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- Tasks: Lead and develop inclusive SEND provision, ensuring exceptional progress for vulnerable learners.
- Company: Join a rapidly improving secondary school committed to high-impact education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of students with SEND and advocate for their success.
- Qualifications: Qualified SENCO with experience in supporting SEND learners and leading teams.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture focused on safeguarding and equity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
VNA Education is working in partnership with a rapidly improving secondary school to appoint an outstanding SENCO to lead and develop an ambitious, inclusive and high‑impact SEND provision. This is a key leadership role for a qualified SENCO who can operate strategically, lead staff with credibility, and ensure that students with SEND achieve exceptional progress, outcomes and independence within both mainstream and specialist settings.
The Role
- Provide strategic leadership of SEND provision across the school
- Hold shared accountability for the progress, wellbeing and inclusion of vulnerable learners
- Lead and develop high‑quality Quality First Teaching and targeted intervention
- Oversee statutory processes for EHCPs, reviews and compliance
- Use data, assessment and specialist evidence to identify need, track progress and drive improvement
- Work closely with SLT, pastoral teams and teaching staff to embed inclusive practice at scale
- Lead multi‑agency collaboration with parents, external professionals and local authorities
- Play a central role in transition, reintegration and preparation for adulthood
- Contribute to trust‑wide SEND strategy, sharing best practice beyond the school
Leadership & Culture
- Set a clear vision for high expectations and inclusive excellence
- Lead, coach and develop staff, modelling expert SEND practice
- Disseminate research‑informed strategies to improve outcomes for students with SEND
- Ensure consistency, clarity and accountability across SEND systems and provision
- Advocate relentlessly for students while maintaining robust professional judgement
The ideal candidate
- Holds QTS and the SENCO qualification (or is willing to undertake it)
- Has strong experience supporting SEND learners in a secondary setting
- Demonstrates proven ability to lead teams and influence whole‑school practice
- Is highly skilled in data analysis, statutory processes and quality assurance
- Communicates with confidence, empathy and authority with all stakeholders
- Is committed to safeguarding, equity and life‑changing outcomes for young people
VNA Education Recruitment Ltd is a specialised consultancy dedicated to connecting teachers and support staff with both short‑term and long‑term opportunities in primary, secondary, and special education schools across London and the Home Counties. We prioritise safer recruitment practices and conduct thorough checks on all candidates we represent.
SENCO - Strategic SEND Leadership employer: VNA Education
Contact Detail:
VNA Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCO - Strategic SEND Leadership
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its SEND provision. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for inclusive education and how you can make a real impact on their students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and SEND strategies. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream SENCO role.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCO - Strategic SEND Leadership
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the SENCO role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in relation to SEND. This will help us envision you in this key role.
Be Data Savvy: Since data analysis is crucial for this position, include any relevant experience you have with tracking progress and driving improvement through data. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking!
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at VNA Education
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND policies and practices. Brush up on your knowledge of EHCPs, data analysis, and how to implement Quality First Teaching. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or influenced whole-school practices in the past. Think about specific instances where you’ve coached staff or implemented strategies that improved outcomes for SEND learners. This will demonstrate your capability to lead with credibility.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you would communicate effectively with parents, external professionals, and local authorities. Share your approach to building relationships and advocating for students. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving inclusive excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate a clear vision for high expectations and inclusive practice. Think about how you would set this vision within the school and ensure consistency across SEND systems. This will highlight your strategic thinking and commitment to improving the educational experience for all learners.
