Assistant Principal (Inclusion and SEND) (Norwich)

Inspiration Trust; Norwich; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Norwich is looking for an Assistant Principal to join their Senior Leadership Team. The role requires a visionary leader with expertise in inclusion and SEND. Responsibilities include leading on safeguarding practices, managing the inclusion team, and fostering a culture of collaboration among staff. Candidates should possess Qualified Teacher Status and a strong record of impactful leadership. Competitive salary and supportive work environment offered.

Benefits

Personalised CPD programme

Generous annual leave

Health Plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Discounts on retail and theatre

Qualifications

• Strong track record of impact in school leadership.
• Experience in leading teams and motivating staff.
• Expertise in safeguarding and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to ensure safeguarding practices.
• Lead SEND initiatives and inclusive practices.
• Manage the inclusion team and behavior strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Inclusion expertise

Coaching and mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Behaviour management

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Degree in relevant field

Job description

Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Points 3-5 (£54,394 - £57,137 per annum)

Start Date: April 2026

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our ambitious and highly collaborative Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Principal at Charles Darwin Primary.

You will be joining a supportive and forward-thinking environment where your professional growth is a priority.

We offer:

• A personalised CPD programme tailored to your development
• A structured and well-regarded induction process
• Opportunities to shape and influence whole-school improvement
• A culture of collaboration, teamwork and shared ambition

What You’ll Be Doing

• To work with the Senior Leadership Team to promote and maintain highly proficient safeguarding practices to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.
• To be the SENDCo for the school.
• To lead on whole school behaviour, line managing the inclusion team.
• To lead the strategic development of inclusive practices that will enable all pupils to play an active part in the academy community and allow them to develop as effective learners.

About You

The successful candidate will be a visionary leader and an expert in inclusion and SEND, committed to driving excellence in classroom practice and pupil achievement. They demonstrate strategic leadership, ensuring that inclusion and SEND are at the heart of the school’s improvement plan.

You will be a highly effective coach and mentor, inspiring teachers to refine their practice through constructive feedback, professional development, and collaborative learning.

Above all, you will be passionate about education, relentlessly focused on improving outcomes for every pupil and empowering teachers to deliver exceptional learning experiences.

Essential

• An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status
• A very strong track record of impact and high performance, ideally against whole school priorities
• Evidence of designing and implementing effective initiatives for raising pupil attainment and improving the quality of teaching and learning strategies
• Experience of effective middle leadership
• Strong classroom teacher and primary experience
• Good stakeholder engagement and management experience, including pupils, parents/carers and staff
• Experience leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards
• The statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification or working towards
• National SEND Qualification
• Direct and successful experience of Ofsted inspection

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.
• * Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Charles Darwin Primary School and Nursery is a free school located in the heart of Norwich which opened in September 2016. The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted in June 2019 for overall effectiveness and has maintained success in their first ungraded inspection in April 2025. Children who graduate from Charles Darwin are resilient, independent, and confident individuals who express themselves creatively and value their place in the world. They benefit from a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them stay happy, engaged, and inspired to learn.

The school offers an innovative curriculum that encourages every child to thrive, combining a strong academic focus with a rich programme of cultural and sporting opportunities.

Charles Darwin Primary has close links with the highly successful Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form College, ensuring a strong educational pathway from early years through to post‑16 education.

Although there is no on‑site parking, the school and nursery are just a short walk from Norwich Train Station, served by several bus routes, with a range of paid parking options nearby.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Claire Thacker, PA to Principal ([e-mail]).

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Friday 9th January 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 21st January 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.