National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are professional development opportunities for school teachers and leaders, helping you to improve your skills and increase your confidence in your role.

We are proud to be the only provider of National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) NPQs in Worcestershire and Sandwell.

NPQs with The Rivers Teaching Alliance offer school-led training and personalised support for teachers and leaders, helping passionate professionals gain confidence and valuable skills for extraordinary futures.​

NPQ applications are now open for a November 2026 start.
 

Which NPQ is right for you?

 Leadership NPQs

• NPQ in Headship (NPQH)
• NPQ for SENCOs
• NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
• NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
• NPQ for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)

Specialist NPQs

• NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
• NPQ in Leading Primary Maths
• NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
• NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
• NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)

Find out more about each qualification on our NPQ offer page.

How to sign up

Before starting your NPQ programme, you will need to register with the Department for Education. This is a short, mandatory process that verifies you and lets you enrol onto our programme. You will be asked which NPQ programme you wish to register for and which provider you want to go with, select The Rivers Teaching Alliance.  

DfE NPQ registration.