​At MTCAT, we recognise that strong leadership at every level is essential to sustaining excellence and living out our mission. We offer a progressive suite of leadership development pathways designed to equip colleagues with the knowledge, skills and moral purpose to lead with faith and integrity.
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Emerging & Middle Leadership

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy Trust supports staff to undertake key National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) that sit at the heart of our professional learning ecosystem:

• The NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT) develops deep expertise in effective pedagogy, curriculum design, and adaptive teaching, directly reinforcing the priorities of our Trust CORE CPD Programme and ensuring that evidence-informed practice is embedded consistently across classrooms.
• The NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) strengthens leaders’ capacity to shape positive, inclusive learning environments, aligning closely with our Trust-wide expectations for behaviour, belonging, and high standards.
• The NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) equips colleagues to lead professional learning with confidence, explicitly complementing our coaching culture by developing skilled mentors and coaches who support others through structured reflection, feedback, and deliberate practice.

These NPQs provide a coherent and progressive pathway for teachers and middle leaders, ensuring that professional learning is aligned, purposeful, and sustained — translating directly into improved classroom practice, stronger leadership capacity, and better outcomes for pupils across the Trust.
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Senior & Executive Leadership

Catholic Leaders programme with NPQSL

​This NPQSL programme prepares Catholic school leaders to step confidently into senior leadership roles within Catholic schools.  The School Leader Programme is a dual award is mapped the DfE's NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Delivered in partnership with Best Practice Network, and contextualised for Catholic schools and MATs, the programme blends academic rigour with real-world leadership challenges.

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Senior Leadership Programme / Masters Pathway

​The Senior Leadership Programme offered by the National College of Education (NCE) is a fully funded, apprenticeship-based professional learning pathway designed for current and aspiring senior leaders in educational settings. The programme comprises a series of structured modules that equip participants with the essential leadership, management, and strategic skills needed to navigate the complexities of school and trust leadership in today’s evolving educational landscape.

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National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH)

This programme is designed to develop confident headteachers with the knowledge, skills and understanding which can be used to establish a culture and environment within which pupils and staff can thrive.  This programme is for school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school.

​​An Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) is also available for all Headteachers who are participating in the NPQH and who are in their first five years of headship. This offer is an unassessed support package and is based on the latest available evidence on what makes an effective headteacher. The offer is designed for those early on in their headship role and will include structured support elements such as group coaching and networking opportunities.

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​Learners engage in a blend of professional learning events, reflective projects, and supported practice, guided by expert tutors and facilitated through a flexible delivery model that fits alongside full-time responsibilities.  Completion of this programme enables leaders to strengthen their capacity to lead people and culture, analyse processes, develop strategy, and deliver sustained improvement, while benefiting from the apprenticeship levy funding and progressing their own professional journey.

Participants also have the opportunity to progress onto an integrated Master’s pathway, with a choice of either a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This allows leaders to tailor their academic study to their career aspirations, deepening expertise in educational leadership or developing advanced strategic and organisational capability. This combined pathway strengthens individual leadership practice while building sustainable leadership capacity across the Trust.

Together, these Trust-delivered programmes form a cornerstone of our leadership pathway by developing inclusive, resilient, and faith-centred leaders who are prepared to serve our schools, our communities, and the common good.

Please do contact the Trust at [email protected] if you have any questions.

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