Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo
St Osmund's Church of England Middle School, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2DZ34 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
13 April 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
10 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
- SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator)
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 2, Key stage 3
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L2-L6
What skills and experience we're looking for
St. Osmund’s C.E. Middle School is an over-subscribed Middle School for Years 5 –8, located in the thriving county town of Dorchester. The school is proudly part of the Wessex Multi Academy Trust and is Ofsted Good in all areas (2022). The school was recently SIAMS inspected and received a strong report (2026).
We are a Church of England School built upon the Christian values of hope, community, respect and love.
We are looking to appoint an excellent SENDCo from September 2026, who:
- is qualified or working towards national SENDCo award or NPQ SEND;
- has a good understanding of how to support and develop children with a diverse range of additional needs;
- is able to lead and develop our team of Teaching Assistants alongside our SEND Manager;
- is passionate about teaching and learning and is committed to getting the best outcomes for all pupils;
- has a proven track record of inspiring children to learn;
- is able to think, plan and act strategically;
- is able to prioritise, with a sense of humour;
- is an enthusiastic and flexible team player.
This is a full time position that will carry a small teaching component, subject taught can be discussed at interview according to candidates experience.
What the school offers its staff
At St. Osmund’s C.E. Middle School we have:
- A Christian vision and values which underpin all our work,
- Pupils who are motivated and love their school,
- A safe school where young people and staff feel that they belong,
- First middle school nationally to become a When the Adults Change Partner School,
- A relationships policy which secures good behaviour for learning,
- A living and breathing celebration of diversity in all school life,
- Staff who work collaboratively to allow all pupils to achieve their potential, contributing positively to the world,
- Eco-Schools Green Flag (with Distinction),
- Fantastic resources, buildings and grounds which form a stimulating working environment,
- A happy school where a sense of humour is welcomed!
Visits to the school are encouraged; tours are currently scheduled to take place Tuesday 17th March 10am and 4pm, Tuesday 24th March at 10am and 4pm or Thursday 26th March at 9am and 4pm. Please call to make an appointment when the Head of School will tour you.
An information pack can be found here: Recruitment pack
Applications from both experienced middle leaders seeking senior leadership opportunities as well as those who are currently in senior leadership or have experience of senior leadership roles will be welcomed. Please email Mrs. R Golledge at rgolledge@stosmunds.wessex.ac for further details.
Applications should be made via the Dorset Council jobs portal:
https://www.jobs.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx
CVs will not be accepted. Please apply if your heart tells you that you could belong with us.
Closing date is Monday 13th April. Interviews will be held on Thursday 23rd April.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks:
Childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Medical
Online and social media checks
Prohibition from teaching checks
Right to work in UK
Satisfactory references
Suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About St Osmund's Church of England Middle School
- School type
- Academy, Church of England, ages 9 to 13
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 717 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 9 to 13
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- St Osmund's Church of England Middle School website
- Email address
- rgolledge@stosmunds.wessex.ac
- Phone number
- 01305 262897
St. Osmund’s C.E. Middle School is an over-subscribed Middle School for Years 5 – 8, located in the thriving county town of Dorchester. The school is proudly part of the Wessex Multi Academy Trust and is Ofsted Good in all areas (2022).
We are a Church of England School built upon the Christian values of hope, community, respect and love.
Arranging a visit to St Osmund's Church of England Middle School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email rgolledge@stosmunds.wessex.ac.
School location
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