Cumbria Education Trust (CET) proudly celebrated the success of its latest National Professional Qualification (NPQ) graduates at the NPQ Celebration Event on Monday 31st March 2025.
Held at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith, in partnership with Ambition Institute, the event honoured the achievements of educational professionals from across Cumbria and the Northwest of England who have successfully completed their NPQ with CET. This special occasion highlighted the dedication, expertise, and impact these qualifications have had on both personal and professional development, as well as their role in driving school improvement and positive outcomes for young people. The event also recognised the invaluable contributions of CET’s Visiting Fellows, who have played a key role in delivering these programmes.
NPQs are nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Department for Education, designed to support the professional growth of teachers and school leaders. Through thought-provoking discussions, independent study, applied tasks, in-person clinics, and assessments, each NPQ equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in their roles and contribute to school improvement.
In partnership with Ambition Institute, CET has successfully delivered a suite of Specialist and Leadership NPQs to educators across the region. The celebration event not only showcased the remarkable achievements of the participants but also provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth.
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
CET Chief Executive, Lorrayne Hughes, opened the event talking about the importance of continuous learning and the dedication of those working in education. She highlighted the commitment of CET’s NPQ graduates and their vital role in supporting young people and driving school improvement. Steve Farndon, Instructional Coach and Fellow at Ambition Institute, also commended the graduates, emphasising the profound impact of NPQs on the education sector and the future of young learners.
Throughout the evening, CET’s Leadership Team and Visiting Fellows shared a mix of humorous anecdotes and personal reflections, offering insights into the programme’s development and expressing pride in their cohorts’ accomplishments. The event culminated in a formal presentation ceremony, where each NPQ graduate received a certificate and a prestigious glass keepsake to mark their achievement.
Nic Tweddle, CET Leadership Development Lead, expressed immense pride in the graduates, stating:
“This event was all about recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of our NPQ participants. Their achievements are a testament to their commitment to professional development and school improvement, which directly benefits young people. A huge thank you also goes to our Visiting Fellows, who have delivered our NPQ programmes with such professionalism, contributing to our 100% pass rate to date.”
The evening concluded with a celebratory toast, allowing participants to reflect on their journey and discuss future professional development opportunities with CET and Ambition Institute.
CET is proud to maintain a 100% NPQ pass rate. If you’re interested in enrolling in an NPQ, becoming a Visiting Fellow, or learning more about the available programmes, visit www.cumbriaeducationtrust.org/npqs or contact npqs@cumbriaeducationtrust.org.
