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Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher works with children and young people who require extra support due to learning difficulties, disabilities, or behavioural needs. They adapt lessons and teaching methods to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum and reach their full potential. SEN teachers often work in mainstream schools with designated SEN units, as well as in specialist schools. They collaborate closely with teaching assistants, parents, and other professionals such as speech and language therapists. This career requires patience, creativity, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in young people's lives.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a SEN teacher in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £41,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Availability

There are over 15,000 SEN teaching positions in state-funded schools across England as of 2023, with ongoing demand for qualified professionals.

Working Hours

Most SEN teachers work 37 to 40 hours per week during term time, with additional hours for lesson planning and meetings.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Autism Specialist Teacher

Works specifically with pupils who have autism spectrum conditions, adapting teaching methods and materials to support their learning needs.

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Visual Impairment Teacher

Supports students with visual impairments, helping them access the curriculum and develop skills for independence using specialised resources.

Speech and Language Resource Base Teacher

Teaches and supports children with speech, language, and communication needs, often within dedicated resource bases in mainstream schools.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A Levels

Study for and achieve good grades in GCSEs, especially in English, Maths, and Science. Progress to A Levels, focusing on subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, or Education.

Most teacher training courses require GCSEs at grade 4 or above in English and Maths. Science is also needed if you wish to teach at primary level. Choosing A Levels that relate to education or child development can give you a strong foundation for further study.

Earn a Degree

Obtain a relevant undergraduate degree. This can be a Bachelor of Education (BEd), a BA or BSc with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or a degree in a related subject followed by a postgraduate teacher training course.

If your degree does not include QTS, you will need to complete a postgraduate teacher training programme such as a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). Courses with a focus on special needs or inclusion are especially useful.

Undertake Teacher Training

Complete teacher training with a focus on Special Educational Needs, either through a university-led or school-based route.

Look for PGCEs or School Direct programmes that offer SEN specialisms or placements in special schools. Gaining experience in mainstream schools with SEN provision is also valuable.

Gain Practical Experience

Volunteer or Work in SEN Settings

Gain experience by volunteering or working as a teaching assistant in schools, particularly those with SEN departments.

Practical experience is highly valued. Contact local schools, special schools, or charities for opportunities. This helps you understand the needs of SEN students and demonstrates commitment to the field.

Complete Teaching Placements

During your teacher training, complete placements in schools with strong SEN provision or specialised SEN schools.

Placements allow you to put theory into practice, develop classroom management skills, and learn from experienced SEN teachers. These experiences can help you decide which age group or type of need you wish to specialise in.

Secure a SEN Teaching Role

Apply for SEN Teacher Positions

Search and apply for SEN teacher roles in mainstream and special schools. Tailor your application to highlight your SEN experience and training.

Use job sites such as TES, local authority websites, and school networks. Prepare a strong CV and cover letter that demonstrate your skills in adapting lessons and supporting diverse learners.

Continue Professional Development

Engage in ongoing training and development, such as courses in autism, dyslexia, or behaviour management.

The field of SEN is always evolving, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest best practices and legislation. Many schools support staff to undertake further qualifications such as the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO).

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

This role most closely matches the 'Special educational needs (SEN) teacher' as both involve working directly with students who require additional support due to learning difficulties or disabilities. They share similar qualifications, including specialised training in SEN needs and strategies for inclusive education.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

Most teaching courses include options on teaching children with special educational needs.

Undergraduate degree

You can do an undergraduate degree that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS), for example:

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) with QTS
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QTS

Postgraduate certificate

If you already have a bachelor's degree without qualified teacher status, you can complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE). This is a common choice and can be done at university or through a training programme based in a school.

More teacher training options

There are more training options if you want to change career or specialise in teaching certain subjects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Teacher Level 6 Apprenticeship, if you already have a degree.

You could take training to complete a Teacher for the Sensory Impaired Level 7 Apprenticeship. This is equivalent to postgraduate study.

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • a degree for a teaching apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a teaching assistant and do a part time degree. You could then move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher.

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some experience of working with young people with special educational needs or disabilities. 

You could volunteer at a school or work at a youth club or on a holiday scheme.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through Do IT. 

Direct Application

If you're a qualified teacher, you can get extra training to teach students with special educational needs. You can find a course through your local education authority. 

Many local education authorities offer courses for teachers who want to do this.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You can attend a Get Into Teaching event before you apply to get advice about teaching, funding and the different training routes available. You can attend events in person and online.

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the National Association for Special Educational Needs to help with professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about teaching students with special educational needs from Get Into Teaching and the National Association for Special Educational Needs.

You can also search for jobs through the Teaching Vacancies service.

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