SBL-P16Advanced DiplomaNQF Level 7

Advanced Diploma in Educational Governance & Policy

Policy leadership, board development, inspection readiness and institutional compliance at the highest standard.

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Duration

12 Months

Level

NQF Level 7

Cohort

Live + Self-Paced

Credential

NQF Aligned

Learning Objectives

By the end of this programme you'll be able to…

1

Gain practical, evidence-based skills that translate directly to your role.

2

Build a portfolio of work products you can show employers and stakeholders.

3

Develop a peer network of school leaders working through the same challenges.

4

Earn a credential aligned to the SBL competency framework and NQF level.

Ideal For · Career Outcomes

This programme is built for…

Board Member

Governance Director

Policy Lead

Programme Structure

How you'll learn

  • Live cohort sessions led by senior practitioners — weekly or fortnightly.
  • Self-paced modules with case studies, templates and downloadable resources.
  • Practical assignments graded against real-world rubrics.
  • Capstone project applied to your own school / context.
  • 1:1 coaching checkpoints across the programme.

Expectations

What is expected of you

  • Plan for 4–6 hours of structured learning per week (live sessions + self-paced).
  • Attend at least 80% of live sessions to remain in good standing.
  • Submit assignments by the published deadline — extensions available on request.
  • Engage in cohort discussions and peer review — your network IS the programme.
  • Bring real workplace problems — every framework is applied to your context.

Programme Timeline

Your journey, phase by phase

Built around the 12 Months cohort. Each phase has clear outcomes you can show your team and your board.

  1. 1
    Week 1 — Orientation, cohort kickoff, baseline assessment.
  2. 2
    Weeks 2–4 — Foundations module: frameworks, terminology, diagnostic.
  3. 3
    Weeks 5–8 — Applied module: case studies, templates, peer simulation.
  4. 4
    Weeks 9–11 — Capstone project: scoped, designed, delivered to your school.
  5. 5
    Week 12 — Final assessment, portfolio submission, graduation.

Learning Journey

From application to credential

A visual map of how you'll progress through this programme — every milestone is graded and unlocks the next step.

  1. 1Diagnose — assess your current context and identify the most leveraged problem to solve.
  2. 2Design — apply the SBL frameworks to map a clear plan of action.
  3. 3Deliver — implement the plan in your real workplace with coaching support.
  4. 4Demonstrate — present outcomes, evidence and reflection to your cohort and assessors.
  5. 5Develop — receive feedback and refine your practice for sustained leadership.

Weekly Activities

A week inside the programme

Every week follows the same rhythm so you always know what's next.

  • 1Live cohort session — 60–90 minutes; recorded for asynchronous review.
  • 2Self-paced module — videos, readings, downloadable templates.
  • 3Peer-discussion thread — share findings, get feedback.
  • 4Weekly micro-assignment — applied to your school context.
  • 5Office-hour drop-in — optional coaching time with a senior practitioner.

Sundays are intentionally free for rest, family, and your school.

Admission Requirements

What you need to apply

Open to current and aspiring non-instructive school leaders, administrators and operations professionals.

A minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience in an education setting is recommended.

Comfortable working in English (written and spoken).

Reliable internet access for the live sessions and self-paced modules.

A short statement of motivation submitted with your application — what change do you want to lead?

Frequently Asked

Common questions

Will I get a certificate? — Yes. On successful completion you receive an SBL credential aligned to the relevant NQF level. Is this fully online? — Yes. Live sessions are online; self-paced modules can be done anywhere with internet. What happens if I miss a live session? — Sessions are recorded and posted within 24 hours; you'll stay in good standing as long as overall attendance is 80%+. Can I pay in instalments? — Yes. We require 60% upfront; the balance is due within 6 weeks of programme start. What if I need to defer? — Reach out to the support team; deferrals to the next cohort are granted in genuine cases.

Ready to apply?

Join the next cohort of school leaders earning SBL-P16 credentials.

© 2026 School Builder Lab Africa. SBL-P16 · Advanced Diploma in Educational Governance & Policy