At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in inclusive education and drive improvement for learners with SEND.
- Company: Weston College Group, committed to inclusive education and learner success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, strong leadership support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving outcomes for diverse learners.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND education and make a real impact on 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.
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 Wick employer: Weston College
Contact Detail:
Weston College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - SEND & Inclusion in Wick
✨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 the latest trends in SEND legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you can implement these in a practical setting at Weston College, showing your passion for inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects in SEND. Highlight how you’ve driven change and improved outcomes for learners, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Weston College community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - SEND & Inclusion in Wick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director - SEND & Inclusion role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the strategic priorities 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 influenced positive outcomes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is received directly by our team and allows us to process it efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Weston College
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest SEND legislation and funding models. Being able to discuss how these impact inclusive practices will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also ready to implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in complex environments. Highlight your experience in driving change and improving outcomes for learners with SEND, as this role is all about strategic leadership.
✨Understand the College's Vision
Research Weston College's current SEND initiatives and their future plans, like the new SEND Centre. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to their vision will demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can leverage partnerships with local authorities and other stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experience in building these relationships and how they can enhance the College's SEND provision.