Jun
Advice For Schools, NPQs
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) – An Exciting New Partnership Between SFE and Teach First
At Services For Education, our team of School Support Advisers dedicate their time to creating and delivering high-quality CPD that meets the needs of current educational professionals.
It therefore makes perfect sense for us to work as an official Delivery Partner to facilitate National Professional Qualification (NPQ) courses across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
These programmes allow current practitioners to complete challenging and empowering professional development courses alongside their daily roles, linking classroom practice with cutting-edge research and theory to develop confident leadership at all levels.
Why Teach First?
While we have successfully delivered a select number of these courses for a few years, we are excited to share that we have officially teamed up with Teach First for 2026/27. This partnership allows us to deliver a broader suite of both Specialist and Leadership NPQ courses, including the fully funded NPQSEN and NPQSL.
“It is very exciting to join a like-minded, non-profit organisation”
As a charity whose aim is to use the power of learning and music to build confidence amongst children, young people, adults and communities across the city of Birmingham, SFE always looks to work with like-minded organisations to further this aim.
Teach First is also a renowned educational charity that works within deprived areas and shares our belief that “no child’s educational success should be limited by their socio-economic background.”
This resonates deeply with our mission here in Birmingham, where we navigate stark contrasts of real economic deprivation alongside more affluent areas. Together, we want to ensure every school has access to world-class leadership and every child has access to world-class teaching.
Designed with School Realities in Mind.
Another attractive feature that drew us to the Teach First Programme is its school-friendly design. Many of the sessions can be delivered via twilight webinars, significantly easing the pressure on your budget and reducing the need for costly external supply cover.
We know how important it is to find impactful professional development that doesn’t disrupt the school day; this is a genuine win-win for schools, academies, and MATs alike.
Which NPQs do we provide?
The DfE are backing this mission with substantial funding. If you are looking to develop your skills this year – or want to upskill a member of your team – here is the funding breakdown for 2026/27
- Fully Funded Leadership NPQs: Both the NPQSEN (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and NPQSL (Senior Leadership) are 100% fully funded for all eligible applicants this year.
- Funded Specialist NPQs: For our specialist suite (NPQLBC, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLL, NPQLPM), places are fully funded if your school or setting meets the DfE disadvantage criteria.
You can check your school’s eligibility via GOV.UK guidance on NPQ funding for Autumn 2026.
Key Dates and How to Apply
The DfE’s NPQ Portal will open on 23rd June.
To secure your place, you will need to register on the portal first. Once registered, you will receive an email from your chosen provider with your full application form.
To find out more about the process and why Services For Education and Teach First should be your choice of provider, visit our dedicated NPQ page – or email NPQ@servicesforeducation.co.uk – we’d love to help.
If you found this blog useful, you may also be interested in reading the following blogs:
NPQs: A Guide to Choosing the Right School Leadership Programme for You
Leadership-led education helps develop schools and sustain standards. Explore what NPQs are available to help...
Dec
NPQ funding explained – The wait is finally over…
Here at Services For Education we can help school leaders and aspiring school leaders navigate...
Apr
Services For Education and Teach First NPQ Programme
National expertise delivered with Local Dedication.
Services For Education is working in partnership with Teach First, so you benefit from the robust processes of a national organisation, whilst receiving the support, dedication and hands-on approach that SFE, as a local training provider, provides you.
Get in touch with us today if you’d like to discuss our NPQ Programme.
find out more About the Author
Jo Perrin - Interim School Support Lead, Adviser, Services For Education
Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, secondary school teacher and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.
With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues.
She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine, and articles for both SEND magazine and SecEd.
Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL and NPQ SENCO qualifications, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.
With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.
