DE - Teacher Education and Professional Learning - Replacement for Professional Qualification for Headship for Northern Ireland

The Department of Education appointed Queen's University Belfast (contract value £3,000,000, awarded 29 April 2026) to develop and deliver a replacement programme for the Professional Qualification for Headship in Northern Ireland from May 2026 to June 2029, with an optional extension to June 2031. The supplier will develop the programme by December 2026, deliver a 12-month pilot from January to December 2027 with 40 participants, and launch an 18-month programme in January 2028 serving up to 100 participants annually through January and September entry points, providing practical preparation for recently appointed and aspiring school principals.