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- Tasks: Lead and support learners with autism and complex needs in a dynamic college environment.
- Company: Phoenix College, a forward-thinking specialist college in East London.
- Benefits: Free lunch, gym pass, cultural pass, and generous professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a 'Good' rated college with excellent growth potential.
- 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.
SENCo - Special Educational Needs Coordinator 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
✨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 SEN but also align with our mission to support learners with autism and complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to inclusivity and adapting teaching methods. We want to see how you can make a real difference in our students' lives!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic team at Phoenix College.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo - Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with autism and complex needs shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference, so share specific examples of how you've positively impacted learners in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of SENCo at Phoenix College. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission and values. This shows us that you understand what we’re all about and how you can contribute.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Phoenix College and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Phoenix Autism Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific needs of learners with autism and complex needs. Brush up on the latest strategies and frameworks in special education, especially those relevant to the role at Phoenix College. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted your teaching methods or support strategies in the past. Phoenix College values flexibility, so share examples of how you've responded positively to change and supported learners in diverse situations.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight any experience you have working with parents, trustees, or the wider community. Phoenix College is looking for someone who can build strong relationships, so be ready to talk about how you’ve fostered collaboration and communication in previous roles.
✨Bring Your Creativity
As a SENCo, creativity is key! Think of innovative ways you can enhance the curriculum for learners. Prepare to share ideas or projects you’ve implemented that have made a real impact on student outcomes, showcasing your ability to think outside the box.