Best Practice Network

What Best Practice Network does

Best Practice Network (BPN) is a UK-based education training provider and a subsidiary of the Supporting Education Group, operating for over 20 years to deliver DfE-accredited professional development and qualifications for teachers, school leaders, early years practitioners, and SENCOs. The company's core portfolio comprises National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) across leadership and specialist areas (NPQH, NPQEL, NPQSL, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLBC, NPQEYL, NPQ for SENCOs, NPQLL), Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT), the Early Career Framework (ECF) programme, and a broad apprenticeship suite spanning Levels 2-7 (including Teaching Assistant, Coaching, Speech & Language, Autism Support, Pastoral, and AI Practitioner apprenticeships). Programmes are delivered via Canvas Virtual Learning Environment for online study, face-to-face events, coaching, and a network of 86 delivery partners (teaching school hubs, multi-academy trusts, nursery chains, and local authorities) across England.

BPN's business model is a hybrid of DfE-funded scholarship places (for state-funded schools), Apprenticeship Levy-funded cohorts (where the government covers 95% and the school 5% for non-levy payers), and direct fee-paying arrangements for independent and international schools. Programme pricing varies materially: NPQ for SENCOs standalone is £1,298+VAT, NPQEL is £4,095+VAT, Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH is £7,000 from Apprenticeship Levy funds, and Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5 is £5,000 fully funded via levy. Customer segments include primary and secondary schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, early years settings (nurseries, childminders), international schools (via International NPQ variants served in 75 countries), and school support staff (teaching assistants, school business managers). Go-to-market is sales-led via school relationships, the online application portal (ccms.bpnsystems.net), and the delivery partner network. The company is headquartered in Bristol (Newminster House, 27-29 Baldwin Street), employs 11-50 people, and its ECF programme holds an Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating awarded in May 2023.

Name

Best Practice Network

Legal name

Best Practice Network Limited

Website

https://bestpracticenet.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Best Practice Network is a UK education training provider delivering DfE-accredited NPQ qualifications, teacher training, early years programmes, and apprenticeships (Levels 2-7) to schools, nurseries, and multi-academy trusts across England and 75 international markets via 86 delivery partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Development and Education Training

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Teacher Professional Development & In-Service Training Institutes (EDAHAFAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

In-Service Professional Development (Workshops/Institutes/Short Courses) (EDACAIAB), Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications (EDAAANAB)

Keywords

• Teacher training
• Professional development
• National professional qualifications
• Early years education
• Education apprenticeships

Headquarters

HQ city

Watford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Programme and Qualification Fees: Revenue generated from NPQ courses, teacher training programmes, and apprenticeships. Pricing varies by programme with some fully funded through DfE scholarships or Apprenticeship Levy.
2. School Leaders Network Subscription: 12-month renewable membership subscription for school leaders providing access to content, courses, videos, case studies, and user forum content.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Best Practice Network designs, develops and delivers accredited professional development programmes and qualifications for teachers, school leaders, early years practitioners, and SENCOs. The portfolio includes DfE-accredited National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), Initial Teacher Training, Early Years Initial Teacher Training, the Early Career Framework, and Level 2-7 apprenticeships. Programmes are delivered through blended online learning via Canvas VLE, face-to-face events with a network of 86 delivery partners across England, coaching, and apprenticeship pathways.

Product overview

Best Practice Network is an education training provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of professional development programmes for teachers, school leaders, and early years practitioners. The portfolio includes DfE-accredited National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) across leadership and specialist areas, Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes, Early Years training, apprenticeships at Levels 2-7, and continuous professional development courses. Key programmes include NPQH, NPQEL, NPQSL, NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLBC, NPQEYL, and NPQ for SENCOs qualifications; Teaching Assistant and Coaching apprenticeships; Early Career Framework (ECF) for new teachers; HLTA and DSBM professional qualifications; and International NPQ variants. The organisation delivers through Canvas VLE, face-to-face events, coaching sessions, and a network of delivery partners across England. Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' provider.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) DfE-accredited 18-month qualification for school leaders who are, or aspire to be, a headteacher or head of school, combining face-to-face events, online study, and coaching.
• National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) DfE-accredited qualification for school leaders aspiring to or serving as executive headteachers responsible for multiple schools, academies, or LA Virtual Schools. Includes 6 face-to-face events and a 2-day conference.
• National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) DfE-accredited qualification for school leaders who are, or aspire to be, senior leaders with cross-school responsibilities.
• National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) DfE-accredited qualification for teachers who have, or aspire to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase.
• National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) DfE-accredited qualification for teachers who have, or aspire to have, responsibilities for leading the development of other teachers.
• National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC) DfE-accredited qualification for teachers who have, or aspire to have, responsibilities for leading behaviour and culture and/or supporting pupil well-being.
• NPQ for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) DfE-accredited specialist NPQ focused on leading literacy development across the curriculum.
• NPQ for SENCOs DfE-accredited qualification replacing the NASENCO, equipping SENCOs with expertise and leadership skills for the SEND landscape. 18-month programme with 4 face-to-face events and coaching.
• NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) DfE-accredited qualification for early years leaders to develop expertise in early years education leadership.
• Early Career Framework (ECF) Structured programme of training and support for early career teachers (ECTs), judged 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in May 2023. Includes mentor training and curriculum aligned to the DfE's ECF.
• Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) Teacher training apprenticeship for those currently working in schools, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training Teacher training for graduates and career changers not currently working in schools, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and PGCE.
• Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) Training for graduates employed in early years settings, awarding Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). Available via employment-based and full-time routes.
• International NPQs DfE-accredited NPQ programmes tailored for international schools, including NPQLTD, NPQLT, NPQLBC, NPQSL, NPQH, and NPQEL International variants.
• Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH Dual award combining NPQH with Level 5 Learning and Development Apprenticeship, costing £7,000 from Apprenticeship Levy funds.
• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status Professional status programme for teaching assistants demonstrating higher-level skills and knowledge.
• Diploma for School Business Managers (DSBM) Level 4 qualification for school business managers covering financial management, operations, and strategic planning.
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)

Quantifiable outcome

• Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating on all accounts for Early Career Framework programme (May 2023)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, minor and regional.

• Outstanding Leaders PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBPN operates the Outstanding Leaders Partnership as part of its delivery network for leadership development programmes.
• Department for EducationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDfE-accredited provider for NPQs, ITT, EYITT, and ECF programmes. BPN designs and delivers programmes in collaboration with DfE.
• University of ChesterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPQ programmes award 30-100 Master's credits that can be used toward an MA in Educational Leadership.
• ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoaching in Education Apprenticeship includes ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.
• Supporting Education GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of Best Practice Network, part of the SEG group providing education sector professional development.
• Keys GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• Teaching School HubscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of teaching school hubs delivering BPN programmes regionally across England
• The CareTech GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• Cornwall Council with Best Practice NetworkregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal authority partnership for delivering programmes in Cornwall region
• Inspiring Futures PartnershipminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• The Education PeopleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes in Education People region
• HISP Learning PartnershipminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• Futures Education InstituteminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• Chiltern Teaching SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• John Taylor Teaching School HubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• Rainbow Education MATminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-academy trust delivery partner for BPN programmes
• Nexus Education Schools TrustminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-academy trust delivery partner for BPN programmes
• ALP SchoolsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery partner for BPN programmes
• GLF SchoolsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-academy trust delivery partner for BPN programmes
• REAch2 Academy TrustminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-academy trust delivery partner for BPN programmes
• REAch2 Academy TrustminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-academy trust delivery partner for BPN programmes
• N Family ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEarly years nursery chain partner for apprenticeships and EYITT
• The Old Station NurseryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursery partner for Early Years apprenticeships and EYITT delivery
• Spring by Action for ChildrenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursery brand partner for Early Years apprenticeships and EYITT
• Kids PlanetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursery chain partner for Early Years programmes
• Little Pioneers NurseryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursery partner for Early Years programmes
• Little DukesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursery partner for Early Years programmes
• Rainbow Day NurseriesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursery partner for Early Years programmes
• Oxford Diocesan Schools TrustminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiocesan MAT delivery partner for BPN programmes
• ThriveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company delivering Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 variation alongside BPN

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• UCL Institute of Education (IOE): Major UK provider of teacher training, PGCEs, and educational leadership qualifications; competes with BPN for ITT and leadership training share but as part of a much broader higher education portfolio.
• Pearson: Global education company offering teacher training, qualifications, and professional development at scale; overlaps with BPN's qualifications and CPD portfolio but serves a much wider international market.
• Capita: Large UK outsourcing and education services provider that has historically delivered school improvement and teacher training services, offering overlapping capability with BPN as a portfolio player.

Regional players

• TPP (The Partnership for Learning): Regional teaching school hub-led training provider offering ITT, NPQs, and CPD to schools in specific English regions, overlapping with BPN's delivery partner model.

Direct peers

• Skillnet: UK apprenticeship and training provider operating across education and public sector, competing with BPN for apprenticeship levy-funded programmes in schools and early years settings.
• National Institute of Teaching (NIoT): DfE-accredited provider of ITT, NPQs and school leadership programmes in England, directly competing with BPN for the same government-funded seats and school customers.
• Early Years Alliance: UK sector body delivering early years training, qualifications, and apprenticeships; competes directly with BPN's EYITT and Early Years apprenticeship portfolio.
• Ambition Institute: UK-based charity that is a major DfE-accredited provider of NPQs, ECF, and teacher training programmes, directly competing with BPN for the same school and government-funded cohort pools.
• Teach First: Large DfE-accredited teacher training and leadership development charity delivering ITT, NPQs and ECF programmes, competing head-to-head with BPN in school leadership and early career training.
• Churchill Education Group: UK education training group offering NPQs, ITT, and teacher development programmes accredited by the DfE, competing directly with BPN in leadership and early career teacher training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bestpracticenet

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Best Practice Network