Deputy SENCO

Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE

5 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027

• Closing date

  12 October 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  7 October 2026

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Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher or lecturer
  • SENCO (special educational needs coordinator)
  • Suitable for early career teachers (783)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS/UPS, based on experience + London Fringe + TLR
• Additional allowances:

  TLR

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you a passionate, dynamic educator ready to step up and make a significant impact on the lives of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy is seeking an exceptional Deputy SENCo to join our dedicated team and drive the success of our SEND provision.

You'll be crucial in assisting the SENCo to lead and manage our comprehensive SEND provision, ensuring every pupil achieves the best possible outcomes.

Your mission? To champion high challenge and high support, effective resource use, and high standards of progress for all students with SEND across the Academy.

Who We're Looking For

A proactive, organised, and empathetic professional who is ready to deputise for the SENCo in non-statutory matters. You'll need excellent communication skills, a firm understanding of SEND legislation, and a proven track record of helping students with diverse needs thrive.

If you're eager to take the next step in your career and help shape a truly inclusive educational environment, we want to hear from you!

What the school offers its staff

Welcome to Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, where our small school model ensures every student receives the personal support and challenge they need to succeed. As the flagship academy of Leigh Academies Trust, our inspirational building features modern technology and excellent facilities, creating an ideal environment for learning. We're proud to be an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme to students in Years 7-9, as well as the International Baccalaureate Careers Pathway, A-Levels, and BTECs in Key Stage 5. Our commitment to student well-being is demonstrated by our status as the first school in the UK to be awarded The Healthy Minds School kite mark, reflecting our dedication to the personal development of both students and staff.

Our motto, "Opening minds to Success," guides our mission to foster a community where students are happy, resilient, and prepared for their futures, both academically and socially. We work in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure all students are given every opportunity to thrive. Our dedicated leadership team is committed to making Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy a great place to work, supporting staff at every stage of their careers with access to NPQ courses and other professional development opportunities. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our inspiring, challenging, and supportive community.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Job Pack _ Deputy SENCo _ Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy.pdf - 775 KB (opens in new tab)

About Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1318 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy website
• Email address: joinus@latrust.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-leigh-academy

Arranging a visit to Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.

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