SENCO / Inclusion Lead - The Rydal Academy (Northern Arch Learning Partnership)

Darlington Borough Council; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rydal Academy is seeking an experienced SENCO and Inclusion Lead to drive provision within our highly inclusive school and nursery. You will lead a skilled workforce, map provision, and work with local agencies to shape the school’s future direction alongside the leadership team.

The ideal candidate will have SEND expertise, a National Award for SEN Co-ordination or NPQ SENCO (or current access), and up-to-date knowledge of the national education agenda.

Qualifications

• Experience as SENCO or in a related SEND leadership role.
• National Award for SEN Co-ordination or NPQ SENCO (or currently accessing the programme) is essential.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the current national education agenda.
• Excellent teaching ability and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead provision in an inclusive school and nursery setting.
• Shape an extensive and skilled workforce.
• Liaise with local agencies and partners.
• Direct and map provision across the school with the leadership team.

Skills

SEND expertise

SENCO leadership

Stakeholder liaison

Strategic planning

Education

National Award for SEN Co-ordination

NPQ SENCO

Job description

SENCO / Inclusion Lead - The Rydal Academy (Northern Arch Learning Partnership)

Leadership L1 andndash; L5 (andpound;51,773 - andpound;57,137)

To start January 2027 or as soon as possible

Salary: £50,001 to £110,000 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Darlington, DL1 5QT

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 26 Oct 2026

Closing date: 18 Nov 2026

We are looking for an experienced professional to lead provision in our highly inclusive school and nursery setting. As SENCO and Inclusion Lead you have the opportunity to work with a broad range of pupils with varying needs, shape an extensive and skilled workforce, liaise with a multitude of local agencies and partners, direct and map provision across the school and shape the future direction of the school alongside the leadership team.

To succeed in this role, you will be a highly effective teacher who has expertise in one or more areas of SEND. The National Award for SEN Co-ordination or NPQ SENCO (or currently accessing the programme) or prior experience in a SENCO role is essential for this role as is an up-to-date knowledge of the current national education agenda.

For further information or to discuss the post please contact Mr John Armitage, Headteacher 01325 380784 or by e-mail to [e-mail].

Interviews

Monday 9th November 2026 (12pm)

Wednesday 18th November 2026

This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work.

We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Summary

The Rydal Academy

SENCO / Inclusion Lead

Permanent, 32.5 hours,