National Association of Independent & Non-Maintained Special Schools

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.

Tickets on sale for #NASSConf2026!

Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th November 2026

We’ll be heading to the Chesford Grange Hotel near Warwick for our biggest event of the year. Across the two days, we'll bring special schools together for learning, sharing and connection.

Book your place

Read our latest news

KCSIE 2026: What special schools need to know

KCSIE 2026 was published on 7th July and comes into force in September 2026. In this article, Kate Shields from NASS Partner HCR Law explores the key changes, what they mean for special schools, and the steps leaders should take to ensure safeguarding policies, staff training and practice remain compliant and effective.

The experts are at hand - but where are they coming from?

Jasper Williams, NASS’s Policy & Research Intern reflects on the Government’s Experts at Hand proposals — the opportunities they could create for collaboration between mainstream and special schools and the unanswered questions around funding, workforce and local planning.