Welcome to NASS

The National Association of Special Schools

NASS is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We provide support, advice, information, events, training and a strong national voice.

We’re a growing community of over 500 schools and organisations, and welcome every type of special school – independent, special academies, multi-academy trusts with special schools, non-maintained, and maintained special schools.

We work in close partnership with our members, other SEND organisations, and with central and local government, providing insight, information and influence to help shape the future of special education. NASS champions high-quality, specialist provision within a modern, inclusive education system that respects the choices of children, young people and their families.

SEND Reforms: A NASS open forum for all special schools

Uniting special school voices to influence policy

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NASS - Read our latest news Read our latest news
How can a trauma-informed approach in special schools support the diverse and complex needs of learners?
In this guest blog, Julie Harmieson from TISCUK outlines how trauma-informed practice can be embedded across special school settings to better understand behaviour, support regulation and create environments where both learners and staff can thrive.
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SEMH: The missing foundation of teacher education
In this guest blog, Matthew Harris from St Edward's School shares what drove his school to partner with St Mary’s University to launch the UK’s first Primary PGCE with an SEMH enhancement. He highlights how too many teachers start their careers feeling unprepared to support pupils with SEMH needs, leaving some of the most vulnerable children without the understanding and help they deserve.
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