Interested in enrolling in an NPQ programme for Autumn 2025?
The first step is easy. Just let us know your interest by completing the NPQ Interest Form, and we will take you through the journey step-by-step.
The AISL Academy & UCL Advantage
Our NPQ programmes help you gain targeted expertise and practical skills to progress your career and make real impact in your schools. Practical learning of skills that you can apply immediately in your role and context, facilitated by seasoned educators and leaders in British K-12 international schools in the Asia region, content backed by the strong experience of UCL IOE in designing and delivering NPQs since their inception 30 years ago – these are just a few of the advantages you can expect from the UCL & AISL NPQ programmes.
Your Experience with Us
We know the NPQ experience can be a bit complicated, but rest assured, we will work with you every step of the way. Below is a high-level depiction of the overall process; more detailed route map for each program can be found on the specific programme’s page.
Choosing the Right Specialist NPQ Programme
Specialist NPQs focus on enhancing skills in key areas such as teacher development, behaviour management, and teaching, empowering teachers to make a targeted impact in their roles. Browse the specific programmes below and click on the one(s) you are interested in to learn more details.
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
Gain the skills to strategise, plan and execute teacher development initiatives in your organization.
Cost: £1,375
NPQ Leading Teaching
Gain the skills to drive excellence and lead outstanding teaching in your school.
Cost: £1,375
NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture
Gain the expertise to foster a positive, inclusive school culture and lead on behaviour and wellbeing.
Cost: £1,375
NPQ Leading Literacy
Gain the expertise to lead literacy across your school and improve outcomes for all learners.
Cost: £1,375
NPQ Leading Primary Maths
Gain the expertise to lead high-quality primary mathematics teaching and improve pupil outcomes across your school.
Cost: £1,375
Which Leadership Programme Fits You?
Currently we offer two leadership NPQ programmes: NPQ Headship, and NPQ Early Years Leadership. Click on the programmes to find out more.
NPQ Headship
For school leaders who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school.
Cost: £3,250
NPQ Early Years Leadership
Teachers and leaders aspired to lead a nursery as a manager of a PVI nursery, a headteacher of a school-based or maintained nursery or a childminder with leadership responsibilities.
Cost: £2,250
Meet Your Programme Facilitators
Our programme facilitators are seasoned educators and leaders in British K-12 international schools. Theirexperiences and insights, together with other participants’ in your cohort, will form a learning community thatwill significantly benefit your learning in our NPQ programmes.
Ahmed Hussain
Chief Education Officer
AISL Harrow International Schools
Dr Ahmed Hussain is the Chief Education Officer with AISL. This position involves leading on educational strategy and operations across the Harrow group of schools in Asia. He is also an Associate Professor in the school of education at Durham University, a member of the editorial board with Research Journal: International Education Theory and Practice, a member of the expert panel for Pudong Education Bureau, Shanghai, and a Fellow of the Charter College for Teaching, UK. Ahmed began his career as a research scientist and lecturer at Durham University.
Charles Ellison
Director of Education
AISL Harrow International Schools
Having enjoyed an extensive career in independent schooling both in the UK and within British international schools spanning over 30 years, Charles is presently Director of Quality and Standards within the AISL Education Team. Charles’ leadership journey has included roles such as Head of Department, Director of Co-curricular Provision, Housemaster, Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head and Headmaster of an all-through boarding and day school in England. Prior to his present Group role, Charles was Head Master of Harrow Shanghai.
Ruth Whymark
Associate Director of Education
AISL Harrow International Schools
Ruth Whymark has been in headship for fifteen years. She has led in a variety of settings and contexts, giving her a very wide perspective on global education, from challenging inner-city to high performing state and international schools, all of which informed her passion for social justice, leadership, wellbeing, equity, inclusion and diversity. Ruth is passionate about building professional learning communities that create the conditions for learners to achieve both personal and academic success. The belief that all pupils can achieve highly is at the heart of Ruth’s practice.
Vanessa Szucs-Hussain
Vanessa Szucs-Hussain
AISL Harrow International Schools
Vanessa has a particular passion for creating a culture of excellence in early years settings, through coaching, mentoring and NPQ facilitation. She also has an academic interest in researching and developing book-based pedagogical approaches to learning. She now has the privilege of applying her extensive experience through her role working across the AISL Harrow group of schools.
Tessa Ho
sociate Director of Education
AISL Harrow International Schools
Tessa Ho is the Associate Director of Early Years. With over 15 years of experience in Early Years education, Tessa is dedicated to the field and has worked in various educational settings including international and bilingual environments. Tessa continuously expands her Early Years education and psychology knowledge to support schools and practitioners in delivering a comprehensive curriculum. She is committed to collaborating with schools across the group to provide excellent education and enhance the community.
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