Principal – Post 16 SEND (Full Time, January 2026 Start)

Fastispeed Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institute in Birmingham seeks a Principal for its Post-16 SEND provision starting January 2026. The role includes providing strategic direction, ensuring compliance with SEND guidelines, and promoting innovation within the curriculum. Ideal candidates will possess relevant educational qualifications and significant leadership experience in SEND. The application process involves submitting a CV and supporting statement by May 30, 2025, with interviews slated for June 2025.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, SEND, Leadership or extensive SEND leadership experience.
• Completion of NPQ in Senior Leadership, Headship or SEND Coordination.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the Post‑16 SEND provision.
• Ensure compliance with SEND standards and regulations.
• Champion innovation and inclusive practices across the curriculum.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

SEND Expertise

Performance Management

Collaborative Practice

Education

Master’s in Education or related field

DfE National Professional Qualification (NPQ)

Membership of a recognised professional body

Job description

British Creative Institute (BCI)

Principal – Post‑16 SEND (Full‑Time, January 2026)

About BCI

BCI is a Midlands centre of excellence for post‑16 SEND learners, delivering our Platinum Creative Media Curriculum Framework to develop creative, functional and independent skills for higher education, employment and community participation.

Role Overview

As Principal, you will provide strategic direction for BCI’s Post‑16 SEND provision, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting innovation and inclusion. Reporting to the Executive Board, you will:

• Set and implement an ambitious vision, targets and culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure high‑quality delivery of the Platinum Framework across Bronze, Silver and Gold stages.
• Champion inclusive practice, safeguarding and learner well‑being.
• Collaborate with the SENCo and external partners to secure progression pathways.

Qualifications & Accreditation

• Master’s in Education, SEND, Leadership or related field, or BSc plus extensive SEND leadership experience.
• Completion of a DfE National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Senior Leadership, Headship or SEND Coordination.
• Membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. NASEN, SLT, ACE) or chartered status.

Leadership & Management

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Design multi‑year plans aligned with the Education Inspection Framework and oversee quality assurance reviews.
• Staff & Resource Management: Lead performance management, coaching, budgeting and partnership agreements to optimise support services.

SEND Compliance

• SEND Code of Practice: Deep understanding of statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice (0‑25), including EHCP coordination and multi‑agency collaboration.
• Ofsted & Safeguarding: Achieve “Good” or “Outstanding” outcomes under the EIF, maintain exemplary safeguarding protocols and conduct mock inspections.

Curriculum & Delivery

• Implementation & Evaluation: Oversee planning, teaching and assessment of the Platinum Curriculum, aligning functional skills, personal development and enrichment activities.
• Assessment & Progression: Use baseline assessments, diagnostic tracking and evaluations to personalise learning and measure impact.

Partnerships & Advocacy

• SENCo & Specialist Collaboration: Co‑design interventions, coordinate specialist providers and support families through EHCP reviews.
• External Engagement: Build links with authorities, funders, employers and HE for apprenticeships, placements and progression routes.

Performance & Governance

• Data & Reporting: Utilise management systems and dashboards to monitor learner data and provide concise, data‑rich reports to governors and inspectors.

As Principal, you will oversee a team of curriculum leads, teachers and support staff, setting clear objectives and fostering a collaborative culture. You will manage annual budgets, resource allocation and partnership negotiations to expand SEND services and ensure financial sustainability.

Qualifications & Accreditation (Expanded)

• Proven record of designing and evaluating inclusive curricula aligned with SEND best practices.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.

Leadership & Management (Expanded)

• Quality Assurance: Implement robust self‑evaluation frameworks, conduct regular performance reviews and develop targeted improvement plans.

SEND Compliance (Expanded)

• Safeguarding & Welfare: Maintain rigorous safeguarding processes, lead risk assessments across diverse SEND settings and ensure health & safety compliance.

Curriculum Innovation

• Inclusion & Technology: Champion the integration of assistive technologies, virtual workshops and cross‑curricular projects in collaboration with creative industry partners.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Marketing & Advocacy: Drive strategic marketing initiatives, oversee digital content and represent BCI’s SEND achievements at national and regional conferences.
• Governance & Reporting: Present data‑rich reports to governors and stakeholder forums on performance and compliance.

Interviews will take place in June 2025, followed by an induction programme in August.

Application Process

Submit a CV (max 3 pages) and supporting statement (max 2 pages) addressing leadership and SEND expertise, Ofsted experience and strategic vision.

Deadline: 5pm, Friday 30 May 2025

Email: [e-mail]

BCI is committed to safeguarding learner welfare. Successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide two professional references.