As we bed into the new academic year, many teachers and school leaders will be reflecting on what’s next. September often encourages energy, new priorities and an opportunity to think about the impact we want to have, both in our current and future roles. 

Having worked across professional development and operations within education for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how effective leadership can transform not only outcomes for pupils, but also the culture and confidence of whole schools. One thing that has become increasingly clear is that leadership development is only truly impactful when it’s rooted in evidence, connected to school contexts and tangibly applicable in daily practice. 

That’s why the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) continues to be such a powerful programme for aspiring and emerging senior leaders. It’s designed to move leaders beyond ambition into real impact, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead whole-school improvement. 

What’s particularly exciting is seeing the impact participants make while still on the programme. On our current cohort, two participants have already secured senior leadership roles despite only being half way through their NPQSL journey. Their experiences and stories prove that when leaders develop their knowledge, confidence and strategic thinking, new opportunities naturally follow. 

Learning that makes a difference 

As a founding member of the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), Oasis Community Learning has been committed to developing exceptional teachers and leaders from the outset. Our close relationship with the NIoT allows us to contextualise the NPQSL for Oasis colleagues, weaving the Oasis Ethos and 9 Habits throughout the programme. The result is a leadership experience that combines robust evidence-informed practice with a deep understanding of the day-to-day realities of school leadership, helping participants develop the knowledge, confidence and values needed to lead meaningful change. 

The NPQSL combines evidence-informed leadership with practical application. Helping participants develop their expertise in areas including: 

• Leading high-quality teaching and learning 

• Designing effective professional development 

• Building strong behaviour and school culture 

• Leading inclusive practice and SEND provision 

• Implementing sustainable and lasting change 

Improving the quality of teaching remains at the heart of the programme, and one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for all pupils. 

More than professional development  

One of the aspects NPQSL participants often value most is the practical nature of the programme. Rather than learning being confined to workshops or reading materials, leaders are encouraged to:  

• Apply new learning directly within their schools 

• Engage in deliberate practice and professional feedback 

• Use structured implementation strategies to lead change 

• Reflect on impact and refine their leadership over time 

This means the learning doesn’t sit on a shelf. It becomes part of the way participants lead every day, in the classroom and across halls. 

The value of learning within a community 

Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when stepping into more strategic responsibilities. That’s why the professional networks formed through the NPQSL are so vital.  

Participants can collaborate with leaders from different schools and contexts, sharing challenges, discussing solutions and learning from each other’s experiences. These professional relationships often continue long after the programme has ended, providing an invaluable and consistent source of support, challenge and encouragement.  

Don’t just take my word for it 

Kristian Dana, Head of Year at Oasis Academy Brightstowe in Bristol wanted to utilise the NPQSL to streamline his teaching experience. With the support of his colleagues the programme helped improve confidence in his abilities.  

Kristian said: “A big thing for me was confidence, knowing that I can do it and that I’ve got the skills and experience to really push standards forward for the young people that we serve. Being able to talk about that with the guidance and expertise in the room really helped me understand what I can do, and what I need to develop as a leader.” 

While, Emily Cadruvi, who has recently taken on the role of Interim Deputy Principal at Oasis Academy Skinner Street in Kent, found the programme a great help prior to her interview the position. Exploring the variety of leadership types and expectations showcased within the NPQSL helped her both to grow in confidence about her own skillset and introduce her to a supportive network to fall back on when needed.  

Emily said: “I took on the NPQSL because I felt that I was missing some skills that would help me advance into senior leadership. Now having started the programme, the advice, expertise from the course leaders and interactions with other participants have allowed me to progress into this next step of my career.” 

So why enrol in a NPQSL this year? 

If you’ve started this academic year thinking about how you could further increase your impact, strengthen your leadership practice or prepare for future opportunities, the NPQSL offers more than a qualification, it provides a structured and supportive pathway to help you get there.  

✅ Develop evidence-informed leadership practice 

✅ Drive meaningful improvement in your school 
✅ Join a powerful network of like-minded leaders  

✅Build confidence for senior leadership roles 
✅ Apply learning immediately in your day-to-day practice 

As already seen within our current cohort, the NPQSL doesn’t just prepare leaders for senior leadership. It gives them the confidence to step into it.  

Ready to take the next step? 

If senior leadership is part of your future ambitions, there has never been a better time to invest in your development. 

Whether you're looking to deepen your leadership expertise, broaden your influence across a school or trust, or prepare for your next career move, the NPQSL provides the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to help turn your aspirations into meaningful impact. 

Applications for the 2026/27 NIoT NPQSL cohort are now open. While the final application deadline is 22nd November, the NIoT is encouraging candidates to apply by 1st October to support funding allocation and ensure the best possible applicant experience. 

Apply today: https://niot.org.uk/programmes/npq-in-senior-leadership  

To help the NIoT identify and support Oasis Community Learning applicants, please select "SouthWest" as your campus during the application process, regardless of your location within the UK. 

If you would like to find out more about the programme or discuss whether NPQSL is the right next step for you, please contact the Learning & Development team at LearningandDevelopment@oasisuk.org