At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate SEND provision, ensuring all students' needs are met effectively.
- Company: Join Kingsmead Academy, a supportive rural school with a commitment to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with experience in high-quality teaching and team management.
The predicted salary is between 61534 - 67898 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly skilled SENDCo to join our rural academy as an Associate Assistant Principal, leading and coordinating SEND provision across the whole school. You will join a well-established and highly committed SEND team, including an Assistant SENDCo, a team of Learning Support Assistants and the support of an experienced admin team.
In this strategic leadership role, you will ensure that the needs of all students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are effectively identified, supported, and met across the academy. This includes driving high-quality adaptive teaching, overseeing the implementation of targeted interventions, and ensuring that provision is both impactful and evidence informed. You will lead the monitoring and evaluation of SEND provision, using robust data and practice review to secure strong outcomes for students through effective SEND plans, adaptive teaching, and well‑targeted support. There is potential that the role includes a small teaching commitment, enabling you to model excellent classroom practice and ensure alignment with our Teaching and Learning Framework. We recognise the demands of meeting special educational needs, and teaching responsibilities will be carefully balanced to support your strategic impact.
About you:
- be a qualified teacher.
- have professional knowledge of what constitutes high quality and standards in teaching and learning.
- have the ability to write reports, keep accurate records and communicate effectively.
- have proven ability as an excellent classroom teacher.
- thrive as an experienced leader in an aspect of whole school development.
- enjoy leading and managing a team.
- understand clearly the curriculum and assessment of pupil progress.
About Kingsmead Academy:
Kingsmead School is a rural mixed ability Academy with a fully comprehensive intake situated near the Devon/Somerset border, close to the Brendon Hills and Exmoor. It caters for the age range 11-16 and has 884 students and just over 100 staff. Our latest Ofsted Report, in June 2022, gave an overall judgement that Kingsmead "requires improvement". Mr J Eddy, Headteacher, joined Kingsmead in January 2023. He is determined to improve education at Kingsmead for our superb body of students. The core values of Kingsmead are Care, Aspiration, Respect and Determination which drive our strong positive ethos and offering amenities for the whole school community. We have high expectations and expect staff to support our caring, student‑centred ethos to set high standards for our students. We hope staff will contribute to and lead some of the wide range of extra‑curricular opportunities we offer.
Why work at CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
What we can offer you:
- Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.
- Sector‑leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.
- Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.
- Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducing individual teacher workload.
- Career enhancing and progression opportunities within the trust and through the CLF Institute.
- A collaborative culture which supports workload.
- Well‑being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on‑site parking and many more!
Recruitment timeline:
- Closing Date: 31 May 2026 @ 11:59pm
- Shortlisting Date: 1 June 2026
- Interviews: 9 June 2026
We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment. As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs, a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form. Please note we are able to offer visa sponsorship for this role. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.
Associate Assistant Principal - SENCO in Wiveliscombe employer: Kingsmead Academy
Kingsmead Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits, and a focus on employee well-being, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a picturesque rural setting near the Devon/Somerset border. Join a dedicated team that prioritises high standards and student-centred values, while enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside and the vibrant community of Taunton nearby.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Assistant Principal - SENCO in Wiveliscombe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Kingsmead Academy and its values. Understanding their ethos will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a SENDCo.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to SEND provision. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your leadership skills and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Kingsmead Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Assistant Principal - SENCO in Wiveliscombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in this area, as it shows us you're genuinely committed to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits with our values and the specific requirements of the Associate Assistant Principal - SENCO role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in complex wording.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsmead Academy
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest strategies and frameworks for supporting students with special educational needs. Brush up on your knowledge of adaptive teaching methods and targeted interventions, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing whole school development. Think of specific examples where you've driven change or improved outcomes for students, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Associate Assistant Principal role.
✨Be Data Savvy
Familiarise yourself with how to use data to monitor and evaluate SEND provision. Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data in the past to inform your practice and secure strong outcomes for students, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Align with Kingsmead's Values
Understand the core values of Care, Aspiration, Respect, and Determination that drive the ethos at Kingsmead Academy. Be prepared to share how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their positive school culture.
