NPQ for SENCOs

Lead a high-quality provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The NPQ for SENCOs (NPQSENCO) will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead SEND provision effectively and ensure every pupil receives the support they need to succeed.

You’ll develop expertise in identifying and meeting pupils’ needs, working with staff and external professionals, and creating inclusive environments where all pupils can thrive.

This is a nationally recognised qualification designed to support new and aspiring SENCOs to lead SEND provision and improve outcomes across your school.

Designed for current and aspiring SENCOs, inclusion leaders and those responsible for SEND provision.

Teachers and school leaders who:

• Are new to the SENCO role or aspiring to become a SENCO
• Have responsibility for supporting pupils with SEND
• Want to develop expertise in inclusive practice and SEND leadership

On this NPQ for SENCOs, you will develop expertise in:

• Identifying and assessing pupils’ special educational needs
• Planning and implementing effective SEND provision
• Supporting high-quality teaching for pupils with SEND
• Working with teachers to adapt teaching and meet diverse needs
• Using data and assessment to monitor progress and inform decisions
• Leading and managing SEND systems and processes across a school
• Working with parents, carers and external agencies
• Understanding statutory requirements and SEND frameworks
• Promoting inclusive practice and removing barriers to learning

Our NPQ for SENCOs is delivered over 18 months through a blended learning model designed to fit around your role in school.

The programme consists of seven modules and a final assessment. It includes 42 hours of online self-study, plus virtual school visits and masterclasses, plus four in-person days (each six hours), featuring practice clinics and coaching.

The programme includes:

• Local seminars – apply your learning with expert facilitators and collaborate with peers
• Virtual school visits – see effective SEND provision in practice
• Online masterclasses – hear from experienced SENCOs and sector experts
• Self-study modules – engage with the latest research and evidence-informed practice
• Implementation discussions – structured support to help you apply your learning in your school

You’ll also have access to a library of masterclasses and resources throughout the programme.

There are typically two to three scheduled sessions each half term, combining online and in-person learning. You should also expect around 4-6 hours of self-study per half term.

Local seminars take place during the working week and during term time. Schools should plan for participant attendance as part of their professional development commitment.

The programme is designed to be manageable alongside your existing role.

We have a wide network of delivery locations that allow us to reach participants from most areas. Reach out to your regional delivery team to find out which is closest to you.

North and West: Blackburn, Bolton, Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

South, East and London: Essex, Hertfordshire, North East London, Norwich, South East London, Suffolk, Sutton, Surrey. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

North and East: Doncaster, Gateshead, Grimsby, Halifax, Leicestershire, Newcastle, Peterlee, Redcar, Tyne and Wear, Washington. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

South and West: Birmingham, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dudley, Gloucestershire, Sandwell, Somerset, South Staffordshire, Swindon, Walsall, Worcester. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

• Develop expertise in SEND leadership and inclusive practice
• Build confidence to lead provision and support staff effectively
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Apply evidence-informed approaches to improve outcomes for pupils with SEND
• Enhance your career progression opportunities

• Improved quality and consistency of SEND provision
• Better outcomes for pupils with additional needs
• Stronger inclusive practice across the school
• Increased staff confidence in supporting pupils with SEND

To complete the NPQSENCO, you will:

• Engage fully with the programme
• Complete a written, ‘open book’ assessment (up to 2,000 words)

The assessment:

• Takes place over an eight-day window
• Assesses your understanding and application of programme content
• Includes two opportunities to pass

We will support you with writing clinics, provide you with live assessment support webinars and self-directed guidance materials before you gain your accreditation.

This programme is suitable for:

• Teachers who are new to the SENCO role or aspiring to become a SENCO
• School leaders responsible for SEND provision

The NPQ for SENCOs is mandatory for all practising and aspiring SENCOs*. They will need to complete this qualification within their first three years in the role.

*Please note that SENCOs who have already obtained the NASENCO qualification do not need to complete the NPQ for SENCOs, as well as SENCOs appointed before 1 September 2009.

Your school may be eligible for scholarship funding, please click here to find out more.

Applications for the November 2026 cohort are now open. You can apply here.

To apply, you will need:

• full understanding of eligibility criteria
• agreement from school/employer to apply for this programme
• support from school to take part in the programme and implement learning
• your Teacher Reference Number (A TRN is a 7-digit number that uniquely identifies you in the education sector in England. This will be validated with the Department for Education, please ensure you enter the correct TRN. Not sure what your teacher reference number is? You can find out here)
• school/setting unique reference number (URN), address, contact number, number of pupils on roll, % of pupils eligible for free school meals
• a summary of your current leadership responsibilities and a 200-word statement about why you wish to complete this programme
• name, job title and email address of nominated implementation advisor, name, job title and email address of referee and invoicing contact name, address and email address.

For the November 2026 cohort, all state schools are eligible to receive full funding. Find out more about funding and eligibility criteria here.

If your school is not eligible for funding, the NPQ for SENCOs costs £1,250.

The National Institute of Teaching is a higher education provider founded by schools, for schools.

• School-led – learn from experienced practitioners working in schools today
• Evidence-informed – grounded in the latest research on SEND and inclusive practice
• Designed for impact – apply your learning directly in your school context
• Built around your role – manageable alongside your responsibilities
• Collaborative – learn alongside peers and build a strong professional network

• NPQ for Early Years Leadership
• NPQ for Senior Leadership
• NPQ for Headship
• NPQ for Executive Leadership