NPQ Participant Application Process

When applying for an NPQ course with the Teacher Development Trust your application will go through the following stages below. 

Please be aware of each stage you need to complete. You will receive a confirmation email after each stage so please ensure npq@teacherdevelopmenttrust.org and npq@tdtrust.org are on your email safe sender list. If you are concerned about your application’s progress, please contact the Customer Support Team on npq@teacherdevelopmenttrust.org

If you are completing the DfE registration form on behalf of someone else:

You may complete the DfE registration form on behalf of a colleague, but you must use your colleague’s details when doing this, such as their name, email address and TRN number. If you complete the DfE registration form with your own details, the application will be for you and will be invalid for your colleague. Your colleague must complete the full application form themselves, you cannot do this for them.

Step 1: Express Your Interest

Complete the ‘Express your interest’ form on the Teacher Development Trust website, or on the website of your Local Delivery Partner. Once submitted, you will be sent an email with a link to complete the DfE registration form. 

Step 2: DfE Registration

When you complete the DfE registration form, please ensure you select TDT as your lead provider for your NPQ course. During the DfE registration, you will be asked to confirm your Teacher Reference Number (TRN). If you have forgotten your TRN, or do not have a TRN, please see the DfE guidance here. 

Step 3: TDT Application Form 

You’ll receive your TDT application form via email. The application form email may end up in your spam/junk, so remember to also check these folders. If you do not receive your TDT application form, please contact npq@teacherdevelopmenttrust.org. Complete your form and submit, specifying which Delivery Partner you would like to study with. 

Step 4: Sponsor Form 

Your Sponsor will receive a sponsor form to complete for your application. We suggest checking with your sponsor that they have received, completed and submitted this as we cannot progress with your application until we receive their confirmation. 

Step 5: Delivery Partner Review

Your application will be submitted to your chosen Delivery Partner for review. You will receive a confirmation email once they have completed this review to confirm whether your application has been accepted or rejected. If your application is rejected you will be given a reason and suggested next steps. 

Step 6: eSignatures NPQ Agreement – Your signature

If your application is successful you will receive your NPQ agreement from eSignatures to sign electronically. Please sign and submit this as quickly as possible. 

Step 7: eSignatures NPQ Agreement – Sponsor signature

Your NPQ agreement will be sent to your sponsor to sign once you have signed and submitted it. Please check that they have received, completed and submitted this. Please be aware that, until the agreement is signed by both you and your sponsor, we are unable to proceed with your application.

Step 8: TDT confirms your application with DfE

TDT will confirm with the DfE that you have completed your application form and signed your agreement with us as your Lead Provider. If the DfE is unable to confirm your application it may be because you have other open applications with other NPQ Lead Providers. If this happens, we will contact you to confirm your Lead Provider preference. At this stage, your place has been reserved, but please note that to fully confirm your spot, you will need to start your NPQ (see following steps).   

Step 9: TDT enrols you on the learning platform 

Once enrolment opens, you will receive an email from TDT confirming your enrolment to our learning platform, TDT Learn. This email will outline how the access the learning platform and highlight some important dates for your diary. If any of our personal or professional details change after this time, please notify the Customer Support Team on npq@teacherdevelopmenttrust.org.

Step 10: Log in and start your NPQ

Once you have received your login details from TDT Learn you will be invited to complete your onboarding course. You must complete the onboarding course by the given deadline to secure your place on your chosen NPQ course.  If, for some reason, you are unable to access your onboarding course please contact npq@teacherdevelopmenttrust.org.