SENCo - Cowes Enterprise College

Cowes Enterprise College; Cowes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy, seeks a dedicated SENCo to lead inclusion and SEND, ensuring every student with additional needs is known, understood and supported to flourish academically and personally within a high-challenge, inclusive environment.

You will guide the graduated approach, lead staff training, partner with external agencies, and shape SEND policy with the Principal, Vice-Principal and Trust to raise student achievement from diverse starting points.

Job description

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more.

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change lives and build the futures of children and young people.

At Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, and as our SENCo, you will play a pivotal role in making that happen. As our strategic lead for inclusion and SEND, you will make sure every student with additional needs is known, understood and supported to flourish – academically and personally – within a vibrant, high challenge, low threat and fully inclusive environment.

You will lead and inspire a dedicated team, including our Deputy SENCo and teaching assistants, coordinating provision that meets each student’s needs and making sure it is making a real difference. You will be the go‑to expert for colleagues, guiding them on the graduated approach and leading staff training, and a trusted, friendly point of contact for parents, carers, the local authority and external agencies. Working closely with the Principal, Vice‑Principal and the Trust, you will shape our SEND policy, keep us at the forefront of best practice and help ensure every student achieves their best, whatever their starting point.

We are looking for someone with Qualified Teacher Status and a degree, who holds the Accredited SENDCo qualification (or is committed to working towards it). You will bring extensive secondary teaching experience, leadership experience and a proven record of raising student achievement, along with excellent knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, the EHCP process and supporting students with complex SEMH and other SEND needs. You will have experience of leading and developing teams, including teaching assistants, and of building strong partnerships with external agencies. Above all, you will have a passionate commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people, with the emotional intelligence, resilience and communication skills to bring students, staff and families with you.

About the Academy

Cowes Enterprise College is a successful and happy school with strong outcomes. At Cowes Enterprise College, our mission is clear: to educate for life. We are dedicated to developing a love of learning in our students and preparing them for the future, whatever it may hold. Our students’ limitless potential drives everything we do, and our purpose is to guide, support, and inspire them to reach their goals.

At Cowes Enterprise College, we’re not just educators, we’re mentors, guides, and champions of lifelong learning. Our mission is clear: to nurture a love for learning and equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in life beyond the classroom.

We can offer you:

• A supportive community dedicated to professional development and staff wellbeing.
• Access to a wider range of resources and opportunities through our Academy Trust.
• Guidance, advice and support from both departmental and senior leadership team who all want to make a positive difference to the education of all our students.
• Automatic pay increments unlinked to targets.

Why work for Ormiston?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well‑resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

We value the contribution of every colleague and offer a range of benefits designed to support your career, wellbeing and work‑life balance. Benefits include automatic pay progression, a generous pension scheme, wellbeing support, exclusive discounts, Blue Light Card access and our cycle-to-work scheme.

Safeguarding Statement

Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Ormiston Academies Trust ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here.

For further information about our safeguarding and recruitment practices, please refer to the Trust’s Policies here: Other Policies.

Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.Flexible working opportunities will be considered.