Chief Executive Officer

SEN Trust Southend, Leigh on Sea; Leigh on Sea; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A Multi-Academy Trust in Leigh on Sea is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and foster high standards of education for children with special educational needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in SEND, proven leadership experience, and a commitment to equity and collaboration. This part-time role offers the opportunity to shape the future of special education in the area.

Benefits

Supportive Board of Trustees

Collaborative professional team

Opportunities to influence SEND education

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience at executive or senior level in special education or a related sector.
• Deep understanding of SEND and inclusive practice.
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the Trust.
• Champion high standards of education, care, and inclusion.
• Drive development and innovation in special education.

Skills

Leadership experience in special education

Understanding of SEND

Strategic and operational acumen

Inspirational communication skills

Commitment to equity and collaboration

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC8827005-78 Position Type: Executive Headteacher Pay Range: Leadership Scale L38-42

Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 07/11/2025 Midnight Date of Interviews: 2nd and 3rd December 2025

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - SEN TRUST SOUTHEND

Inspire. Lead. Develop.
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for special education? Do you have the strategic insight and operational expertise to lead a Multi Academy Trust dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?

Due to the retirement of our founding CEO, the SEN Trust is recruiting an exceptional CEO to lead our small and successful Trust into its next phase of development. With a strong foundation and a clear moral purpose, Our Trust is committed to continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs across our four specialist Academies.

Our values promote inclusivity; meeting the needs of all our students, whatever the background. We have high aspirations for our students and promote a voice for everyone, whilst also ensuring accountability and transparency in our practices.

About the Role:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across the Trust, whilst enabling each school and Headteacher to maintain their own school's identity within the umbrella of the Trust.
• Champion the highest standards of education, care, and inclusion
• Work closely with Headteachers, Trustees, the MAT central staff team, and partners including Christopher's Cottage respite center (on-site at The St. Christopher School)
• Drive development and innovation, being proactive in recognising future challenges and opportunities in special education
• Ensure financial health and regulatory compliance, as Accounting Officer for the Trust
• Be a visible and values-driven leader for our community; including representations with Local Authority Officers
• Responsible for safeguarding across the trust
• Further centralisation of MAT services for the benefit of all Schools.

What we are Looking For:

• Proven leadership experience at executive or senior level in special education or a related sector (preferably at Headteacher level)
• Deep understanding of SEND and inclusive practice
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen to ensure that resources and people are deployed effectively and efficiently
• Inspirational communicator and relationship-builder, who demonstrates empathy and understanding, relating well to people at all levels, whilst motivating them to do their best.
• Commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement-always upholding strong ethics and values
• Keeping our pupil's wellbeing and outcomes at the center of our focus

We Offer:

• A dedicated and passionate team of professionals to support in the role
• A supportive and engaged Board of Trustees
• Opportunities to shape the future of SEND education in our area
• A culture rooted in compassion, ambition, and excellence

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/16820/EDV-2025-STS-76701

Information about the School

The SEN Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust comprising of four special schools; Kingsdown School, Lancaster School, St. Nicholas School and The St. Christopher School. The schools work closely with Local Authorities and parents and carers to meet the needs of pupils as outlined in their Education and Health Care Plans. They provide support and guidance to enable pupils to progress their education and learn life skills to make the most their abilities and achieve independence.

Expertise, resources and training is shared across the schools but they are encouraged to maintain their individual identity, ethos and character. Each school has it's own Headteacher and Local Governing Body. Overall responsibility for the strategy, vision and aims of the Trust is held by the Trust Board and Members who are supported by the CEO, Jackie Mullan.

The schools work together to develop systems to improve the quality of education across the Trust and maintain their high standards, meeting the specialist needs of pupils in the local area.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Dan
Mountdale Gardens, Leigh on Sea
Essex, SS9 4AW Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]