Head of SEND and Inclusion

Community Academies Trust (CAT); Tamworth; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Academies Trust (CAT) seeks an exceptional SEND and inclusion leader to shape our SEND and Inclusion Strategy across 17 schools. You’ll influence through coaching, advisory work and strategic oversight rather than direct line management, aligning standards and improving outcomes for pupils with SEND.

You will bring Qualified Teacher Status and a Level 7 SEND leadership qualification, with substantial SENCO or senior leadership experience, to drive trust-wide inclusion and funding

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status and one of NPQ-SENCO, NASEN Award or Level 7 SEND leadership.
• Substantial experience as a SENCO or senior leader responsible for SEND and inclusion.
• Ability to coach, develop and challenge leaders without direct line management authority.
• Strong knowledge of SEND statutory responsibilities and funding.
• Experience working with families and other services; use evidence to evaluate provision.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND reviews and quality assure each school’s inclusion strategy.
• Develop SENCOs and school leaders through coaching and networks.
• Set Trust-wide standards and coordinate interventions where needs aren’t met.
• Advise on complex casework and strengthen partnerships with families and authorities.

Skills

Coaching mentoring

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

NPQ-SENCO (National Professional Qualification for SENCOs)

NASEN National Award for SEN Coordination

Level 7 SEND leadership qualification

Job description

Do you believe that a child’s needs should never limit their opportunities? Can you turn that belief into stronger practice—and inspire others to do the same?

At Community Academies Trust (CAT), we want every child to thrive, every adult to grow and every community to benefit. This is a newly created role, offering the opportunity to shape our Trust-wide approach to SEND and inclusion while building on the expertise already within our schools.

We are looking for an exceptional SEND and inclusion leader to help turn that ambition into everyday experience across our 17 schools. You will join a community that combines professional ambition with warmth, respect and a commitment to doing what is right for children.

Your expertise. A wider impact.

This is an opportunity to shape inclusive education across our Trust’s full 2–18 age range. You will develop and implement our SEND and Inclusion Strategy, helping children and young people with SEND and additional vulnerabilities access high-quality education, feel a strong sense of belonging and achieve successful outcomes within their local school communities. You will work primarily through advice, coaching, professional challenge and influence rather than direct line management of school-based staff. As the strategic partner for headteachers and SENCOs, you will set clear Trust-wide standards, assure the quality of provision and coordinate proportionate intervention where provision falls below expectations or pupils’ needs are not being met.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape our Trust-wide approach to SEND and inclusion, using evidence, school insight and national developments to set clear priorities.
• Lead SEND reviews and quality assure each school’s inclusion strategy, agreeing essential standards and helping leaders strengthen provision, statutory compliance and inclusive teaching.
• Develop SENCOs and school leaders through coaching, mentoring and networks that bring schools together to share practice and build collective expertise.
• Lead our approach to the Inclusive Mainstream Fund and work with our data lead to evaluate impact and value for money, reporting to Trust leaders and Trustees.
• Advise on complex casework, strengthen partnerships with families, local authorities and specialist services, and provide strategic oversight of specialist and alternative provision.

Bring your ambition for inclusive education

You will bring Qualified Teacher Status and one of the following: the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs, the National Award for SEN Coordination, or an equivalent Level 7 qualification in SEND leadership. You will have substantial, successful experience as a SENCO or senior leader responsible for SEND and inclusion, with clear evidence of improving pupils’ experiences and outcomes. We are looking for secure knowledge of SEND statutory responsibilities and funding, experience of working with families and other services, and the ability to use evidence to evaluate provision. Crucially, you will be able to coach, develop and challenge leaders, influencing improvement without direct line management authority while maintaining strong relationships.

Our schools retain their individual identities while benefiting from shared expertise and collective ambition. If you value collaboration without losing sight of local communities, you will recognise what makes CAT distinctive.

A role with purpose—and a package to support you

We offer:

• Hybrid working, with a base at the CAT Office, Tamworth, and travel to schools across the Trust as required, with reimbursement for required travel.
• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Support for your professional development and growth, alongside confidential, round-the-clock wellbeing support for you and your household.
• Family-friendly policies.

As part of your application, please submit a personal statement of no more than 1,000 words, addressing the criteria in the person specification. Use specific examples to demonstrate your relevant experience, skills and knowledge, including your contribution and the impact achieved.

Interviews and assessment: 15 & 16 December 2026, Trust office, Dimbleby House, Tamworth.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Community Academies Trust supports equal opportunities employment and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS and online checks.

Safeguarding Statement

Community Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment; the successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate vetting checks, including DBS and references. Online checks will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates.