Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to reform the national headship qualification to include a focus upon improving schools in deprived communities.

The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) content framework includes evidence-based statements regarding school improvement, including around setting a strong culture, establishing and sustaining continuous improvement and sharing effective practice between schools to close the disadvantage attainment gap.

Whilst NPQH is already equipping headteachers with the evidence-based knowledge and understanding they need to drive improvement for all pupils, including those in deprived areas, the department will continue to review all national professional qualifications to ensure the qualifications are based on the latest evidence of what works for teaching and learning.