Expansion of NPQ Small Schools Grant

The DfE have announced a new grant to incentivise participation of teachers and school leaders in National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).

As well as the NPQs remaining fully funded for 2023/24, state-funded primary schools can receive a grant of up to £800 for every teacher or leader who embarks on a NPQ in the upcoming academic year.

The existing £200 grant remains in place for those state-funded primary schools with more than 150 pupils, as well as for state-funded secondary schools and 16 to 19 educational settings with 1 to 600 pupils.

Grants for Participation

• State-funded primary schools with between 1 – 150 pupils will receive a grant payment of £800.
• State-funded primary schools with more than 150 pupils will receive a grant payment of £200.
• State-funded secondary schools and state funded 16-19 educational settings with between 1- 600 pupils will receive a grant payment of £200.

Checking Eligibility

Eligibility will be assessed at the point of registration and applies to all NPQ courses but does not apply to the Early Headship Coaching Offer.

There is no need to apply for this funding. It will be paid as part of normal payments from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), with payments made during the summer term in 2024.

Schools can check the number of pupils they have recorded on the Get Information about Schools (GIAS) database, and their phase of education (to be eligible it must be listed as ‘primary’ and ‘middle-deemed primary’). State-funded 16 – 19 organisations are eligible based on pupil data from the Individualised Learner Record (ILR).

Please not access to the grant depends on the eligibility of both the individual and the school.