At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic inclusion initiatives across the Forest School Group, shaping vision and policy.
- Company: Forest School Group, dedicated to inclusive education and student welfare.
- Benefits: Generous CPD budget, free lunches, fee remission for children, and health insurance contributions.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to professional development and community outreach.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by championing inclusion and diversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for inclusive practices.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Group Director of Inclusion is the strategic lead for learning support and inclusion across the Forest School Group. This is a senior, group-wide leadership role with responsibility for shaping vision, policy, consistency, and quality of inclusive provision from Pre-Prep through to Sixth Form. The postholder leads at group level rather than running day-to-day provision in any one phase. Operational delivery, such as assessment of individual pupils, intervention timetabling, parent meetings, day-to-day case management, and phase-specific specialist teaching, remains with the SENDCo teams based in the schools across the Group.
The Group Director of Inclusion line manages the school-based SENDCos, supports their professional development, and is accountable for the coherence and quality of inclusive practice across the Group. Forest is appointing this role at a significant moment in the wider SEND landscape. The number of pupils identified with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other specific learning differences, developmental language disorder, and co-occurring profiles, has risen markedly across UK independent schools.
The recent SEND reform agenda, and the work of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group, are reframing inclusion as a whole-school, needs-led responsibility rather than a specialist parallel system. The successful candidate will lead Forest School Group's strategic response to this shift, ensuring that inclusion is understood as a core academic priority shared by every teacher and every leader across the Group.
The Group Director of Inclusion sits on the Group Leadership Team and reports to the Warden. The postholder will liaise and collaborate regularly with the heads of each school within the group. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Key benefits include:
- Generous CPD budget
- Comprehensive Professional Development Review system
- Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme
- Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day
- 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13
- Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre
- Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme
- Contribution towards private medical insurance fees
- Membership of a pension scheme
Group Director of Inclusion in London employer: Forest School
Forest School Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As the Group Director of Inclusion, you will play a pivotal role in shaping educational practices across multiple schools, with access to generous CPD budgets, a supportive leadership team, and unique benefits such as fee remission for staff children and subsidised leisure centre membership. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of students while enjoying a collaborative environment that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of Inclusion in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Forest School Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the latest trends in inclusion and SEND reforms. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our vision for inclusion clearly and confidently.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of Inclusion in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Group Director of Inclusion role. Highlight your experience in shaping inclusive policies and leading teams, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Vision:We want to see your strategic thinking! Share your vision for inclusion and how you plan to implement it across the Forest School Group. This is a senior role, so demonstrating your leadership style and approach to collaboration is key.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest School
✨Know Your Inclusion Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in current inclusion strategies and policies, especially those relevant to neurodevelopmental differences. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these across the Forest School Group and ensure every teacher understands their role in this.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, supported professional development, and driven change in inclusive practices.
✨Engage with the SEND Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest SEND reforms and the work of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group. Be prepared to discuss how these changes impact your vision for inclusion and how you can lead the group’s strategic response.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours, particularly regarding safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
