Become a SUPER LEADER with us!
We have a fantastic opportunity for SENCOs in a management role to gain a Master's qualification!
The programme will include face-to-face sessions with online and work-based learning, covering a wide range of management and leadership skills, knowledge, self-awareness and behaviours, as well as a work-based project. Once the apprenticeship is successfully completed, apprentices will update their work-based project in order to complete the MBA.
Who can apply?
The SLA for SENCOs apprenticeship is open to any SENCOs working in a school based in England of any age. Please note that for the purpose of this apprenticeship, we use the term 'school' to refer to any educational establishment.
Applicants will normally need to occupy a senior management position for a minimum of two years and have a first- or second-class undergraduate honours degree from a UK university (or an equivalent overseas qualification). We do however, welcome applications from individuals who do not possess the above qualifications but who have significant management experience, for example Head of Department and Head of Year as well as those SENCOs aspiring to leadership positions in the future.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible to join the SLA for SENCOs apprenticeship, please click here to use our helpful Skill Scan Tool. This tool provides details of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that those studying the SLA for SENCOs will be required to evidence. Applicants should be responsible for setting SEN strategy, direction and vision and providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. You will probably be a member of the SLT and/or a head of school/department. We do not expect you to be able to cover all the activities included in the Skills Scan, but it is important that you are given the opportunity to experience the different areas while you are studying this apprenticeship.
A minimum of English & Maths at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade A*- C) is required for this apprenticeship but if you don't have these qualifications, you will need to complete functional skills tests in these subjects while you study the SLA for SENCOs. Support is available to help you achieve this.
It is essential that you have the support of your line manager.
PLEASE NOTE: Anyone currently undertaking an apprenticeship or DfE funded programme of study will not be eligible for a higher apprenticeship until they have completed their current apprenticeship/studies.
Programme details
The SLA for SENCOs will take 27 months to complete approximately, after which the student will be ready to go forward to End Point Assessment (EPA).
The SLA for SENCOs will include study blocks on:
- Leadership and Organisational Development
- Personal Development
- Business and Finance Decision- making
- Business Strategy
- Operations management
- Innovation, Sustainability and Change
- Brand Value
- An elective module exploring inclusion and SEND
- Work – based project
Apprentices will be required to produce a Portfolio of Evidence throughout their studies and complete Work-Based Projects.
The programme is funded by the apprenticeship levy. Please see our guidance below in 'Key Documents' on how to secure funding for both levy and non-levy funded organisations.
There will usually be one or two regional locations for the face-to-face workshops with the remainder of the programme delivered at your workplace and online.
How will the SLA for SENCOs benefit you and your school?
Successful apprentices will achieve:
- A Senior Leader Apprenticeship
- A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) awarded by the University of Gloucester.
- CMI Chartered Members status.
Other benefits include:
- You will develop the highest Senior Leadership skills and knowledge.
- Our apprenticeship is approved for levy funding.
- Gain a full Master's qualification whilst in full time employment.
- Enjoy student benefits such as retail discounts and reduced council tax.
Other considerations
The apprenticeship levy will cover the cost of the training programme but does not cover travel or accommodation costs for workshops, salaries will not be covered.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain a Master’s qualification whilst working but please think carefully about your time commitment and how you will manage the day-job. Your employer must allow you to spend a minimum of 20% of your normal working hours for off-the-job study/learning up to a maximum of 6 hours per week although this does not necessarily need to be taken weekly.
Please note that, whilst your learning will be guided, with support from your facilitators (at the workshops and online) and your mentor, you will be expected to work through the learning materials via the University’s online web platform. Each module which you study will have a start and end date and you may have one or two milestones during the module, but aside from these it will be up to you to determine the pace at which you study and the amount of additional reading you do. This may be a different style of learning to your previous experience and it relies on your own motivation and commitment to succeed.
Key documents
Please read through the following documents with your employer/line manager to fully understand the commitment you will be making before starting this apprenticeship:
Ready to Apply?
If you are ready to apply, once you have read the Key Documents and discussed with your employer/line manager the commitment you will be making.
Our next programme start is in September 2024, with applications closing 2nd September 2024.
