Supporting SENCos in managing access arrangements

Please note that photographs will be taken at the London conference for promotional purposes 

Details of our support for SENCos for the 2026/27 academic year will be announced in April 2026

 

The NAEO held its inaugural National SENCo Conferences in London (Wembley Stadium) and Manchester (Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground) in late January/early February 2026.

Conference content is tailored specifically to meet the needs of SENCos in carrying out their everyday role. The benefits of attendance include:

  • networking opportunities
  • presentations from high quality, experienced speakers
  • informative and interactive workshops
  • practical advice, hints and tips
  • acquiring the latest JCQ/awarding body information and updates to prepare you for the summer exam series and beyond

Conference format and content includes keynote speeches, presentations and workshops from experts in the field of exams administration and management, with a focus on guidance and good practice hints and tips.

Delegates select the workshops they would like to attend via the online booking form. Refreshments, along with a buffet lunch, are provided at each event. Each year, a range of exams-related exhibitors also attend.

 

The purpose of these conferences is to support SENCos in performing their role and to help them to meet the JCQ regulations as stated in the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document which require the head of centre to ensure that:

‘…the SENCo and the centre’s appointed assessor [must] undertake regular CPD such as attending an annual update course on these regulations’

 

The following stakeholders delivered a keynote speech/presentation/workshop (see below for more information):

  • Ofqual
  • Joint Council for Qualifications
  • JCQ Centre Inspection Service
  • Patoss Dyslexia Charity
  • Communicate-ed
  • The Exams Office

The cost of the conference is £295 and includes refreshments/lunch.

There is a discounted rate of £265 for centres which have a membership to The Exams Office.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • TO BE ADDED

Please note: As set out at the time of booking, late cancellations will be subject to an administration fee. At this stage, delegate numbers will have been agreed with the venues and will be chargeable. An invoice will be raised and sent for prompt payment.

National SENCo Conferences 2027

 

Date Location Venue Booking status Delegate letter
TBC Midlands The International Convention Centre (ICC), 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EA Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026
TBC London Wembley Stadium (Bobby Moore & Wembley Suites), Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0WS Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026
TBC Manchester Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire Cricket Club (The Point & 1864 suites), Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PX Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026

 

You can book your place at one of the conferences listed above from Monday 2 November

 

Booking window

The booking portal for our 2027 conferences will open at 10:00am on Monday 2 November 2026 and will remain open until capacity is reached at each venue.

 

Event format

Indicative timings for each conference are (each workshop lasts for 45 minutes):

  • 8.00 onwards: Registration and refreshments
  • 8.45- Networking session
  • 9.15 – Welcome and introductions
  • 9.40 – JCQ/JCQ CIS update
  • 10.30 – Workshop 1
  • 11.15 – Break
  • 11.45 – Workshop 2
  • 12.30 – Lunch
  • 1.15 – Workshop 3
  • 2.15 – Break
  • 2.30 – Ofqual keynote
  • 3.00 – Q&A session taken from Slido
  • 3.30 – Prize draw
  • 3.45 – Close

Keynote speeches: Information relating to the Ofqual keynote speech – the focus and time of session (am or pm) – will be provided nearer the conferences

 

Workshops

Visit the National Association of Examinations Officer website for information relating to the 2026 conferences.

 

Will you be sending a delegate letter ahead of my attendance at a conference?

Delegate letters for each conference will be made available on this page via the table above.

An email will be sent to all confirmed delegates before each conference to signpost to the delegate letter, and to provide a final opportunity to cancel your place without incurring a cancellation fee.

 

Will a certificate be issued for this event?

Yes, after all the conferences take place and your attendance on the day is confirmed, your CPD certificate of attendance will be made available to you.

 

What are the terms and conditions for bookings?

Please see our Event Terms and Conditions.