SENCO – Strategic SEND Leadership

SENCO – Strategic SEND Leadership

M1–UPS3 + TLR 2C

April 2026 Start

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.