National Professional Qualification
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs) for international schools
Our National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQ for SENCOs) programme empowers SENCOs to lead inclusive teaching practices, ensuring all pupils with additional needs receive the support they need to succeed.
98% NPQ Participant satisfaction Rating
DfE Satisfaction Survey, Spring 2023
At a glance
Course duration
18 months
Accredited by England's Department for Education
Virtual Face-to-Face Events
4
Access to research, SEND case studies and self-study modules
1:1 Coaching
Total Learning Hours
90-94 hours
What will you learn on the NPQ for SENCOs programme?
The NPQ for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) is specifically designed to equip leaders in international schools with the expertise to support and champion the needs of all learners. The programme focuses on strategic leadership in the area of inclusion, empowering participants to develop a clear vision for ensuring high-quality provision and improved outcomes for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Key areas covered include effective resource management, leading tailored teaching strategies, and fostering an inclusive school culture that embraces diversity. Participants will also learn how to collaborate with key stakeholders, such as parents, external specialists, and the international school community, to build a supportive, inclusive environment.
The NPQ for SENCOs also develops leaders’ skills in implementing change, enhancing school-wide SEND practices, and ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities and safeguarding, particularly in the context of international education.
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Who should apply for NPQ for SENCOs?
- Newly Appointed SENCOs
- Aspiring SENCOs
- Experienced SENCOs
- Inclusion Managers or Coordinators
- Pastoral Leaders
How is the NPQ for SENCOs programme delivered?
The NPQ for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQSENCO) is an 18-month programme that includes four Face-to-Face events and a total of 90 hours of learning, with time dedicated to independent study and application.The qualification follows a structured, cyclical approach, beginning with a face-to-face event that participants can attend either in person or remotely from any location in the world.
Each cycle progresses through a series of modules, practice activities, and formative assessment tasks, allowing you to apply new skills and strategies immediately within your school context. The cycle concludes with in-school performance coaching, offering personalised support to help you effectively implement your learning. This model combines flexibility with in-depth, practical learning specifically designed to address the unique challenges of supporting SEND provision in international school settings.
The programme culminates in an Impact Review, followed by a Summative Assessment Case Study to consolidate your expertise and demonstrate the impact of your leadership in enhancing inclusive education.
What are the benefits of completing the NPQ for SENCOS (NPQSENCO)?
The NPQ for SENCOs provides candidates with up-to-date knowledge on how to lead effective SEND provision, establishing a strategic vision and driving sustainable improvements in support for pupils with special educational needs across their school.
Not only does Best Practice Network support you throughout the course via personal coaching and a purpose build virtual learning environment, we also have a global network of 165 schools, organisations, and universities.
This diverse expertise helps us develop tailored programmes, which is delivered by skilled facilitators in your area.
Benefits for schools
- Schools benefit from SENCOs trained to develop and implement effective, evidence-based strategies for supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring all students receive the targeted support they need.
- By establishing a clear, strategic approach to SEND, these leaders contribute to a more inclusive school environment that raises standards for all pupils.
- NPQ for SENCOs-trained leaders bring up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation and best practices, ensuring compliance and high-quality support for SEND pupils across the school.
- Schools gain leaders who can confidently guide and train other staff on SEND strategies, strengthening the whole-school approach to inclusivity and support.
- SENCOs with this qualification are equipped to build strong partnerships with parents, external agencies, and the school community, fostering a supportive network for SEND pupils.
- participants also gain skills in resource management, ensuring that SEND funding and resources are allocated effectively to maximise impact on pupil outcomes.
Benefits for learners
- You will develop specialised skills and knowledge in SEND leadership, equipping you to create impactful strategies that improve outcomes for pupils with special educational needs.
- Gain an in-depth understanding of SEND legislation and best practices, making you a confident, informed leader who can guide your school in delivering high-quality support.
- The NPQ for SENCOs enhances your qualifications, positioning you as a key leader in SEND provision and creating pathways for career growth within the field of inclusive education.
- You’ll gain increased confidence in your leadership abilities, empowering you to advocate for and implement necessary changes that support all learners effectively.
- Connect with an international network of SEND professionals, allowing you to share insights, strategies, and experiences that support continuous growth.
- Benefit from ongoing guidance and resources, helping you stay current with new developments in SEND and maintain a strong support system throughout your career.
Frequently asked questions about National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
Applicants must have full support from a sponsor within their school/organisation. This can be a head teacher, member of the SLT, line manager or Chair of Governors (or similar authoritative role) who must confirm their support for your application and that all information submitted is true and correct. There is no financial obligation for this role and it is a Department for Education mandatory requirement.
To apply for NPQ for SENCOs, applicants must have the following:
- Teacher Reference Number (TRN) - see TRN Support Guide
- 2 years teaching experience
- Leadership aspiration/experience
- Must be proficient in English
If you are unsure if you meet the above requirements or have other relevant experience then please contact our team who will be able to support your application.
NPQ for SENCOs International costs £1,705 plus VAT where applicable. VAT is chargeable on courses funded by private individuals.
Please refer to our NPQ programme funding guidance document for more information.
The Leadership Performance Coach (LPC) is a participant’s main point of contact for the duration of the NPQ SENCO. Our Leadership Performance Coaches are experienced teachers and leaders who are experts in our programme curriculum. They understand first-hand the challenges teachers experience in work life. Their role is to support a participant's progress and development through the programme. They support you by:
- Providing advice and feedback throughout the programme
- Marking and responding to all of your practice task activities completed for each online course
- Providing you with feedback on each of the Formative Assessment Tasks following their completion
Our Leadership Performance Coaches apply flexibility and are accountable to ensure success on your programme. With the above responsibilities, their main role and purpose is to help you manage your workload and ensure work life balance as much as possible whilst studying with us.
At the end of the programme, in conjunction with their mentor, participants will evaluate the impact of the programme on their leadership development and the benefits to their school.
The NPQ frameworks are based on a robust method of design and development, building on the evidence base and expert guidance already established in the ECF and the ITT Core Content Framework. The NPQ frameworks reflect the Teachers’ Standards and Headteachers' Standards to ensure coherency with the requirements already used by the teaching profession.
Please see the NPQ Framework below. If your computer or device does not support the Adobe plugin you can download the framework pdf here.
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