How to Apply

Scholarship Places and Funding

Applications for 2025-26 are now open, with a limited number of scholarship places available for those eligible on a first come first served basis.

The NPQ courses with scholarships include;

SENCO
Leading Teaching
Senior Leadership
Headship

The registration deadline for scholarships is 30 September 2025, with courses starting in November 2025.

Further NPQ courses, that not only develop skills, but gain the applicant a nationally recognised qualification, are also available.

Courses are expertly led by local facilitators, who will provide context and homegrown knowledge, both online and in person.

If you would like to work with MK:NPQ to undertake one of UCL’s programmes for a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), there are some simple steps you should take to apply for this programme. This process is the same for all of the national providers.

Discuss your application with your Headteacher, senior leader or line manager. You will then need the following information to register and complete your application:

Your Teachers Reference number (TRN) and National Insurance number.
Your school’s URN
The names of and contact details for your headteacher and line manager.

Some schools also remain eligible for funding for NPQ’s if they meet certain criteria. On application, via the DfE Portal, applicants will see whether their school will be eligible before applying.

If the school does not meet the criteria then the current fees are:

Autumn 2024	Price (£)
Leading Literacy (NPQLL)	£885
Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)	£885
Leading Teaching (NPQLT)	£885
Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)	£885
Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQSENCO)	£1265
Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)	£1055
Senior Leadership (NPQSL)	£1055
Headship (NPQH)	£1885
Executive Leadership (NPQEL)	£4099

Register on the DfE Online Portal

Step 1: Register on the DfE online portal

Choose UCL Institute of Education as the Lead Provider.

Step 2: DfE eligibility checks

The DfE platform will check the applicant's TRN and, if appropriate, national insurance number. This is where eligibility for scholarship funding is checked. The DfE will then pass on details to UCL who will contact the applicant directly asking for the application process to be completed, via a link to the application form.

Step 3: Confirmation of successful application by UCL Institute of Education

UCL Institute of Education will notify you if you are successful and transfer your details to Milton Keynes NPQ Partners as the Delivery Partner.

Step 4: Confirmation of programme details by Milton Keynes NPQ Partners

Milton Keynes NPQ Partners will then contact you with dates for the programme and information about how to prepare.