At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusive education strategies and improve outcomes for all learners across three school sites.
- Company: Join a passionate and forward-thinking leadership team at GLF Schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, generous holiday allowance, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on professional development and community values.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while shaping the future of inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, strong SEND background, and senior leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 53460 £ per year.
Cordwalles Junior School and Pine Ridge and Lorraine Federation are seeking an inspiring and dedicated Assistant Headteacher with the responsibility of SENCO to join their passionate and forward-thinking leadership team and work across their 3 sites (Cordwalles, Pine Ridge and Lorraine) from Nursery to Year 6. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic leader who is committed to inclusive education and has a strong track record of improving outcomes for all learners. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our whole-school strategy for SEND, while contributing to wider school development as part of the senior leadership team.
Your opportunity: This is a unique and rewarding leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced educator to join GLF Schools as an Assistant Headteacher (SENCO). This dual-role position combines strategic senior leadership with a core focus on special educational needs and inclusive practice, offering the chance to shape the educational experience of every child, especially those with additional learning needs.
Working in close partnership with the Headteachers, you will play a pivotal role in the school’s ongoing development by driving high-quality teaching, developing staff, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. As the school’s SENDCo, you will lead the provision and policy for SEND, ensuring compliance, championing inclusion, and securing rapid progress for all learners.
This is an ideal role for an ambitious leader with a strong SEND background who is ready to influence whole-school strategy while making a tangible impact on the lives of pupils, staff, and families within a supportive, values-driven Multi Academy Trust.
What we are looking for:
- Experienced Educator & Qualified Leader: You’ll have QTS, a strong teaching background, senior leadership experience, and ideally be working towards or already hold the National Award for SEN Coordination.
- SEN Expertise: A sound understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and a proven track record of raising standards and delivering inclusive practice across the school.
- Strategic Leadership: Confident in driving school improvement, managing resources, leading change, and embedding high expectations for all learners.
- Exceptional Communicator & Collaborator: Able to influence, motivate, and build strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, and external partners.
- Committed to Safeguarding & Inclusion: Deep knowledge of safeguarding procedures and a passionate advocate for equality, social justice, and the wellbeing of every child.
- Inspiring & Innovative: A forward-thinking professional who brings creativity, resilience, and a positive outlook to school leadership.
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification for more information and before applying.
About Cordwalles Junior School: Our School sits within a newly established cluster of Primary schools, overseen by a Regional Director. Along with Cordwalles Junior School, our cluster includes the following other schools; Springfield Primary School, Lightwater Village School and Pine Ridge & Lorraine Federation. This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.
Join the GLF Schools Community: As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness. We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity. Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education.
GLF Schools Employment Offer: GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish. Access to our highly competitive Teachers Pension Scheme, flexible working options, generous holiday allowance, work life and family friendly policies, employee wellbeing initiatives, access to a staff benefits portal, community and collaboration working model.
The Details:
- Start Date: September 2026
- Salary Range: GLF LP1 (Fringe) - £53,460
- Working Pattern: Full-time
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing Date: Sunday 21st June at 11.59pm
- Interview Date: TBC
Assistant Headteacher with SENCO employer: Cordwalles Junior School
Cordwalles Junior School and Pine Ridge and Lorraine Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises inclusive education and professional growth. As part of the GLF Schools community, you will benefit from flexible working options, a generous holiday allowance, and access to a wealth of career progression opportunities across 43 academies, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in a values-driven setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher with SENCO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work at GLF Schools or similar institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around SEND and inclusive practices. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common leadership questions. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Assistant Headteacher with SENCO. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve driven change in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our community at GLF Schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher with SENCO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role.
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:As an Assistant Headteacher with SENCO responsibilities, your commitment to inclusive education is key. Use your application to share specific examples of how you've championed inclusion and improved outcomes for learners with additional needs in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our schools there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cordwalles Junior School
✨Know Your SENCO Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEN Code of Practice and have examples ready that showcase your experience in raising standards for learners with additional needs. Being able to discuss specific strategies you've implemented will show your depth of knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous leadership roles and how you've driven school improvement. Think of specific instances where you've led change or developed staff, as this will highlight your strategic leadership capabilities.
✨Communicate with Confidence
As an Assistant Headteacher, you'll need to build strong relationships. Practice articulating your vision for inclusive education and how you plan to collaborate with staff, pupils, and families. Clear communication is key!
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Be ready to discuss your passion for safeguarding and inclusion. Share your thoughts on equality and social justice in education, and how you plan to champion these values within the school community.