At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND provision and inspire inclusive education across multiple campuses.
- Company: Syon Manor College, dedicated to supporting young people with autism and complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: QTS/QTLS and SENCo qualification with strong SEND leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge.
Location: Syon Manor College, Isleworth, London, TW7 5AJ – this is a multi-site role and travel will be required between all these post codes: Tw7 5AJ, UB8 3HD, UB8 1SZ.
4DWW Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
We’re looking for an inspiring Deputy Principal who will also lead our SEND provision as the College SENCO. This is a key senior leadership role, working across all campuses to ensure every student receives an ambitious, inclusive and personalised education. You’ll support the Principal in driving improvement, shaping our culture and helping the College grow to full capacity. As a visible and proactive leader, you’ll champion high-quality teaching, strong therapeutic support and outstanding outcomes for learners with diverse needs. You’ll work closely with our Clinical, Pastoral and Curriculum teams, lead on statutory SEND responsibilities, and ensure staff feel confident, supported and well-developed. If you’re a skilled SENCo, an experienced teacher and a collaborative leader who thrives on making a difference, this role offers the chance to have a real impact on students, staff and the future of our College.
Deputy Principal Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across campuses, supporting the Principal and SLT to drive improvement, growth and inclusion.
- Lead attendance, engagement and high-quality provision for all learners, ensuring statutory duties are met.
- Oversee staff performance, development and recruitment, and maintain strong relationships with parents, agencies and partners.
SENCo Responsibilities
- Lead assessment, transition and ongoing support for students with SEND, ensuring full statutory compliance (including EHCPs).
- Coordinate therapeutic provision with the Clinical Team and maintain accurate SEN data and records.
- Deliver staff training, liaise with external professionals and oversee transition for leavers.
Leadership & Management
- Uphold the College’s ethos, values and strategic aims, ensuring policies align with legislation and best practice.
- Line-manage assigned staff, including performance reviews, development planning and effective communication.
- Support governance reporting, cross-campus collaboration and the implementation of College-wide priorities.
Professional Expectations
- Manage time effectively, meet professional goals and engage in ongoing CPD.
- Respond flexibly to emerging needs and undertake reasonable duties as delegated.
- Contribute positively to the wider College culture and community.
What You Will Bring
- QTS or QTLS and a recognised SENCo qualification.
- Strong SEND leadership experience with deep knowledge of statutory duties, EHCP processes and inclusive practice.
- Confident, collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire staff and contribute to whole-College improvement.
- Proven high-quality teaching practice with the ability to model and support excellent pedagogy.
- Excellent communication and partnership skills, working effectively with families, staff, external agencies and clinical teams.
- Highly organised, proactive and values-driven, able to manage complex needs, meet deadlines and uphold the College’s inclusive ethos; driving licence required.
About Us
Syon Manor College is an independent provider of high-quality learning and skills for young people with autism and complex needs aged 16–25. Operating across three London sites—Isleworth, Hillingdon, and Uxbridge—the college delivers personalised education and support in an autism-specific environment. Our broad curriculum includes academic, vocational, and life skills learning, with BTECs, GCSEs, Functional Skills, ASDAN, Employability and Independence programmes, and Duke of Edinburgh awards. Specialist teaching and tailored support help learners develop their unique skills, build confidence, and thrive in their communities. At Syon Manor College, we focus on preparing young people for independent living and meaningful futures. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
Deputy Principal - SENCO in Isleworth employer: Acorn Care and Education
Syon Manor College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member can thrive. With a focus on professional development and collaboration, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with autism and complex needs while enjoying a range of benefits including mental health support, flexible working options, and generous family growth support. Located in the vibrant area of Isleworth, London, this role as Deputy Principal - SENCO allows for dynamic engagement across multiple campuses, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Principal - SENCO in Isleworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Syon Manor College and its ethos. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of providing inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvement and supported staff in previous roles—this is key for a Deputy Principal position!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Principal - SENCO in Isleworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Principal - SENCO role. Highlight your experience with SEND leadership and how it aligns with our values at Syon Manor College.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting students with diverse needs shine through in your written application. We want to see your commitment to making a real difference in their lives and how you plan to champion high-quality teaching.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your qualifications and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you fit into our team and culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Syon Manor College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statutory duties, EHCP processes, and inclusive practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader who understands the complexities of SEND provision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative leadership style. Think about times when you've inspired staff or driven improvement in a previous role. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to the culture and growth of the college.
✨Engage with the College's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Syon Manor College’s values and ethos. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can uphold and promote their mission of providing high-quality education for young people with autism and complex needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to staff development or how they measure success in SEND provision. It shows you're genuinely interested and thinking critically about the role.
