Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the inclusive learning strategy and support diverse learners to achieve their goals.
- Company: Join East Lancashire Learning Group, a nationally recognised leader in education and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape the future of inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in SEND and a degree with teaching qualification.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 61536 - 61536 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: Up to ÂŁ61,536.00 per annum, depending on experience.
Hours: 37 per week.
Working Weeks: Full Year.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Site: Accrington & Rossendale College.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 13th April 2026.
Interview Date: TBC – either 20th or 22nd April 2026.
Our Organisation: East Lancashire Learning Group, including Nelson and Colne College (NCC), Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC), and Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL) collectively deliver outstanding education and training across the region. We are nationally recognised for excellence in teaching, learning and student outcomes, with a strong commitment to transforming lives through education. Our inclusive ethos ensures that every learner regardless of background, ability or need has the opportunity to thrive and achieve ambitious futures.
The Exciting Role: We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Inclusion and High Needs to join our College Leadership Team. This pivotal strategic role leads our inclusive learning agenda across all provision types, ensuring that learners with SEND, high needs and additional barriers achieve outstanding outcomes and progress to meaningful destinations. You will champion a truly inclusive culture across the Group, driving innovation, shaping strategy and ensuring high‑quality support is embedded within curriculum delivery. Working collaboratively with curriculum leaders, pastoral teams and external partners, you will ensure that no learner is left behind and that inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
Why ELLG? Joining East Lancashire Learning Group College means becoming part of a high‑performing, values‑driven organisation with a national reputation for excellence. We are proud of our inclusive ethos and unwavering belief that every learner can succeed. This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to shape the future of inclusive education across a diverse and ambitious group of colleges and provision. You will work as part of an experienced, collaborative and forward‑thinking Learner Services department, committed to innovation, continuous improvement and doing what is right for learners. Under the leadership of the Assistant Principal, you will be empowered to lead transformational change, with the autonomy to develop and embed sector‑leading inclusive practices. You will also have the opportunity to shape lives at scale, ensuring that learners are supported to achieve exceptional outcomes and meaningful destinations. If you are an experienced practitioner looking for a role where you can combine strategic influence, sector leadership and a deep sense of purpose, this is an exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Strategy: Leading the development and delivery of a forward‑thinking Inclusive Learning Strategy that drives high expectations, improves outcomes and reduces achievement gaps.
- Leadership: Providing inspirational leadership to Additional Learning Support and other specialist teams, fostering a high‑performance, collaborative culture.
- Inclusion: Championing a whole‑organisation approach to inclusion, ensuring learners with SEND and high needs are fully supported to succeed and progress.
- Professional Development: Driving inclusive teaching practice through high‑quality CPD, enabling staff to embed adaptive and inclusive approaches in everyday delivery.
- Performance: Overseeing the effective use of data, funding and quality assurance processes to monitor impact, ensure compliance and continuously improve provision.
- Influence: Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing strategic decision‑making and shaping organisational priorities around inclusion.
What We Are Looking For:
- Significant leadership experience in SEND, inclusion or additional learning support within Further Education.
- Deep knowledge of SEND legislation, funding and regulatory requirements.
- Strong track record of improving outcomes for learners with diverse and complex needs.
- Ability to lead, inspire and develop high‑performing teams across multiple disciplines.
- High skill in strategic planning, partnership working and influencing at senior level.
- Forward‑thinking, innovative approach to inclusive practice and curriculum design.
- Holder of a degree and teaching qualification (management or SEND specialist qualifications desirable).
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and continuous improvement.
What We Offer in Return:
- Eligibility to join the Teachers or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance including a two‑week closure over the Christmas period.
- Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme and access to family friendly policies and benefits.
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support.
- Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards.
- Free on‑site parking on all College sites.
Further Information: Please visit our working for us section of our website for a full list of our benefits. For questions, please contact our friendly HR Team at h.resources@eastlancslearning.ac.uk. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children.
Director of Inclusion & Learning Support in Accrington employer: East Lancashire Learning Group
Contact Detail:
East Lancashire Learning Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Inclusion & Learning Support in Accrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in inclusion and learning support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with our commitment to inclusive education. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership experience in SEND and high needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your strategic approach to inclusion and how you’ve driven change in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at East Lancashire Learning Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Inclusion & Learning Support in Accrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Inclusion & Learning Support role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our inclusive ethos and commitment to transforming lives through education.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous roles, especially in relation to SEND and inclusion. This is your chance to shine a light on your strategic influence and collaborative approach.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lancashire Learning Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND legislation and inclusive practices. Brush up on your knowledge about the specific challenges faced by learners with high needs, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've inspired teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve fostered a collaborative culture or driven change in inclusive education. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively within the college.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Since this role involves developing an Inclusive Learning Strategy, be prepared to share your vision for improving outcomes and reducing achievement gaps. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table and how you would implement them across the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the college’s current initiatives in inclusion and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the college aligns with your values and goals.