Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SEN/D pupils in learning and coordinate with teachers and parents.
- Company: Ark St Albans Academy is dedicated to overcoming educational disadvantage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with competitive pay and term-time hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in communication and a passion for helping vulnerable pupils is essential.
- Other info: Flexible start date and opportunities to work with specialists in the field.
The predicted salary is between 20529 - 23309 £ per year.
Ark St Alban’s Academy is seeking a skilled and determined candidate to join its special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D) team.
Location: Highgate, Birmingham
Salary: Ark Schools support pay scale 5, £23,500 - £26,421 (actual salary £20,529 - £23,309)
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: Annualised 40 hours per week, term time only (08:00 – 16:30, Mon – Fri)
Start date: Summer term 2024 (flexible for the right candidate)
Closing date: Friday 08 March 2024 at 10.00 am.
About the role: The academy is rapidly expanding its pastoral care provision, including the support it provides to pupils with SEN/D. Led by the academy SENDCO, the successful candidate will work directly with pupils both in and outside of the classroom. They will take responsibility for supporting pupils in their learning of the curriculum, leading targeted interventions and coordinating between teachers, parents, and the wider pastoral team.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for raising the achievement of vulnerable pupils. They will also demonstrate the ability to learn specialist skills and to quickly become an expert in specific aspects of SEN/D provision. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with the SENDCO, speech and language therapist, and external agencies. They will lead the work of the academy in supporting specific pupils or in meeting specific special education needs.
The right candidate will demonstrate the capability to specialise and to increase their impact on pupil progress over time. A wide-ranging and ambitious job description which will allow the right candidate to grow and to thrive. Working with SEN/D pupils is vital work and, when done well, is quite often life changing for the young people involved.
The successful candidate will need to have experience of communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. They will need to be persistent, determined, and compassionate. Most of all, they must demonstrate the highest of expectations for what young people with SEN/D can achieve. We believe that all pupils can, and will succeed, at school and at university, and this role is pivotal in our work to provide all pupils with the safety and support they need to be able to flourish.
About our school: Ark St Albans Academy is committed to addressing educational disadvantage. We consistently guide pupils to GCSE and A-Level outcomes which place our cohorts in the top 10% of schools nationally on many measures, including those for the progress of disadvantaged pupils. Our school serves pupils from central Birmingham. The percentage of our cohort eligible for the Pupil Premium is the eighth highest in the country. There are very few communities in the UK who need great teachers more than ours. Teachers and leaders at Ark St Alban’s Academy are determined to prove that the background of a young person can be no impediment to their success. Our school prepares pupils to succeed at elite universities, with our alumni proudly representing our community at prestigious destinations including Cambridge University, Durham University, and the London School of Economics.
Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit. Bank or payment details should not be provided when applying for a job. All applications should be made via the 'Apply now' button.
PA to the Principal employer: ARK
Contact Detail:
ARK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to the Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of SEN/D pupils. Research common challenges they face and effective strategies for support. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and understanding during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff at Ark St Albans Academy, if possible. They can provide insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application and potential interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and working with vulnerable pupils in your conversations. Be ready to share personal experiences or examples that highlight your determination and compassion, as these qualities are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the academy's approach to SEN/D support. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to the Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the PA to the Principal position. Highlight your relevant experience in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D).
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work with SEN/D pupils, your communication skills, and your ability to collaborate with teachers and parents.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to supporting vulnerable pupils. Mention specific examples of how you have positively impacted students' learning and well-being in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK
✨Show Your Passion for SEN/D
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping vulnerable students succeed.
✨Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you effectively communicate with teachers, parents, and external agencies. Provide examples of past situations where your communication skills made a positive impact.
✨Highlight Your Determination and Compassion
The academy is looking for someone persistent and compassionate. Be ready to share instances where you've shown resilience in challenging situations and how your empathy has helped you connect with students.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios involving SEN/D pupils. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet.
