NPQ for SENCO
An NPQ designed for new, existing and aspiring SENCOs and those who want to understand what underpins successful SEND leadership.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Teach First to deliver the new NPQSENCO qualification to schools across Herefordshire, Worcester, Malvern, Wychavon and Wyre Forest.
The NPQ for SENCO is a leadership level qualification, primarily for SENCOs, school leaders or aspiring SENCOs.
From September 2024, all SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs will need to:
- Take the NPQ if they have not completed or started the NASENCO
- Complete training within 3 years of appointment – schools and SENCOs must make sure they enrol on training that will meet this requirement
- SENCOs appointed before 1 September 2009 are not be required to take the NPQ, but will be expected to ensure compliance with the
regulations - The NPQSENCO is fully funded for school leaders working within state-funded schools or 16-19 institutions in England.
Applications for our Autumn 2025 cohort are now open. We encourage anyone interested in the NPQSENCO award to complete our Expression of Interest form ahead of registration to ensure they receive up-to-date information and guidance on how to apply. You can register your interest using the button below.
Grow your expertise as a leader of SEND
Broaden your leadership knowledge and develop expertise across specialist areas, such as the identification of SEND, as well as leading and managing provision.
Create a culture where pupils with SEND can thrive
Learn how to establish and sustain a supportive culture where everyone feels welcome, safe and that they belong.
Access training rated outstanding by Ofsted
Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise to make a real difference in your school.
Learn about the statutory framework for SEND
Develop confidence to give statutory guidance and ensure that school policies and practices take account of the relevant legislation.
Develop effective working partnerships
Explore approaches to working collaboratively with colleagues, families, external agencies and specialists.
Is the NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs) for me?
This programme is aimed at existing SENCOs, school leaders or those interested in developing expertise in SEND or becoming a SENCO in the future.
You’ll be passionate about working with pupils with SEND and keen to develop your leadership skills to create an environment where all pupils can thrive.
The NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs) replaces the NASENCO qualification.
How does the NPQ for SENCOs work?
This programme consists of a series of courses based on the DfE’s NPQ frameworks.
It’s delivered over 18 months, and you’ll then complete a summative assessment within a fixed eight-day window. This will be marked and moderated and your result confirmed within three months.
Each course cycle features:
- evidence-based online content to refresh and build knowledge, as well as show what this looks like in your context
- a formative assessment task to support your learning
- online seminars with a group of peers, facilitated by an experienced school leader and SENCO. You’ll analyse and reflect on the task and hear further examples of good practice
- the opportunity to record reflections and consolidate learning
This cycle repeats throughout the programme, with opportunities to consider implementation in every module.
It features discrete learning early on, focused specifically on the theory and practice behind effective implementation.
This will help you to apply key learning throughout the programme and plan a strategic improvement focused on your context and pupils.
There will also be ongoing support through seminar groups and a discussion forum.
You’ll develop essential knowledge, skills and concepts that underpin successful SEND leadership within a school.
Throughout the programme, you will work alongside other leaders to build a school culture in which pupils with SEND can:
- participate meaningfully in the full life of the school
- achieve ambitious outcomes
- make successful transitions to their next steps
Modules include:
- How to develop an inclusive culture
- The identification and assessment of SEND
- Understanding and implementation of statutory SEND legislation
- A focus on working in partnership with leaders, families and external agencies
Our content is informed by a strong and up to date evidence base, developed with input from practising SENCOs and inclusion experts such as the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen).
Our programmes have a practical focus. You’ll be supported to understand what makes an effective SENCO and the operational and strategic role you play or will play once in post.
DfE scholarship funding
A limited number of DfE scholarships will continue to be available to all teachers and leaders from state-funded schools and state-funded organisations that offer 16 to 19 places in England for the NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs).
For further information, guidance and to check if your setting is eligible for scholarship funding, please see the information on funding for NPQs on the GOV.UK website.
The cost for someone who is not accessing a funded place is £1,265.
Am I eligible to apply for an NPQ?
To apply for an NPQ, applicants must have:
- full support from their school/organisation, as confirmed via a written agreement.
- Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
- At least two-years’ experience in education.
Is my school or organisation eligible for funding?
You may be able to get your NPQ course fees paid for by the Department for Education (DfE). This is called scholarship funding. You do not need to apply for it.
When you register for an NPQ, DfE will tell you if you are eligible for funding.
How to apply
- To find out more or to register your interest in the NPQ for SENCO complete the Expression of Interest form below.
- You will receive an email containing a link to our application form. Complete this form in full.