Post 16 Lead & SENDCo

The Cast; Newstead CP; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking Community Interest Company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Leader to develop post-16 curricula focused on Land-Based, Construction, and Functional Skills education. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, ensuring high-quality teaching and compliance with SEND requirements. This role involves managing a team and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes for young people. The position offers a strong salary package, career progression opportunities, and a chance to help shape the lives of young learners.

Benefits

Strong salary package

Annual bonus

25 days holiday

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in coordinating SEND provision with understanding of statutory responsibilities.
• Proven experience in teaching and curriculum leadership.
• Strong understanding of Functional Skills delivery.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the post-16 education offer.
• Implement SEND offer compliant with the code of practice.
• Ensure high-quality teaching across vocational pathways.
• Support staff in adapting teaching strategies.

Skills

Coordinating SEND provision

Curriculum leadership

Teaching Functional Skills

Team management

Communication

Leadership

Collaboration with multi-agency teams

Education

Teaching qualification

Job description

About CAST

CAST is a forward‑thinking Community Interest Company dedicated to transforming the lives of young people who thrive outside traditional education. We provide a safe, nurturing and highly personalised learning environment where every learner is seen, valued and supported to grow. Our work blends alternative education, therapeutic approaches and real‑world skill‑building. Everything we do is rooted in compassion, consistency and high expectations. As a team, we are collaborative, reflective and driven by a shared belief that every young person deserves a fresh start and a pathway that works for them.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Leader to develop our offer in the areas highlighted above. This includes responsibility for the post‑16 team currently delivering Land‑Based, Construction and Functional Skills education. The role involves strategic leadership, curriculum development, staff management and ensuring high‑quality teaching and learning across vocational and core skills pathways. The Leader will also oversee the strategic development of the APs SEND provision, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and promoting inclusive practice for learners with complex needs, including those with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the post‑16 offer with a current focus on Land‑Based, Construction and Functional Skills provision.
• Develop and implement the organisation’s SEND offer ensuring compliance with the SEND code of practice.
• Develop and implement a robust curriculum across the organization that meets industry standards and supports student progression.
• Model high quality inclusive teaching and support staff in adapting strategies for learners with SEMH, ASD and other needs.
• Provide support, guidance, and professional development opportunities to all teaching staff.
• Co‑ordinate timely assessments, interventions and reviews for learners.
• Build strong links with employers, training providers and community partners to enhance work‑related learning and progression routes.
• Oversee compliance with awarding body requirements and internal quality assurance processes.
• Work closely with the Designated safeguarding lead to promote a safe, inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all students.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in coordinating SEND provision, with an in‑depth understanding of SEND code of practice and statutory responsibilities, ideally within an alternative provision or specialist setting.
• Proven experience in teaching and curriculum leadership in vocational education.
• Strong understanding of Functional Skills delivery (English, Maths, ICT).
• Experience in managing teams and driving improvement in student outcomes.
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with multi‑agency teams.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Knowledge of alternative accreditation routes for learners outside mainstream schools.
• Inspirational.

Desirable

• Assessor and/or IQA qualifications.
• Experience working in a SEND environment.
• Knowledge of industry standards and employer engagement strategies.
• Familiarity with Ofsted frameworks and quality assurance in vocational education.

Why Join Us

• Help shape the lives of young learners.
• Work with a great team.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Strong salary package includes annual bonus (terms apply).
• 25 days holiday.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and request an application form to [e-mail]. For an informal conversation about the role, contact Andy Hardy – 01623 723431. Closing Date: 09/01/2026.