At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND initiatives across schools, supporting and developing experienced SENDCo's.
- Company: Join the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, a family of 15 schools focused on improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and employee support programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of SEND students and transform educational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Strong SEND experience and strategic thinking skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to educational excellence and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About This Role
The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust (ODBST) is an ambitious and aspirational family of 15 schools united by a clear focus on school improvement. Our mission is to empower our unique schools to excel, enabling our children and young people to experience life in all its fullness. We are proud to serve communities of all faiths and none, with our schools existing to provide exceptional education and care to their local communities. We foster a deep sense of belonging across our Trust, where pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community feel proud to be part of our family.
The Role
We are recruiting for an exciting new position within our central team to support our ODBST schools with the operational leadership of SEND across the Trust. Our schools are all committed to achieving the very best for all of our SEND pupils and we are looking for someone who can lead this forward on a Trust level, developing and supporting our team of experienced SENDCo's, bringing together excellent practice alongside researching and implementing new initiatives. The role will be largely school based with work, as part of the School Effectiveness team, and working will be alongside School Effectiveness Partners as well as school leaders.
- To provide ODBST-wide operational leadership for SEND and inclusion.
- To translate the ODBST SEND strategy into consistent practice across schools.
- To build SEND leadership capacity in all schools.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a strategic thinker with strong SEND experience, passionate about making a real difference to the life chances and outcomes for SEND students. You will bring expertise, creativity, and a values-driven approach to leading and developing our SEND provision.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to make a significant impact across a growing family of schools.
- A collaborative, supportive team committed to educational excellence.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The chance to work with passionate educators dedicated to transforming young lives.
Being part of a Trust makes you part of the family and this comes with many opportunities from CPD training and networking to in-house support and career development. We are committed to our staff and offer benefits which include:
- Employee Assistance Programme with Schools Advisory Service – staff can access a wide range of support including a GP service, menopause support, counselling and mindfulness, chronic illness support, physiotherapy, fitness services and more.
- Free flu vaccination vouchers.
- Free eye test for computer users.
- Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for support staff.
- Extensive CPD opportunities including Trust-wide subject leadership groups, mentoring, networking opportunities and apprenticeships.
- Full commitment to sustainable ways of working, green energy and reducing our Trust emissions to reach net zero by 2035.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check. The ODBST is an Equal Opportunities employer. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 because it is a post which involves working directly with children or young people and the applicant is required to declare any criminal convictions (or cautions or bind-overs) including those which are “spent”. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
SEND LeadEDV/2026/ODBST/90899 in Princes Risborough employer: Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
Contact Detail:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND LeadEDV/2026/ODBST/90899 in Princes Risborough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ODBST values and mission inside out. When you’re chatting with us during interviews, drop in how your experience aligns with our goal of empowering schools and making a difference for SEND pupils. It shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you genuinely want to be part of our family.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through our website. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working at ODBST. This insider info can give you a leg up in interviews and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. Show us you’re serious about the role by asking about our SEND strategies or how we support our SENDCo’s. It’ll demonstrate your passion and strategic thinking, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND LeadEDV/2026/ODBST/90899 in Princes Risborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting SEND students shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives and how you can contribute to our mission at ODBST.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role by referencing the job description. Highlight your strategic thinking and leadership skills, and how they align with our goals of improving SEND provision across our schools.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and ideas without having to sift through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our ODBST family and contributing to our vision.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current best practices, legislation, and any recent initiatives in SEND education. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed and ready to lead.
✨Show Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you would translate the ODBST SEND strategy into practice across schools. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully implemented strategies or led teams. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and make a real impact.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with School Effectiveness Partners and school leaders, be ready to talk about your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've built relationships and worked effectively within a team to achieve common goals, especially in an educational setting.
✨Align with Their Values
The ODBST is all about community and belonging. Make sure you convey your alignment with their values during the interview. Share your passion for making a difference in the lives of SEND students and how you can contribute to fostering a sense of belonging within the Trust.