On Monday 11th May, Claire Dorer OBE announced that she will step down as Chief Executive of the National Association of Special Schools (NASS) at the end of 2026, after 21 years leading the organisation.
NASS trustees have appointed charity recruitment specialists Harris Hill to recruit a new Chief Executive, with applications now open for the role.
Commenting on Claire's decision to step down after over two decades of service to the charity, Elizabeth Farnden, NASS Chair of Trustees, said:
“Claire has led NASS with exceptional clarity of purpose, integrity and commitment. Under her strong leadership, the organisation has become a trusted and authoritative voice for special schools, with a reach and influence that has grown significantly over more than two decades.
“Her impact on the sector has been profound, and she leaves NASS in a strong position to continue supporting schools and shaping national policy. She will be deeply missed by the whole NASS community and we’re enormously grateful for everything she has given to the organisation and to the wider SEND community.”
Claire has been at the helm of NASS since 2005 and, under her leadership, membership has grown by more than 500%, expanding its reach to represent the full diversity of special schools across England and Wales. The organisation, which has around 500 schools and organisations in membership, is widely regarded as a trusted source of policy insight, practical support and sector expertise.
She has played a central role in strengthening the voice of special schools in national policy discussions, regularly advising government and appearing before Parliamentary Select Committees and public inquiries. Her work has ensured that the experience of schools and pupils with SEND has informed national decision-making.
Innovation has been a hallmark of her leadership, including the development of the first SEND Incubator programme, designed to support schools to test and share new approaches. She has also championed early work on clinical supervision in special schools and placed strong emphasis on staff wellbeing across the sector.
Claire has consistently advocated for evidence-based practice, commissioning research to strengthen understanding of what works in SEND provision and enhancing the sector’s credibility with policymakers.
Claire’s career is underpinned by a strong academic and professional foundation, including a degree in psychology, a research psychologist role within the NHS, a lecturing position at the University of Birmingham and also worked within the Department for Education. In 2022, her exceptional contribution was recognised with the award of an OBE for services to children and young people with SEND.
Reflecting on her departure, Claire said:
“I have loved my time with NASS and it has been a joy and a privilege to work with so many special school staff over the years. The passion and commitment across our schools to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND has been a constant source of inspiration.
“Leaving will be very difficult, and I will miss the people, as well as the challenge of interpreting and responding to government policy. I am looking forward to taking some time to enjoy life beyond work and the different rhythms that come with it.”
Claire will remain as Chief Executive until the end of the year, with a strong focus on ensuring that special schools are well positioned for the SEND reforms and that NASS continues to be a strong voice for the sector.