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Our friendly, knowledgeable team are ready to chat
Call us: 01784 222 300
Email us: info@esfapprenticeships.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH
For delegates
For employers
Programme content
How will I learn?
Benefits
Dates
Eligibility
FAQs
The apprenticeship for transformative SEND leaders who want to make a greater impact in their setting
Take your SEND expertise (and your career) a step further by becoming a high-impact, strategic SEND leader.
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance your whole-school vision for SEND, create data-driven financial and resource management strategies, inspire and lead others and establish a culture of innovation to improve the learning experience for children.
Funding for this apprenticeship
£0
Cost to delegate
£14,000
Funding band for this apprenticeship
QUALIFICATION
Your Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
STUDY STYLE
Self-paced online. Live online workshops. Regular progress reviews.
DURATION
18 months
COACHING & TUITION
Personal tuition from a former Head or SENCO, as well as sessions with a leadership coach
SEND MASTERCLASSES
Ask the SEND experts and extend your knowledge further
ASSESSMENT
Learning portfolio. 4,000-word business proposal and professional discussion
Carefully crafted by SEND experts
Benefit from a unique collaboration of SEND and Senior Leadership experts across Real Training and ESF Apprenticeships.
Ofsted outstanding apprenticeship delivery from ESF Apprenticeships. The Curriculum Lead and tutors on this apprenticeship are former SLT members.
SEND expertise from Real Training. Benefit from the knowledge and experience of educational psychologists and former SENCOs.
Benefits for learners
Transition from operational to strategic SEND and Inclusion leader
- Gain the skills to develop and execute a strategic SEND plan, foster an inclusive culture, and build a high-performing SEND team.
- Gain advanced knowledge of leadership and change management strategies in SEND, including data-driven budgeting and resource management, workforce planning, and external communication strategies.
- Develop an understanding of national trends and innovative approaches in SEND using the latest research and case studies from other settings.
- Learn how to improve your leadership behaviours by working with a personal leadership coach.
- Benefit from group problem-solving sessions led by an educational psychologist every six weeks, where you can ask questions and gain feedback.
- Create a stronger professional profile for yourself through the achievement of a Level 7 Senior Leadership qualification, recognised within and beyond education.
“It’s fundamentally changed how I approach thinking and problem-solving. The course helped me shift my perspective from simply implementing strategies to rigorously evaluating their impact. The programme has enabled me to move beyond a focus on specific special educational needs to a holistic, whole-school framework of Inclusion. A direct catalyst for my recent promotion to Deputy Headteacher – Inclusion!”
Programme content
This programme is designed to build on the skills gained in the National Award for SEN+ Coordination (NASENCO) or NPQ SENCO courses, supporting experienced SEND leaders to become even more effective in their roles.
However, it is not a requirement that these qualifications have been undertaken.
Phase 1: Leading SEND vision
- Articulate and influence your setting’s mission, culture and values.
- Learn how to gather and incorporate stakeholder perspectives in your SEND vision – including students, colleagues, governors and the wider community.
- Develop your emotional intelligence and moral purpose as a SEND leader.
- Understand how to make the most of your governing bodies.
Phase 2: Leading SEND Culture, Ethos and Strategy
- Improve communications with parents through understanding the emotions and challenges of being a parent of a SEND child.
- Audit pupil progress data and assess against allocation of financial and other resources.
- Review budgetary requirements for SEND and develop and monitor financial strategies to manage people, resources and technology.
- Develop effective communication, collaboration and influence with colleagues and external professionals.
- Use instructional coaching and other techniques to support team members.
Phase 3: Driving Positive Change
- Understand risk and crisis management techniques.
- Learn how to stay solution-focused under pressure.
- Learn how to have difficult conversations but also look after yourself.
- Commission and evaluate service provision.
- Discover advanced techniques for eliciting meaningful pupil voice.
Phase 4: Evaluating Impact and Supporting Sustainable Change
- Explore safeguarding best practice through a SEND lens.
- Prepare for Ofsted and ensure your SEND provision meets all regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Learn how SENCOs and SEND leaders can make the most of their governing bodies.
How will I learn?
This 18-month programme includes a blended learning model, including opportunities to come together to share ideas with other SEND leaders.
- Online learning – study flexibly at a time and place that suits you.
- Self-directed project work – apply new knowledge and skills through practical projects and research in your setting. Build a portfolio of evidence that will help embed your learning and allow you to have a positive impact from the very start.
- Live online group workshops – mandatory workshops (2 hours) monthly with SEND experts, plus follow-up discussions.
- Live online SEND community circles – one workshop once a term (optional attendance) will be a 90-minute community circle session hosted by an educational psychologist.
- Regular progress reviews – with your ESF apprenticeship tutor and your mentor to discuss challenges, set targets and celebrate successes.
- SEND masterclasses – interactive 2 to 3 hour webinars from our SEND experts, where you’ll learn from speech therapists, dyslexia experts and educational psychologists with a specialist focus in autism, trauma, mental health and more.
“Tutoring on this apprenticeship offers an opportunity to work with SEND leaders who are committed to making a tangible difference. This course doesn’t just build knowledge -it strengthens purpose.“
How is this course assessed?
- Termly progress reviews will be conducted where growth and successes will be celebrated. There will be an opportunity to discuss any challenges faced. These will be scheduled with your mentor and apprenticeship tutor at a time that is convenient for you.
- The final progress review is combined with a Gateway meeting. Once this is completed the End-Point Assessment will be undertaken.
- Delegates will meet with our independent End-Point Assessor to present their 4,000-word business proposal and have a professional discussion based on their portfolio of evidence.
SEND Masterclasses
Exclusive invitations to interactive sessions led by an expert in SEND and inclusion.
Benefit from high-impact sessions for schools and nurseries. You’ll be brought up to date in various aspects of SEND and mental health by leading speech and language therapists, dyslexia assessors, educational psychologists, autism specialists and a range of other experts.
- Held every six weeks during term time (attendance optional)
- 2-3 hours presentation and interaction
- Your chance to ask the expert!
- Downloadable resources
- Recordings available on-demand
Eligibility
You must:
- Have at least one year’s experience (full-time equivalent) working in a SEND role, or alongside the SEND team in your setting and be looking to develop your leadership skills.
- Have lived in England for the last three years and have the right to work in the the UK.
- Be employed at least 16 hours a week and spend at least 50% of working hours in England over the apprenticeship duration.
- Achieved a minimum of Grade 4 (Grade C) or above in GCSE English, or hold an equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills.
- Unfortunately we cannot offer places to delegates who already hold a Level 7 Senior Leader apprenticeship.
Your employer must:
- Agree and enrol you as an apprentice (we can support with this)
- Appoint a workplace mentor to attend the termly progress reviews
Course start dates
Our final cohort will be November 2025
Due to changes in government legislation, November will be our final cohort.
Learner FAQs
Who is the Advanced SEND Leadership programme for?
- Experienced SENCOs seeking to take their SEND expertise to the next level and develop their leadership skills
- Experienced SENCOs seeking to enhance SEND provision in their setting
- SEND Leaders working across multiple schools
- SENCOs aspiring to a senior leadership role
- Teachers who have worked closely with their SEND team and who aspire to a leadership position
What release time is required for this apprenticeship?
We have developed a blended teaching and learning model which works for busy school professionals.
Scheduled release time:
- 2-3 hours every month for live online learning with an experienced teacher. You will also have the chance to share ideas with other SEND leaders across the country studying on this programme.
- 3 online sessions with a leadership coach.
Flexible release time:
- You will have access to our self-paced online learning platform, full of resources, ideas and research materials.
- You will also complete practical projects that can be carried out in a classroom environment and will be of direct benefit to your pupils and your school.
- You will also need to have release time for regular progress reviews with your ESF tutor and school mentor to set new targets and celebrate success. These are short sessions that will take place every 12 weeks.
- Time to attend our SEND Masterclasses held every six weeks during term time (optional).
Can I fund this using my school’s apprenticeship levy?
This programme can be fully funded using the Growth and Skills Levy (formerly known as the Apprenticeship Levy). In line with government apprenticeship funding bands, the cost of the full training package is £14,000.
If you are a school, nursery, MAT or local authority apprenticeship-levy paying employer (i.e. you have a wage bill in excess of £3m) then 100% of the apprenticeship is paid for using your employer levy pot.
We advise applicants to discuss details and gain approval to access the employers levy with their Business Manager / Finance Director prior to registration.
If you do not pay the levy then the Government will fund 95% of the apprenticeship and you will need to commit to paying 5% of the fee which is £700. We should be able to support your (school, MAT, or local authority) to reclaim this £700 via a process known as Levy Transfer.
All you need to know before you apply!
Study this apprenticeship with us
Complete our short online form and we’ll be in touch with information and application instructions.
Don’t miss out! Next (and final) course start: November 2025
Benefits
Course content
Levy funding
Employer commitments & FAQs
Help your SENCO gain the strategic skills to lead in a time of change
This programme will transform your SENCO or Inclusion Lead from an operational manager into a strategic leader, equipping them with the financial, resource management and leadership skills to optimise your SEND provision and improve outcomes for all pupils.
Funding for this apprenticeship
£0
Cost to delegate
£14,000
Funding value for this apprenticeship
£700
Maximum cost to non-levy paying schools.
Funding for this apprenticeship
QUALIFICATION
Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
STUDY STYLE
Self-paced online. Live online workshops. Regular progress reviews
DURATION
18 months
COACHING & TUITION
One-to-one tuition from a former Headteacher or SENCO
SEND MASTERCLASSES
Ask the SEND experts and extend your knowledge further
ASSESSMENT
Learning portfolio. 4,000-word business proposal and professional discussion
Benefits for employers
An 18-month programme designed for experienced SENCOs or SEND Leaders.
- Evolve your school’s strategic vision for SEND – by the end of the course delegates will have started to implement their new skills and knowledge to improve the learning environment for pupils with SEND
- Bring new knowledge, skills and behaviours into your setting – delegates will learn how to drive change, motivate and lead a team and successfully implement an impactful SEND project
- Improve SEND resource allocation – delegates will be able to confidently audit pupil progress data and assess against allocation of financial and other resources
- Keep knowledge up-to-date – delegates will access and use the latest research, news and policy updates to enhance their practice
- Improve communication with SEND stakeholders – including parents, governors, external professionals and the local community
- Develop well-rounded leaders – with 360 leadership coaching and the chance to problem-solve with our tutors and other SEND Leaders on the course
Programme content
This programme is designed to build on the skills gained in the National Award for SEN+ Coordination (NASENCO) or NPQ SENCO courses, supporting experienced SEND leaders to become even more effective in their roles.
However, it is not a requirement that these qualifications have been undertaken.
Phase 1: Leading SEND vision
- Articulate and influence your setting’s mission, culture and values.
- Learn how to gather and incorporate stakeholder perspectives in your SEND vision – including students, colleagues, governors and the wider community.
- Develop your emotional intelligence and moral purpose as a SEND leader.
- Understand how to make the most of your governing bodies.
Phase 2: Leading SEND Culture, Ethos and Strategy
- Improve communications with parents through understanding the emotions and challenges of being a parent of a SEND child.
- Audit pupil progress data and assess against allocation of financial and other resources.
- Review budgetary requirements for SEND and develop and monitor financial strategies to manage people, resources and technology.
- Develop effective communication, collaboration and influence with colleagues and external professionals.
- Use instructional coaching and other techniques to support team members.
Phase 3: Driving Positive Change
- Understand risk and crisis management techniques.
- Learn how to stay solution-focused under pressure.
- Learn how to have difficult conversations but also look after yourself.
- Commission and evaluate service provision.
- Discover advanced techniques for eliciting meaningful pupil voice.
Phase 4: Evaluating Impact and Supporting Sustainable Change
- Explore safeguarding best practice through a SEND lens.
- Prepare for Ofsted and ensure your SEND provision meets all regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Learn how SENCOs and SEND leaders can make the most of their governing bodies.
Levy funding
The Growth and Skills Levy (formerly known as the Apprenticeship Levy) is essentially a fund set up to support the training and development of staff through apprenticeships. Funds are collected and put into a digital account for employers.
- Who pays it? Anyone with an annual wage bill over £3 million.
- How does it benefit your school? The money in this account can be used to pay for apprenticeship training for both your existing staff and any new apprentices you hire. Apprenticeships are available for anyone aged 16 and over, from Level 2 right up to Level 7, covering a wide range of skills.
Employer FAQs
What about Off-the-Job-Training hours?
Off-the-Job-Training (OTJT) is an essential part of an apprentice’s development. It is dedicated time, during normal working hours, in which apprentices can focus on learning and applying new skills.
This protected time is required for apprentices to engage fully with their learning and development activities. All of the required learning, live workshops and projects completed during the programme count towards Off-the-job time.
Our apprenticeship tutors will sign-post opportunities which count as off-the-Job-Training and during the enrolment meeting we can discuss how this can work alongside busy job roles.
How can I access levy funding?
If you pay the Growth and Skills levy (formerly known as the Apprenticeship Levy), determine who controls the funds, how much you can access, and the steps to get it. Speak to your bursar, business manager, or finance team.
- Local Authority schools can access funding from their council’s shared levy pot, even if their payroll is below the threshold, by contacting the Local Authority’s Apprenticeship Team.
- Multi-academy Trusts with a wage bill over £3m should contact their central finance or HR team.
- Voluntary Controlled schools should approach their Local Authority.
- Voluntary-aided and Foundation schools (non-levy paying) can access 95% government funding, with further support potentially available from the Local Authority or via levy transfer.
What if I’m a non-levy paying school?
If you don’t pay the Growth and Skills levy then the Government will fund 95% of the apprenticeship and you will need to commit to paying 5% of the fee. ESF Apprenticeships should be able to support your organisation to reclaim this 5% via a process known as Levy Transfer.
Larger organisations can support other organisations, by making up to 50% of their annual levy funds available to eligible employers who need financial assistance with apprenticeships.
We can provide more information if you are interested in pursuing this route.
Who should mentor an Advanced SEND Leader?
We recommend someone who is part of the SLT within your school or perhaps your Trust. Often this is a line manager, but not necessarily.
What are the mentor responsibilities?
School mentors should be available once per term for review meetings, alongside the ESF apprenticeship coach.
Mentors should be part of what’s known as a Gateway meeting that ensures delegates have the required level of knowledge, skills and behaviours before they move to endpoint assessment.
They will also need to support the implementation of a project.
What release time is required for this apprenticeship?
We have developed a blended teaching and learning model which works for busy school professionals.
Scheduled release time:
- 2-3 hours every month for live online learning with an experienced teacher. You will also have the chance to share ideas with other SEND leaders across the country studying on this programme.
- 3 online sessions with a leadership coach
Flexible release time:
- Learners will have access to our self-paced online learning platform, full of resources, ideas and research materials.
- They will also complete practical projects that can be carried out in a classroom environment and will be of direct benefit to your pupils and your school.
- Delegates need to have release time for regular progress reviews with their ESF tutor and school mentor to set new targets and celebrate success. These are short sessions that will take place every 12 weeks.
- We also hold online 2-3 hour SEND Masterclasses every six weeks during term time (attendance is optional and recording are also made available).
All you need to know before you apply!
See all >
Case Study
Manor Fields Primary School
“The support we’ve had from ESF has been so positive and so worthwhile. They have really gone the extra mile for my staff and care about them as individuals – the impact on staff confidence has been transformative.”
Case Study
Knebworth Primary and Nursery School
“When we were looking for a training provider to support us with upskilling current staff, ESF Apprenticeships seemed the perfect choice! They came highly recommended by other primary schools in the area. It has been so rewarding to see our staff engaging in such a high-quality qualification.”
Case Study
Melbourn Primary School
“I’d definitely recommend the course to other Headteachers. It’s been an excellent way to give staff an opportunity to develop their skills when they’re still in school. We are seeing the benefits every day for our children.”
Develop your workforce
Complete our short online form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs.
Don’t miss out – our final cohort will be November 2025
Some of our other SEND apprenticeships
UPSKILL
Level 5 Speech, Language and Communications Leadership Programme
Enables teachers and TAs to lead communication interventions across their setting, drive strategic change, and provide a vital link with specialist services. Includes the Higher Level Communications Practitioner award.
UPSKILL
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant
A new progression pathway for experienced teaching assistants to improve outcomes and advance their careers. Choose to focus on Literacy, Language and Literacy, SEND, or SEMH. Includes an optional add-on to gain HLTA status.
NEW HIRE / UPSKILL
Level 3 Teaching Assistant with SEND Training
Suitable for both new and existing TAs, this programme covers both theory of childhood development and practical skills to support teachers. Provides foundational knowledge of how to support children with SEND.