NPQ for SENCOs
National Professional Qualification for SENCOs
We are delighted to be partnering with Teach First to deliver this programme for the Autumn 2026 cohort.
From September 2024, this NPQ has been the mandatory qualification for SENCOs. Following the introduction of the NPQ for SENCOs in September 2024, the 3-year window to complete the mandatory qualification on taking up a SENCO post remains. For further information, please refer to the DfE's Transition to NPQ for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.
SENCOs meet their statutory requirement on receiving the outcome of their NPQ. Participants should allow up to 4 months on top of the 18 months of study to receive their outcome.
Funding for Autumn 2026
The Department for Education has confirmed that the NPQ for SENCOs will be fully funded for all eligible schools and settings for Autumn 2026.
For full details of NPQ funding for Autumn 2026 and eligibility, see here:
GOV.UK | Funding for National Professional Qualifications
Funding is limited and eligibility does not guarantee a place; early applications are encouraged.
Programme cost
If your school is not eligible for funding, the NPQ for SENCOs costs £1,265.
Who is this course for?
This course is for:
- Special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs)
- Teachers interested in developing expertise in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or undertaking a SENCO role in future
- School leaders
Course overview
This 18-month course will enable you to:
- Co-ordinate special educational needs (SEN) provision throughout your school.
- Work alongside other leaders to build a school culture in which pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can participate meaningfully in the full life of the school, achieve ambitious outcomes and make successful transitions to their next steps.
This course will:
- Take between 18 and 22 months to complete (18 months taught and 3 to 4 months assessment window)
- Involve an average of 1 to 2 hours of study each week
- Be a mix of self-study and group sessions
- Have a written assessment
Brochure: Teach First
Programme breakdown
Over 12 months you'll take part in the following learning activities before completing your summative assessment:
