New NPQ for SENCOs - starting Autumn 2024

The NPQ for SENCOs is the latest qualification in the DfE’s Golden Thread of Professional Development and is a valuable addition to the NPQ suite. The new NPQ for SENCOs will be the mandatory qualification for SENCOs from September 2024, with the programme launching early in the Autumn term.  


As with the current framework, there will be a 3-year window for anyone new to the SENCO post to complete the NPQ for SENCOs

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. 

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 
  • Current and aspiring 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 
  • Start in Autumn 2024

Further information 

Applications and funding 

Applications for our Autumn 2024 NPQ cohort are currently closed whilst we wait for confirmation from the DfE on the future of NPQ funding.  

In the meantime, if you would like to be kept up to date on the new NPQ for SENCOs, please complete our Expression of Interest form by clicking on the button below.