Special Educational Needs Coordinator- SENCO (female candidates only)

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Special Educational Needs Coordinator- SENCO (female candidates only)

Downe House Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
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Salary: A competitive tax-free salary
Job type: Full Time, Fixed Term
Start date: August 2025
Apply by: 30 April 2025

Job overview

The Opportunity
Downe House Riyadh opened in September 2022. It is the first premium British private all-girls’ school (Boys Pre-School to Year 4) for 3–18-year-olds to be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The opening of a new school is always an incredibly exciting time and as we enter our third year, Downe House Riyadh provides a world-class curriculum. Our partnership with Downe House UK is authentic, and collaboration between our schools continues to grow and strengthen. With over a century of experience, Downe House is one of the UK’s most celebrated all-girls’ schools. It consistently ranks amongst the country’s top five schools of its kind and the sharing of expertise is something Downe House Riyadh values.
Downe House Riyadh is located towards the north of Riyadh in the prominent neighbourhood of Aqeeq. The school’s curriculum is sensitively adapted for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ensuring our girls excel in Arabic language and Islamic Studies, alongside other subjects. Downe House Riyadh operates within the expectations of a UK independent school framework. Active participation in, and a positive mindset towards, co-curricular activities is the expected norm for all our staff.

The Position - SENCO (Whole School)

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who has the qualities, skills and experience to be part of the team that will continue to push Downe House Riyadh as the leading girls school in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Downe House Riyadh is looking for an experienced, caring, and proactive SENCO to lead our Special Educational Needs department. This role involves creating and managing individualized education plans (IEPs), providing hands-on support for students, and guiding staff in delivering inclusive learning, utilising adaptive teaching strategies.
Our ideal candidate is not only skilled in SEN best practices but also sensitive to the cultural context of the Kingdom, ensuring respectful and effective support. With a practical approach and a genuine commitment to each student’s growth, you’ll help build a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Join us in creating an inclusive, supportive, and impactful educational experience.
The successful candidate will make a significant contribution in helping to strengthen the provision for SEN pupils at Downe House Riyadh whilst also having excellent opportunities for career development and progression to middle leadership positions and beyond.

The Person

Please note only female candidates will be considered as Downe House Riyadh operates an all-female working environment.
The successful candidate will be someone who:

1. designs and oversees well-structured, inclusive, and adaptive learning experiences tailored to meet the needs of pupils with diverse abilities.
2. develops and implements individualised education plans (IEPs), ensuring a balanced, relevant, and supportive curriculum for all pupils in their care.
3. sets high expectations, inspiring pupils with SEN to achieve their best and nurturing resilience and confidence.
4. provides compassionate and effective pastoral care, understanding the unique needs of each pupil.
5. manages the Learning Support Team, providing direction and opportunities for their professional growth.
6. works closely with parents, maintaining strong communication and effective triangulation between school and home.
7. engages actively in the co-curricular programme and whole-school initiatives, fostering a sense of community.
8. works collaboratively and supportively with all staff, maintaining open communication with teachers, parents, and external professionals.
9. demonstrates a flexible, positive approach, with a genuine commitment to going above and beyond for pupils with SEN.

In Return

We understand that teaching can be demanding and intense, and while we can't completely eliminate those challenges, we offer a supportive and pleasant working environment.
A school where your professionalism is highly valued, and we believe that by empowering you, we foster your growth and development.
Pupils who have high aspirations and wish to succeed.
A beautiful campus, with facilities that are available to staff outside school hours.
An opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of girls through delivering high-quality education, empowering them to reach their full potential and shape their futures.

Renumeration

As you would expect, Downe House Riyadh offers a competitive salary package. This would be discussed in more detail with shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

In order to apply, please complete the TES online application form that accompanies the advert.
After considering the details of the candidate information pack, job description and person specification, complete all sections of the application form including the supporting statement that sets out your interest in this position, how you meet the requirements of the role and your ambitions for the school.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 30th April 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified, and interviews arranged accordingly. Downe House Riyadh reserves the right to appoint before the closing date and early application is therefore advised.
For more information or an informal conversation please contact careers@downehouseriyadh.com

Safeguarding and Privacy

Downe House Riyadh is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to respect this commitment. The post is subject to applicants providing a satisfactory Police Clearance Certificate from their home country that is less than 3 months old.
Downe House Riyadh is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse school community. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) ensures that every student and staff member feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive in a culture of belonging. We welcome applications from professionals who share our passion for safeguarding and inclusion.
By applying for this post, you agree to your data being held and processed by Downe House Riyadh and its affiliates. If you are appointed to the post, you also agree to additional information, including sensitive data such as bank details and medical information, being held by Downe House Riyadh and its affiliates.

About Downe House Riyadh

Abi Alhasan Alhsry, Al Aqiq Riyadh 13511 Saudi Arabia
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Opened in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh provides a world-class curriculum in partnership with an authentic girls-only private school from the UK. With over a century of experience, Downe House is one of the UK’s most celebrated all-girls’ schools. It consistently ranks amongst the country’s top five schools of its kind.
Located towards the north of Riyadh in the prominent neighbourhood of Aqeeq, Downe House Riyadh offers a British curriculum based on the tradition and expertise from Downe House UK. The curriculum is sensitively adapted for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ensuring girls will excel in Arabic language and Islamic Studies, alongside other subjects.
Links between the UK school and Downe House Riyadh are genuine and strong both in philosophy and practice. A Downe House education is unique; at the heart of its ethos is the individual. We understand that each girl has her own distinctive strengths, challenges, and interests, and every learning pathway will be bespoke.
Downe House Riyadh offers:
A first-class British education in Riyadh leading to IGCSE and A Level examinations Academic excellence in girls’ education.