Strategic SEND Leadership

VNA Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational consultancy in the Greater London area is seeking a qualified SENCO to lead and develop inclusive SEND provision in a secondary school. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership, ensure exceptional progress for learners with SEND, and support teams in embedding inclusive practices across the school. Strong experience in secondary education and a commitment to safeguarding are essential. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape student outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong experience supporting SEND learners in a secondary setting.
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence whole-school practice.
• Highly skilled in data analysis, statutory processes, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of SEND provision across the school.
• Hold shared accountability for the progress, wellbeing and inclusion of vulnerable learners.
• Lead and develop high-quality Quality First Teaching and targeted intervention.
• Oversee statutory processes for EHCPs, reviews and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Team management

Communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

SENCO qualification (or willingness to undertake)

Job description

SENCO - Strategic SEND Leadership

M1-UPS3 + TLR 2C

April 2026 Start

VNA Education is working in partnership with a rapidly improving secondary school to appoint an outstanding SENCO to lead and develop an ambitious, inclusive and high‑impact SEND provision.

This is a key leadership role for a qualified SENCO who can operate strategically, lead staff with credibility, and ensure that students with SEND achieve exceptional progress, outcomes and independence within both mainstream and specialist settings.

The Role

• Provide strategic leadership of SEND provision across the school
• Hold shared accountability for the progress, wellbeing and inclusion of vulnerable learners
• Lead and develop high‑quality Quality First Teaching and targeted intervention
• Oversee statutory processes for EHCPs, reviews and compliance
• Use data, assessment and specialist evidence to identify need, track progress and drive improvement
• Work closely with SLT, pastoral teams and teaching staff to embed inclusive practice at scale
• Lead multi‑agency collaboration with parents, external professionals and local authorities
• Play a central role in transition, reintegration and preparation for adulthood
• Contribute to trust‑wide SEND strategy, sharing best practice beyond the school

Leadership & Culture

• Set a clear vision for high expectations and inclusive excellence
• Lead, coach and develop staff, modelling expert SEND practice
• Disseminate research‑informed strategies to improve outcomes for students with SEND
• Ensure consistency, clarity and accountability across SEND systems and provision
• Advocate relentlessly for students while maintaining robust professional judgement

The ideal candidate

• Holds QTS and the SENCO qualification (or is willing to undertake it)
• Has strong experience supporting SEND learners in a secondary setting
• Demonstrates proven ability to lead teams and influence whole‑school practice
• Is highly skilled in data analysis, statutory processes and quality assurance
• Communicates with confidence, empathy and authority with all stakeholders
• Is committed to safeguarding, equity and life‑changing outcomes for young people

VNA Education Recruitment Ltd is a specialised consultancy dedicated to connecting teachers and support staff with both short‑term and long‑term opportunities in primary, secondary, and special education schools across London and the Home Counties. We prioritise safer recruitment practices and conduct thorough checks on all candidates we represent.