NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQSENCO)

Become an expert leader of special educational needs and learn how you can build an inclusive culture in your school where all pupils can succeed.  

The National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ Senco) is designed for teachers with responsibility for leading provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It replaces the NASENCO qualification. 

Delivered by Eden Academy Trust in partnership with Ambition Institute, this programme combines evidence-informed leadership development with structured reflection to support your professional growth and strengthen your practice.  

Who is this programme for?

NPQSENCO is ideal for  

- Newly appointed Sencos 

- Experienced Sencos looking to strengthen their practice 

- Teachers aspiring to become a Senco 

- School leaders with responsibility for SEND provision 

If you are leading SEND provision and want to improve outcomes for pupils with additional needs, this program will support you to lead with greater confidence and clarity. 

What you'll gain

By the end of the programme, you will:  

- Strengthen your understanding of high-quality inclusive teaching 

- Develop expertise in identifying and supporting pupils with SEND 

- Improve your ability to lead and coordinate provision across a school 

- Build confidence in working with staff, parents and external agencies 

- Use evidence to inform decisions that improve outcomes for all pupils 

You’ll have the chance to consider how your professional learning may have a direct impact on your practice in your current setting.  

How the programme works

The NPQSENCO it is designed to fit around your role, with flexible, structured learning over time.  

Duration: 18 months 

Delivery includes: 

- Self-paced online modules 

- Facilitated sessions with experienced leaders 

- Opportunities to reflect and apply learning to your current role 

Assessment: 

NPQs are assessed at the end of the programme through a written case study based on what you have learned (1,500 words). Support and guidance will be provided in preparation to this endpoint, and the process is manageable alongside your role in school. 

Funding and eligibility

The NPQSENCO was fully funded for all schools through Department for Education scholarships last year. The DFE has yet to announce funding for future cohorts, but we expect this will be made nearer to the beginning of Autumn 2026.  

If you do not work in an eligible school, the cost for the course is £1,332 plus VAT. 

Eligibility depends on your role and school context. 

When we have further information from the DfE, we can support you to: 

- Check your eligibility  

- Understand funding options  

- Complete your application 

What Participants Say

Ready to get started

Get started today by completing the Ambition Institute registration form here: https://www.ambition.org.uk/contact-us/npq-enquiry-page/