At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support learners with autism and complex needs in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Phoenix College, a forward-thinking Independent Specialist College in East London.
- Benefits: Free lunch, gym pass, cultural pass, and generous personal development funding.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a 'Good' rated college with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting high-needs learners; creativity and adaptability are key.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Salary: Main Pay Scale / Upper Pay Scale + SEN 1 + TLR
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Start date: September 2026
Apply by: 11 May 2026
Phoenix College is a friendly and forward-thinking Independent Specialist College based in East London, with excellent public transport links. We support around 70 learners aged 16–25 across several sites in Tower Hamlets. Our learners follow two main programmes: Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) and the DFN Project SEARCH supported internship programme.
Phoenix College is the leading provision for young people with autism and other special educational needs. We have ambitious aspirations for students, and an inclusive, positive work environment for staff. We have experienced great growth over the last five years and we are excited to reshape our Senior and Middle Leadership Team.
This role would suit a creative and motivated professional who is passionate about making a real difference to young people with autism and complex needs. You will need to be flexible and adaptable, responding positively to change as our provision grows. Experience of working in a specialist college is not essential, but experience supporting learners with high needs is required.
We are looking for someone who is committed to making an outstanding contribution to our college and who shares our high expectations for all learners. You will be dedicated to maintaining high standards and improving outcomes for learners, while also being a warm and welcoming presence for parents, trustees and the wider community.
Our students make strong progress through access to a broad, balanced and enriched curriculum. We are proud members of Natspec and the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE), and we were rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2024, with ‘Outstanding’ grades in behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.
Phoenix College offers some great benefits (including a non-salary package worth over £2,000) to staff which include:
- Free lunch
- Gym pass (up to £250 per year)
- Cultural pass (up to £100 per year)
- Personal development & CPD development (up to £900 per year)
- Benenden Private Healthcare
- Career progression
- Teachers’ or LGPS pension scheme
- Great environment and supportive team
If you have the skills, experience and drive to take on this role and would like to join our supportive team, we would love to hear from you.
Phoenix College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and staff. The successful candidate will require an enhanced DBS clearance. We are dedicated to equality and valuing diversity.
Website: SENCO - Phoenix Autism Trust
TES Jobs: https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/senco-tower-hamlets-2316526
SENCo - Special Educational Needs Coordinator in London employer: The Phoenix Autism Trust
Contact Detail:
The Phoenix Autism Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo - Special Educational Needs Coordinator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with special educational needs. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Phoenix College and its values. Show us that you’re not just passionate about supporting learners with autism but also align with our mission to create an inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to high needs support. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your experience that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Phoenix College.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo - Special Educational Needs Coordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the SENCo role. Highlight your experience with learners who have high needs and how you can contribute to our ambitious aspirations for students.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people with autism and complex needs shine through in your written application. We want to see your commitment to making a real difference in their lives!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Phoenix College.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Phoenix Autism Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a SENCo and the specific needs of learners with autism and complex needs. Familiarise yourself with Phoenix College's programmes and values, so you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people with special educational needs shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving learners with high needs. Think about past experiences where you've successfully supported students or resolved challenges, and be ready to discuss these examples in detail.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the college's approach to inclusion and support for staff development. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute to the team.