NPQ Applications
Applications are now open for NPQ Cohort 9, which will begin in November 2025. This will be the only Cohort next academic year (there will be no Spring Cohort in 2026).
The Application Process
Step 1 - Register with the DFE
To confirm your eligibility to complete an NPQ, you should first complete the Department for Education online registration process.
Please note: You will need to select ‘The Church of England’ as your chosen provider.
Step 2 - Complete your Application Form
Once you have been validated by the DfE, you will automatically receive our application form via email. Sometimes this does appear in the junk/spam folder, so please keep an eye out for it.
You can begin completing the form as soon as you receive this. The form will be relatively straight forward, asking your personal details as well as details of your school. It is very important that these are accurate as we will use these to maintain contact with you.
Some things to Remember
1. Please ensure that you use the same email address throughout the process
2. If your name changes through the process, please contact the TRA to notify them of this. It is only once the TRA have confirmed this change, that we can then change it on our system. Please continue to use your old name until we have confirmed this change.
As well as your personal details, the form will ask you 3 open questions; why you have chosen to apply, your experience and why us? We really value the answers you provide in this section and take the time to carefully consider each answer. This ensures that our cohort has dedicated, driven individuals with a common goal of developing great leaders in education.
Step 3 - Sponsor Endorsement
Finally, on this form, you will also be asked to input your sponsor’s details. This is typically your headteacher (or Governor if you are a headteacher). Please let them know in advance that you have used their details because once you have submitted your form, they will receive the sponsor form to complete.
Once you submit your form, your part of the process is complete. Our team will look over your application and you will hear from us in due course regarding the status of your application.
In the meantime, we will be available to answer any questions that you may have.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our NPQ network of educational leaders!
Teacher Reference Number
When you qualify as a teacher in England you are given a unique 7-digit number, known as a Teacher Reference Number (TRN). You will need this number when you apply for your NPQ.
If you do not have a TRN (for example, if you are an unqualified teacher, teaching assistant or are working overseas) you will need to apply for one before you can apply for your NPQ.
For more information on getting a TRN, or finding your TRN if you have misplaced it please see the DFE website here Teacher reference number (TRN) - GOV.UK
If you need support to apply for a TRN please contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.
Accessibility Statement
We have made every effort to ensure our NPQ website is accessible for everyone. However, if you come across any accessibility hurdles, we apologise for this. Please send an email to npq@churchofengland.org and someone in the team will be on hand to support.
Thank you.