Director of Inclusion (SENDCo) in Sunbury-on-Thames

Sunbury Manor School is proud to have joined The Howard Partnership Trust (THPT) on 1 September 2026. As one of the largest and most inclusive multi-academy trusts in Surrey, THPT educates more than 7,000 pupils across five secondary schools, six primary schools and three specialist settings. Guided by our ambitious 2030 strategy, A Life-Changing Education, we are committed to disrupting disadvantage, championing inclusion and ensuring every child achieves their full potential.

As we begin an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Inclusion (SENDCo) to join our wider leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of inclusive education at Sunbury Manor School. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and inspirational leader with a proven track record of improving outcomes for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Working closely with the Deputy Headteacher responsible for Inclusion, alongside colleagues across THPT, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for SEND and inclusion across the school, ensuring that every learner has equitable access to a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive. You will lead and develop an ambitious vision for inclusion, embedding outstanding inclusive practice across all aspects of school life.

The successful candidate will champion the achievement, wellbeing and life chances of our most vulnerable learners, while working collaboratively with staff, families and external agencies to remove barriers to learning and promote success for all.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has substantial experience of leading SEND provision and improving outcomes for students with additional needs.
• Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusive education and equity.
• Has the ability to inspire, coach and develop colleagues, driving high standards of inclusive teaching and learning.
• Is skilled in using data, quality assurance and strategic planning to secure continuous improvement.
• Can build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals and multi-agency teams.
• Brings resilience, optimism and a relentless focus on improving opportunities and outcomes for children and young people.

In return, THPT offers the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking and highly collaborative trust where inclusion sits at the heart of our vision. You will benefit from extensive professional development, strong leadership support, opportunities to collaborate across a family of schools, and the chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people.

This role is primarily based at Sunbury Manor School and represents a genuine opportunity to lead meaningful change during an exciting period of development and growth.

All adults employed by the Trust have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations. The Howard Partnership Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation. All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.

SAFEGUARDING AND FURTHER INFORMATION

The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Howard Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are 'spent' under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.