Chief Executive Officer
Sen Trust Southend, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 4AW24 days remaining to apply
Start date details
1st September 2026
Closing date
6 February 2026 at 5pm
Date listed
13 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Other leadership roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- Leadership scale points 38-42
Additional allowances
Leadership scale points 38-42
Chief Executive Officer job summary
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) - SEN TRUST SOUTHEND
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom
Salary: Leadership points 38-42
Contract Type: Permanent full time
Our academies are open for 39 weeks per year. There is a requirement with this role to be available during a portion of the holiday periods for the performance of your professional duties.
Start Date: September 2026
Inspire. Lead. Develop.
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for special education? Do you have the strategic insight and operational expertise to lead a Multi Academy Trust dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?
Due to the retirement of our founding CEO, the SEN Trust is recruiting an exceptional CEO to lead our small and successful Trust into its next phase of development. With a strong foundation and a clear moral purpose, Our Trust is committed to continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs across our four specialist Academies; The St. Christopher School, Kingsdown School, Lancaster School and St. Nicholas School.
Our values promote inclusivity; meeting the needs of all our students, whatever the background. We have high aspirations for our students and promote a voice for everyone, whilst also ensuring accountability and transparency in our practices.
About the Role:
Develop existing networks with local and national partners to ensure the long-term future of the Trust.
Be a visible and values-driven leader for our community; including representations with Local Authority Officers.
Drive development and innovation, being proactive in recognizing future challenges and opportunities in special education.
Champion the highest standards of education, care, and inclusion.
Provide strategic leadership and direction across the Trust, whilst enabling each school and Headteacher to maintain their own school’s identity within the umbrella of the Trust.
Work closely with Headteachers, Trustees, the MAT central staff team, and partners including Christopher’s Cottage respite center (on-site at The St. Christopher School).
Ensure financial health and regulatory compliance, as Accounting Officer for the Trust.
Hold responsibility for safeguarding across the trust.
Further centralisation of MAT services for the benefit of all Schools.
What we are Looking For:
Proven leadership experience at executive or senior level in special education or a related sector (preferably at Headteacher level).
Deep understanding of SEND and inclusive practice.
Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen to ensure that resources and people are deployed effectively and efficiently.
Inspirational communicator and relationship-builder, who demonstrates empathy and understanding, relating well to people at all levels, whilst motivating them to do their best.
Commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement-always upholding strong ethics and values.
Keeping our pupil's wellbeing and outcomes at the center of our focus.
We Offer:
A dedicated and passionate team of professionals to support in the role.
A supportive and engaged Board of Trustees.
Opportunities to shape the future of SEND education in our area.
A culture rooted in compassion, ambition, and excellence.
To Apply:
Visits and discussion encouraged 19th- 23rd January 2026 - to be arranged in advance by email: JMullan@sentrustsouthend.co.uk (current and retiring CEO).
Closing date: 6th February 2026
Shortlisting dates: 10th February 2026
References: Referees will be contracted prior to the interview date
Interview dates: 24th/25th February 2026
Start date: 1st September 2026
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 (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
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
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Sen Trust Southend
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Head office location
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