Do you want to join a team that provides outstanding leadership, strategic direction and support to some of the best schools in the country? Do you want to play your part in delivering outstanding learning and teaching to young people in disadvantaged communities? If so, joining the Star team might just be the best career move you ever make.
About Star Central
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools.
The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
We are looking for an exceptional and highly motivated SEND Improvement Lead with significant experience and impact in secondary schools to join our central team and help us deliver our ambition for every child and young person with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking an exceptional SEND Improvement Lead to help drive our ambition for every pupil with SEND to thrive.
Inclusion is a key priority in our Corporate Strategy up to 2032, and we have a detailed Inclusion Strategy that we have started to implement with our 36 schools in line with the national agenda on Inclusion and the SEND Reforms.
We are looking for someone to work alongside the Director of SEND, Principals, senior leaders and SENDCos, to provide strategic and practical school improvement support to bring this to life within our schools.
You will:
- bring significant and impactful experience from working in secondary schools;
- lead SEND improvement across a portfolio of schools;
- support and challenge leaders to strengthen SEND provision;
- coach and develop SENDCos and senior leaders;
- quality assure provision, identification, EHCP implementation and SEND systems;
- use performance and assessment information to identify priorities and drive improvement;
- lead professional development and our SENDCo network;
- support schools with inspection readiness and statutory compliance; and
- ensure SEND is effectively aligned with teaching, curriculum, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.
About you:
You will be an experienced SEND leader with a strong track record of improving provision and outcomes, particularly from within secondary schools. You will combine strategic expertise with the ability to work practically alongside schools, building capacity while maintaining high expectations.
You will be knowledgeable, credible and solutions-focused, with excellent communication, coaching and analytical skills and, above all, a determination to advocate for children and young people with SEND.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence SEND practice beyond a single school and make a tangible difference to pupils across Star Academies. If you are an ambitious SEND leader who shares our commitment to excellent, inclusive education, we would love to hear from you.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.
We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Find out more
Please download the job description and person specification for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact the trust’s Director of Inclusion, Sally Jones on 0330 313 9800.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Monday, 30 November 2026 at midnight.
Interview Date: Friday, 11 December 2026.
Proposed Start Date: As soon as possible.
Application Process
To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Our Commitment
Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.
We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
SEND Improvement Lead in Blackburn employer: Star Academies
Eden Boys' School, Preston is an outstanding Muslim faith-based secondary school that offers a unique opportunity for passionate educators to make a significant impact in a disadvantaged community. As part of the Star Academies family, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through the Star Talent Academy, alongside competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping the future of young leaders while enjoying a rewarding career in a high-performing multi-academy trust.
