadership development and professional achievement for middle leaders.
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership - International
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) is accredited by the UK Department for Education (DfE). NPQSL is for those who are or are aspiring to become, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities such as an experienced middle leader, a deputy headteacher, a SEN coordinator, an assistant headteacher, or other senior staff.
National Professional Qualification for Headship - International
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is accredited by the UK Department for Education (DfE). The NPQH is for those who are or are aspiring to become, a Headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school. This includes those with cross-school responsibilities such as a National Leader of Education (NLE).
National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership - International
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) is accredited by the UK Department for Education (DfE). NPQEL is suitable for colleagues aspiring to, or already in, leadership roles across more than one school. For example, headteachers, executive headteachers, directors of school improvement, teaching school directors or heads of school.
Leaders Apprenticeship with NPQML
![]()
Our market-leading NPQML qualification has been combined with the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager apprenticeship standard to offer a dual qualification funded through the apprenticeship levy.
Leaders Apprenticeship with NPQSL
![]()
Our market-leading NPQSL qualification has been combined with the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Standard to offer a dual qualification funded through the apprenticeship levy.
School Leaders Network
![]()
The School Leaders Network gives you access to a host of leadership resources and support including regular engagement opportunities with senior school leaders from across the country.
School Leaders Coaching Support
![]()
Our Coaching service seeks to provide School Leaders with a safe, confidential space where you can share your thoughts, worries, concerns and explore the issues of key importance to you and your school.
National Professional Qualification for Headship - Singapore
![]()
The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is accredited by the UK Department for Education (DfE). The NPQH is for those who are or are aspiring to become, a Headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school. This includes those with cross-school responsibilities such as a National Leader of Education (NLE).
