I’m looking to do an NPQ in 2023 with the aim of eventually securing an Assistant Head post. I’m trying to decide between the NPQ in Leading Teacher Development and the NPQ in senior leadership.
As my main aim is to become an Assistant Headteacher, I feel the NPQ in senior leadership would be a more obvious fit. But I’ve been told that the benefit of this course really only comes if you are already a member of SLT and you already have experience in whole school matters etc. I’m not sure how true this is, but am worried if I start this NPQ without much whole school experience, it might not put me in the best position for applying for jobs, as I wouldn’t necessarily gain experience in a specific specialism, but be more of a generalist?
On the other hand, the NPQ in Leading Teacher Development seems to be focused on developing skills in an area I already have quite a lot of experience in, so it might allow me to specialise in an area, and eventually apply for SLT roles that focus in Teaching & Learning.
For context: I’m current Head of a Faculty comprising of 4 subjects (this is my 6th year in this current role). My experience to date is mainly ‘academic’ rather than ‘pastoral’ and I would see my strengths as teaching & learning, assessment and curriculum (although I am looking at ways to get more experience on the pastoral side of things).
Would be really grateful for any advice, particularly for someone who did the NPQ in Leading Teacher Development and gained an SLT post afterwards.