On 8 February 2012 The Education (Head Teachers' Qualifications) (England) (Revocation) Regulations 2012 come into force. It is no longer compulsory for an individual to hold the NPQH or an equivalent qualification before being appointed to the position of headteacher in any school.
Governing bodies are now free to choose whether or not the NPQH qualification is a requirement for them and they may still decide to include it in the person specification for the headship post they are advertising as essential or desirable.
Governing bodies will want to assure themselves that any applicant has sought to prepare properly for headship and NPQH is a good and well recognised way of achieving this. For details of the revised NPQH, and how to apply for the training, visit the National College website - http://www.nationalcollege.org.uk
