senco in Highland

Leigh Academy Longfield is seeking an exceptional and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our team starting in Easter 2026. We are looking for someone who will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy, SEN information report and provision made by the school for pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities. The successful candidate will also work closely with staff, parents/carers and other agencies.

We have a high proportion of students with SEND. The number of students with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH) is more than three times the national average. Our Specialist provision, The Spectrum Centre, is recognised as a National Area of Excellence. The role of our SENCO is therefore crucial in ensuring that our inclusive values are upheld and all our students are making excellent academic progress whilst developing the skills required to contribute effectively in a democratic society. The successful candidate must have a legitimate passion for SEND and must have the motivation to take our excellent SEND provision to the next level.

Leigh Academy Longfield offers a friendly and supportive working environment with innovation and collaboration at the heart of everything we do. The academy is recognised as an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school and delivers the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to students in years 7-9. Our most recent inspection in 2018 confirmed that Leigh Academy Longfield continues to provide strong educational outcomes for students. The richness of our extracurricular activities allows our students to excel in drama, music, sports and STEM. Leaders of the academy are highly ambitious for all of the students. We have a strong drive for school improvement underpinned by a relentless focus on the core business of improving teaching and learning. We do not limit that ambition to the outcomes of public examinations; our students being prepared for life is equally as important to everyone at the academy. Our pastoral system is truly exceptional and we pride ourselves on the quality of care for every student. Our Post-16 provision continues to go from strength to strength, rated in the top 10% for Kent, with our students securing places at top universities.

Leigh Academy Longfield benefits from modern, state-of-the-art facilities for learning across all subject areas. We have a thorough and robust approach to school improvement, and the academy is well on course to becoming a truly Outstanding school. The school is heavily oversubscribed in year 7 and year 12.

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you would like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor). To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.