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Login with SSAT IDAccreditation for practitioners leading learning in schools and MATs. Designed to deliver whole-school impact.
Overview
Some of the most influential people in schools are the practitioners who share expertise, support colleagues and help improve teaching beyond their own classroom.
Yet many don’t have a meaningful way to have that contribution recognised or continue developing while remaining close to classroom practice.
Lead Practitioner Accreditation was created to ensure great practice doesn’t go unnoticed. It gives schools a nationally recognised way to identify, develop and retain exceptional practitioners, while providing individuals with recognition for the impact they’re already making.
If you’re a school or Trust leader
The future of your school isn’t just about recruiting great teachers. It’s about recognising and developing the exceptional practitioners you already have. Lead Practitioner Accreditation helps you create meaningful career pathways, build leadership from within and strengthen school improvement by investing in the people already making a difference.
If you’re a teacher or practitioner
You don’t need a senior leadership title to lead learning. If you’re already influencing colleagues, sharing expertise and helping improve teaching, Lead Practitioner Accreditation provides nationally recognised recognition for the contribution you’re already making, while helping you continue to grow and extend your impact.
What is a Lead Practitioner?
A Lead Practitioner is not defined by a job title. They are defined by their impact. Lead Practitioners:
- Drive improvement in teaching & learning.
- Deliver measurable impact for pupils.
- Support the professional development of others.
- Share expertise across teams and schools
- Influence practice beyond their own classroom
Lead Practitioner Accreditation was created to recognise, develop and celebrate these exceptional practitioners while supporting schools to strengthen leadership of learning.
You may already be a leader of learning if you…
- Support the professional development of colleagues.
- Share effective practice.
- Help improve teaching beyond your own classroom.
- Use evidence and research to inform practice.
- Are passionate about improving outcomes for young people.
If that sounds like you or someone in your school, Lead Practitioner Accreditation was designed for you.
Aspiring Lead Practitioners: 24 November 2026
Are you considering Lead Practitioner (LP) accreditation for yourself or a cohort within your school or Trust? This live Q&A session is your chance to speak directly with Andy Williams, LP Programme Lead, and get answers to your questions about the accreditation process in an open, interactive session to explore the programme, and clarify details.
Outcomes
What could Lead Practitioner Accreditation help you achieve?
For schools and Trusts
- Develop leaders of learning who strengthen teaching and learning across your organisation.
- Create meaningful career progression pathways.
- Embed an evidence-informed culture focused on improving outcomes.
- Build a culture where expertise is recognised, shared and celebrated.
- Keep exceptional teachers engaged by recognising their contribution.
For practitioners
- Gain recognition for the impact you’re already making.
- Develop your leadership while remaining close to classroom practice.
- Engage in meaningful professional reflection and enquiry.
- Extend your influence beyond your current role.
- Join a national community committed to improving teaching and learning.
For the individual who wishes to be recognised for leadership of learning, the LP process provides a structure that enables you to develop and flourish. It supports your teacher career progression, to develop both yourself and colleagues you work with, across your school or MAT.
When you sign up you can join a national cohort which includes four online support seminars giving you the opportunity to network with other aspiring LPs from a range of settings.
Future National Cohort dates: NC X beginning on 17 November 2026.
For groups of staff
Lead Practitioner Accreditation is awarded to individuals but delivers the greatest impact when schools and trusts develop cohorts of Lead Practitioners. Together, they strengthen professional learning, build leadership capacity and create a culture where expertise is recognised and shared. Schools can also access tailored support and work towards becoming a Lead Practitioner Learning Centre (LPLC).
Impact
“It is a great opportunity to not only improve your own practice but also to inspire a culture of collective responsibility and excellence across your entire professional network.”
Verity Merryweather, Lead Practitioner for Teaching & Learning, Samuel Whitbread Academy
“I’m thrilled to have received my Lead Practitioner certificate! Thank you for making the accreditation process straightforward and for the invaluable feedback that guided me throughout my application. I’m eager to collaborate with learning and teaching teams to create school-wide initiatives grounded in evidence-based practices”
Christopher, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, St Andrew’s Catholic School
“LP was an inspiring programme to be involved in, helping me to consider how to involve the support staff team in developing learning and in driving impact across the school in teaching and learning.”
Adele Hawksworth, Librarian, King's Academy Bay House
Articles
The reach of a Lead Practitioner – moving beyond school-wide impact to multi-academy trust and international influence
How I used Lead Practitioner Accreditation to embed a new English writing structure and RE curriculum
Embedding sustainability and professional growth through SSAT Lead Practitioner Accreditation
Resources
Lead Practitioner Brochure
Read more about Lead Practitioner Accreditation.
Lead Practitioner - Theory of Change
Learn how to develop and celebrate leaders of learning consistently within and across your school/jurisdiction.
Lead Practitioner Accreditation: Your programme guide
A guide explaining how the programme works for you and your school as an individual or cohort.
Key Information
Start date
Flexible (up to 2 years to complete)
Format
Online
Pricing
SSAT members: £499
Non-members: £699
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lead Practitioner Accreditation for?
This accreditation is for teachers, support staff and school leaders who are already making an impact beyond their own role by supporting colleagues, sharing expertise and improving teaching and learning. It is also ideal for schools and trusts looking to recognise, develop and retain these leaders of learning.
Do I need to be a senior leader?
No. You don’t need to be a senior leader to become a Lead Practitioner. The programme is open to teachers, support staff and leaders who are influencing practice beyond their own role. What matters is the impact you’re already having, not your job title.
How much time does it take?
Lead Practitioner Accreditation is designed to fit around your existing role. Rather than creating unnecessary workload, it helps you recognise, reflect on and evidence the impact you’re already having.
The programme is delivered online, giving you the flexibility to complete it alongside your professional responsibilities. It combines structured guidance, evidence gathering and professional reflection, with support throughout your journey.
You can start at any time and complete the programme at a pace that works for you, with up to two years to achieve accreditation.
What evidence do I need to provide?
You’ll build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how you’ve influenced teaching and learning beyond your own role. This includes reflecting on your practice and showing the impact you’ve had on colleagues, professional learning and school improvement.
Can we enrol a cohort of staff?
Yes. Many schools and trusts choose to enrol cohorts of practitioners aligned to their improvement priorities. You can start at any time. Developing a cohort helps build leadership capacity, creates a shared approach to leading learning and can have a wider impact across the organisation. Bespoke support is also available, with the opportunity to work towards becoming a Lead Practitioner Learning Centre (LPLC).
What is a Lead Practitioner Learning Centre (LPLC)?
LPLCs are schools or organisations that have embedded Lead Practitioner Accreditation as part of their professional development strategy. They receive tailored support to develop cohorts of practitioners and extend leadership and professional learning across their organisation and beyond.
How is Lead Practitioner Accreditation different from an NPQ?
While NPQs focus on developing leadership knowledge and skills, Lead Practitioner Accreditation recognises the impact practitioners are already having beyond their own role. It’s a practice-based accreditation that celebrates existing expertise while helping practitioners extend their influence and supporting schools to build leadership capacity from within.
What support is available during the programme?
You’ll receive structured guidance throughout the programme, including access to an online platform, resources and feedback to help you build your evidence portfolio and achieve accreditation. Schools and trusts can also access bespoke support when delivering cohorts.
How long will I be accredited for?
LP Accreditation status lasts for three years. Find out how to maintain your status and apply for re-accreditation here.
Ready to develop and recognise the teachers already leading learning?
Book a conversation with Andy Williams, Senior Education Lead, to discuss how Lead Practitioner Accreditation could support your school. Whether you’re considering an individual or a cohort, Andy can help you explore the best approach for your priorities.
Andy Williams
Senior Education Lead
Interested in taking your first steps towards LP accreditation as an individual or as a cohort?
Simply fill in the form and submit your details to book a call with our support team to guide you through our Teaching and Learning programmes.
Alternatively, email us hello@ssatuk.co.uk or call 020 7802 2300.
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