SENCO in Swindon

Would you like to join us on our journey to become an outstanding school of first choice at the heart of our local community? Do you care enough to want to make a significant difference to the lives of our amazing students? If so, we would love to offer you the exciting opportunity to join our highly dedicated staff as an Assistant Headteacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. There is a teaching commitment of approximately 0.2 of a full timetable.

Our SEND provision was recognised as a strength of the academy by Ofsted (July 2022) with senior leaders reported as having high ambition for children and young people with SEND and providing a challenging curriculum for all. A review of our SEND provision in December 2022 highlighted that there are strong systems and processes in place to support transitions from primary school ensuring effective provision on entry. However, overall, students with SEN are making less progress than other pupil groups which we are seeking to address through a focus on Inclusive Quality First Teaching using the EEF materials.

We are looking to appoint a dynamic and inspirational senior leader and qualified SENCo with a proven track record for improving outcomes and opportunities for all students and specifically those with educational needs and disabilities who can build on the excellent work of our current SENCo. The role is central to our vision of an inclusive school where all students are cared for in an extraordinary way so that they can thrive and make exceptional progress.

As well as senior leadership responsibilities, the SENCo is responsible for the day‑to‑day management and strategic development of SEND across the school. The SENCo will work with students, parents / carers, school staff and outside agencies to assess barriers to learning and identify the most appropriate intervention to meet student needs. Applicants will need to be highly motivated with a passion to make a difference, highly organised and an effective communicator.

Every member of staff receives bespoke support and development through our in‑house coaching programme as well as additional professional development opportunities to promote further progress and career enhancement. We are committed to challenging, supporting and developing staff and students to ‘Aspire to Greatness’ so that we become the best that we can be.

In a recent survey, 92% of staff said they were proud to be a member of staff at The Dorcan Academy with 92% stating that they enjoy working here. 98% said that they support the vision of the academy. In July 2022 we were judged GOOD in all categories by Ofsted which was a major achievement. In our school, students are ready to learn and ‘low level disruption is rare’. Ofsted were impressed with the excellent behaviour of our students both in lessons and around the school.

We pride ourselves on being an ‘academy of opportunity’ for all with excellent relationships. As a member of staff, you will be highly valued and will be supported to flourish as a member of the Senior Leadership team as well as within the Special Educational Needs Department and the academy as a whole. Although we don’t boast a shiny new building, we do have excellent facilities, with a supportive, friendly school culture and ethos which is often commented upon by visitors.

We will offer you:

• A supportive and bespoke staff induction programme
• High quality professional development, including a first‑class Early Careers programme if you are an Early Careers teacher (Years 2 – 4)
• Additional non‑contact time if you are an Early careers teacher
• Unrivalled support from the leadership team
• Excellent specialist facilities and resources
• Committed staff who ‘go the extra mile’
• Motivated, enthusiastic students who are ready and eager to learn

The Dorcan Academy is an 11‑16 academy situated on the eastern edge of Swindon with a comprehensive, challenging and enriching curriculum and a wide range of extra‑curricular opportunities. Our vision is to be an outstanding school of first choice at the heart of our local community. We aim to do this through our:

• Culture - An inclusive school where everyone is valued, cared for and nurtured in an extraordinary way.
• Curriculum - Students acquire ‘powerful knowledge’ and skills that prepare them fully for the world of work and their wellbeing, delivered through outstanding teaching.
• Character - Students stand out as model citizens, showing kindness, respect and doing their best.
• Community - All stakeholders use their unique gifts and talents to serve others and enable them to flourish.

At The Dorcan Academy, our ethos is underpinned by the five principles of: Belonging, Purpose, Aspiration, Perseverance and Achievement and seek to develop in our students the character virtues of Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, Courage, Generosity, Gratitude, Personal Responsibility, Resilience and Self‑Discipline.

Closing Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026 (midday)

Pay Scale: Leadership scale 11‑16 Permanent Contract available April 2026 Start (Please note that this advert may close early if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date).

Safeguarding Statement: The Dorcan Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.