Chief Executive Officer

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

Job summary

A multi-academy trust in England seeks a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead its development. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership in special education, with a deep understanding of SEND and a commitment to equity. Responsibilities include providing strategic direction and ensuring financial health across the trust. Candidates should be inspirational communicators and focus on student wellbeing. Contracts are full-time, and the start date is September 2026. The closing date for applications is February 6, 2026.

Benefits

Supportive team and Board of Trustees

Opportunities to shape SEND education

Qualifications

• Experience as Headteacher or executive in special education.
• Deep understanding of special educational needs and disability (SEND).
• Excellent operational and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the Trust.
• Ensure financial health and compliance.
• Champion high standards of education and care.

Skills

Proven leadership experience at executive level

Understanding of SEND and inclusive practice

Strong strategic and operational acumen

Inspirational communicator

Commitment to equity and improvement

Job description

SEN Trust Southend is using its own application form, please click the button below to download and view it as Essex School Jobs cannot automatically fill out an application form that has been created by a school. You will need to download the application form before you are able to complete it.

Job Ref No. ECC8827005-81L Position Type: Executive Headteacher Pay Range: Leadership Scale Point 38-42

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

Application Close: 06/02/2026 4pm Date of Interviews: 24th/25th February 2026 Shortlisting Starts: 10/02/2026

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) - SEN TRUST SOUTHEND

Salary: Leadership points 38-42

Contract Type: Permanent full time

Our academies are open for 39 weeks per year. There is a requirement with this role to be available during a portion of the holiday periods for the performance of your professional duties.

Start Date: September 2026

Inspire. Lead. Develop.

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; The St. Christopher School, Kingsdown School, Lancaster School and St. Nicholas School.

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:

• Develop existing networks with local and national partners to ensure the long‑term future lokela of the Trust.
• Be a visible and values‑driven leader for our community; including representations with Local Authority Officers.
• Drive development and innovation, being proactive in recognizing future challenges and opportunities in special education.
• Champion the highest standards of education, care, and inclusion.
• 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.
• 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).
• Ensure financial health and regulatory compliance, as Accounting Officer for the Trust.
• Hold responsibility for safeguarding acrossॉफ 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 pupils' wellbeing and outcomes at the centre 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.

To Apply:

Visits and discussion encouraged 19th‑23rd January 2026 – to be arranged in advance by email: [e-mail] (current and retiring CEOρ).

Application forms to be completed via MyNewTerm platform, please click the link below.

Closing date: 6th February 2026

Shortlisting dates: 10th February 2026

References: Referees will be contacted prior to the interview date.

Interview dates: 24th/25th February 2026

Information about the School

The SEN Trust is a Multi‑Academy Trust comprising four special schools: Kingsdown School, Lancaster School, St. Nicholas School and The St. Christopher School. The schools work closely with local authorities and parents 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 maximise their abilities and achieve independence.

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Emilie Blundell
Mountdale 마음, Leigh on Sea
Essex, SS9 4AW Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]