At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in inclusive education and improve outcomes for learners with SEND.
- Company: Weston College Group, dedicated to inclusive education and learner support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, strong leadership support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a committed team and influence both internal delivery and external partnerships.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND education and make a real impact on diverse learners' lives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in SEND or Inclusion, with a strong track record of driving change.
The predicted salary is between 59621 - 76260 € per year.
Weston College Group is seeking an exceptional Director of SEND & Inclusion to lead one of the most strategically important areas of the organisation. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational change, shape and embed an evolving SEND model, and drive meaningful improvement in outcomes for learners across the College.
SEND is a key strategic priority for Weston College, operating at significant scale across a diverse learner base and funding landscape:
- Over 3,000 learners with a declared learning need or disability across full-time provision, apprenticeships and adult learning
- Over 500 high needs learners, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans
- A growing service with significant investment in staff to respond to learner need
- Responsibility for a significant revenue and complex budgets (circa £11m)
The College is increasing investment in frontline support and strengthening cross-college inclusion. Alongside this, we will be opening a new SEND Centre for Residential Training and Independent Living in summer 2026, creating a unique opportunity to shape innovative provision. This role will play a key part in shaping how the College responds to the evolving national SEND landscape, ensuring policy is translated into effective, inclusive practice and ensuring all SEND learners have a genuine sense of belonging and are able to achieve and thrive.
As Director, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership across specialist education and cross-college learning support
- Strengthen cross-college approaches to supporting learners with SEND, ensuring consistent delivery, effective early identification of need, and successful transition into mainstream curriculum pathways
- Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the SEND operating model
- Be the provision lead for High Needs when the College is inspected by Ofsted, alongside playing a key role in the overall Inclusion judgement for the whole college
- Drive high-impact outcomes for learners with SEND, including improving achievement, progression and closing gaps with non-SEND learners
- Translate national SEND reform into effective local practice
- Build and influence strong partnerships with local authorities, schools and sector bodies
- Lead a large, multidisciplinary team and ensure effective deployment of resources
- Ensure effective use of funding and resources to maximise support for learners and deliver sustainable, high-quality provision
You will lead a well-established and evolving SEND service, supported by a senior leadership team across specialist education, cross-college learning support and SEND systems and funding. The structure beneath this role includes experienced leaders responsible for:
- Specialist curriculum provision
- Whole-college learning support
- SEND funding, systems and compliance
The role will focus on embedding and leading this provision effectively, ensuring it delivers high-quality, consistent outcomes for learners.
A genuine opportunity to implement and shape the College's SEND model pending the final outcomes of the recently announced SEND reforms. A College with a strong track record in SEND and inclusion, now entering the next phase of its development. Significant investment and executive-level priority. Opportunities to build on innovative practice, including well-established supported employment provision. Strong, well-established partnerships with local authorities and external stakeholders. The opportunity to influence both internal delivery and external partnerships to improve outcomes for learners. The chance to combine strategic leadership with visible, on-the-ground impact. An engaged and committed team with strong foundations, offering the opportunity to further develop capability, broaden perspectives and drive the next phase of improvement.
We are looking for a senior leader who can operate at both strategic and operational levels, with the ability to deliver impact through others in a complex organisation. You may currently be:
- A Director or Assistant Principal for SEND or Inclusion
- A senior SEND leader in FE, HE or schools
- A Head of SEND, Head of Learning Support or Head of Specialist Curriculum with a strong track record, ready to step into a broader strategic leadership role
You will bring:
- A professional qualification in SEND or a related field
- Deep understanding of SEND legislation, funding and inclusive practice
- Experience of working within a middle or senior management role in an education setting
- A strong track record of improving outcomes and driving change
- Experience leading large teams and complex services
- Ability to influence internally and externally at senior level
- Experience working effectively with external partners, particularly local authorities and sector stakeholders
- A track record of delivering improvement through others and influencing across organisational boundaries
- Experience managing significant budgets
Based in Weston-super-Mare, with occasional travel to other campuses as required. Flexible working available (typically up to one day per week initially). Strong leadership support and transition planning in place.
Weston College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Director - SEND & Inclusion in Weston-super-Mare employer: Weston College
Weston College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformational change in inclusive education within a supportive and dynamic environment. With significant investment in SEND services and a commitment to employee growth, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on improving outcomes for learners while enjoying flexible working arrangements and strong leadership support. The College's strategic priority on SEND ensures that your role will have a meaningful impact on the lives of diverse learners in Weston-super-Mare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - SEND & Inclusion in Weston-super-Mare
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEND and inclusion. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Weston College's current SEND initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about shaping inclusive education by discussing how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their evolving SEND model.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you highlight your leadership skills and experience in SEND and inclusion clearly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - SEND & Inclusion in Weston-super-Mare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of SEND & Inclusion role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the strategic goals of Weston College.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive change. Share examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and improved outcomes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Weston College
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive practices. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the complexities involved in leading SEND initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large teams and managing complex services. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you’ve driven change and improved outcomes for learners.
✨Understand the College's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Weston College's strategic priorities and recent developments in SEND. Being able to articulate how your vision aligns with theirs will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute to their goals.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can leverage partnerships with local authorities and external stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your experience in building these relationships and how they can enhance the College's SEND provision.
