1. Higher Salary Through SEN Allowances

Teachers who take on significant responsibility for pupils with special educational needs receive an additional SEN Allowance on top of the standard teacher salary. For the 2024–2025 academic year, this allowance ranges from £2,679 to £5,285 per year, depending on the level of responsibility. For more info : Click Here

This additional payment means SEN specialists can earn more than mainstream classroom teachers on the same pay scale, and in London the difference can be even greater because of regional salary weighting.

2. Official Recognition by Government and Higher Authorities

Special education roles are formally recognised and regulated by the UK government. For example, the role of SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) requires a nationally recognised professional qualification (NPQ), which is often fully funded by the Department for Education.

This means SEN teachers are not just “support staff” –  they are qualified specialists who hold legally recognised positions within schools and educational policy structures.

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3. Strong Job Security Due to High Demand

Because schools are legally required to provide support for pupils with SEND, specialists in this area are always in demand. Unlike other teaching roles where staffing levels fluctuate with budget or subject popularity, SEN provision is protected by statutory requirements.

This gives special education teachers greater employment stability and long-term security, with many schools actively struggling to recruit qualified SEN staff.

4. Free or Fully Funded Professional Development

Specialist training is not only encouraged in SEN –  it is often fully funded. Teachers working in this field can access government-funded qualifications such as the SENCo NPQ, along with additional SEND-related CPD at no personal cost.

This benefit not only strengthens professional expertise, but also saves teachers thousands of pounds in higher-level qualifications while increasing their long-term career value.

5. Priority for Promotion and Leadership Roles

SEN specialists are often fast-tracked into leadership because inclusion is a national priority in UK schools. Roles such as SENCo, Assistant Head for Inclusion, or SEND Lead are increasingly filled by teachers with specialist SEN experience. Their legal knowledge, multi-agency skills, and strategic responsibility make them strong candidates for senior positions, often progressing faster than mainstream classroom teachers.

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