Director of Student Support (SEND)
Durham Sixth Form Centre, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1SG13 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 June 2026
Closing date
2 February 2026 at 9am
Date listed
20 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
- SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator)
- View all Suitable for early career teachersjobs
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Main £32,916 to Upper £51,047
Additional allowances
TLR 1a: £10,173
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for someone who:
Demonstrates exceptional planning, organisation and time management skills.
Is able to inspire and challenge both students and colleagues to achieve excellence.
Has the highest expectations of themselves and others, particularly regarding student outcomes and professional conduct.
Exhibits outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Models the values, ethos, and vision of the organisation in pursuit of excellence and equity.
Possesses a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the statutory frameworks governing post-16 education.
Is a passionate advocate for inclusion, committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every student has the support needed to reach their fullest potential
What the school offers its staff
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Director of Student Support (SEND) to join our outstanding sixth form team, part of the Providence Learning Partnership, where unwavering support, care and guidance for our post-16 learners is at the heart of everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a dedicated specialist team in championing the holistic success and personal growth of our SEND students, empowering students to overcome barriers to learning and achieve successful transitions into meaningful adulthood and post-18 destinations.
What Makes This Role Exciting?
Strategically Lead a Specialist Team: Oversee, coordinate and quality assure the work of a dedicated team of professionals, including the Deputy SENCo, Student Support Coordinator and Student Support Mentors.
Champion the Success of Students with Additional Needs: Take strategic responsibility for the academic achievements, progress and retention of all students with SEND, utilising data to monitor outcomes and implement bespoke interventions at regular intervals.
Drive Inclusive Excellence: Lead the ‘frontline’ of inclusion by providing expert guidance to teaching staff on Quality First Teaching and curriculum accessibility, ensuring every learner can settle quickly and thrive in sixth form life.
Manage Statutory Duties: Strategically lead the implementation of the SEND Code of Practice, overseeing the development and statutory review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Student Profiles to ensure they are of the highest standard.
Safeguard and Nurture: Play a vital role in supporting the safeguarding of students with additional needs, ensuring that robust protocols are followed.
Forge Partnerships: Build collaborative relationships with parents/carers, and a wide range of external agencies, including health and social care services, to support students in their transition to adulthood and meaningful post-18 destinations.
Why choose us?
Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as Director of Student Support (SEND). Lead and inspire the next generation of post-16 students in a nationally recognised, high-performing sixth form. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.
Flexible working opportunities
At our Trust, we deeply value the health and wellbeing of our staff, recognising that a happy, supported team is essential to delivering the best outcomes for our students. We are committed to fostering a positive working environment where staff feel cared for, empowered, and equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
Pension scheme
All contracted members of staff will be automatically enrolled into either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme (whichever is appropriate).
National terms and conditions
We offer national terms and conditions in line with the School Teacher’s Pay and Conditions document (STPCD) and Burgundy Book for teachers or the NJC Green Book for support staff.
Training and development
Professional development opportunities aimed at the continuous process of enhancing your skills, knowledge and competencies discussed with your appraiser on an individual basis.
City centre parking
Durham City Centre barriered private parking for staff whilst at work which extends to free all year round parking, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Staff wellbeing working group
For the staff, by the staff, our wellbeing working group meet at least 3 times a year and is open to all members of staff. To date the group has raised money for charity, built a Staff Wellbeing portal, organised socials, sporting events and family days out.
Healthcare services
All staff benefit from a range of comprehensive health and wellbeing services including: GP service which gives staff the access to a General Practitioner around the clock, 24/7, access to nurse support services and physiotherapy provided face-to-face at times, dates and locations convenient to our staff.
Live webinars
Online webinars for Mental Health First Aid and Stress Coaching are available to staff which run frequently throughout the year with a choice of dates and times.
Health and Wellbeing
Free Flu vaccines, menopause counselling and access to financial wellbeing coaches through our staff absence insurance policy.
Daily breakfast
We provide a selection of hot drinks, cereals, croissants, toast and jams complimentary each morning in the refectory for staff and students.
Lifestyle
Our lifestyle benefits include shopping discounts with hundreds of online and high street retailers and discounted gym membership.
Free Will Writing Service
Organised through the Financial Guys, all staff are provided with a free single basic Will which also includes a 50% discount for partners.
Blue Light
Blue Light Card have now added Teaching and Support staff to the list of careers that are able to apply for their card. When applying please upload your staff ID badge as evidence.
Working From Home
We are currently trialling working from home. This arrangement supports flexible working and recognises that some tasks, such as planning, marking and resource development, can be carried out more effectively in a quiet, uninterrupted environment.
Further information about the job
Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Student Support (SEND) at Durham Sixth Form Centre, which has arisen due to the retirement of the longstanding current post holder. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated, forward-thinking team that sits at the very heart of our school community.
The Director of Student Support is a pivotal role at Durham Sixth Form Centre, occupying a strategic position within Senior Middle Leadership. As a lead professional and role model, the Director of Student Support embodies the school’s values and ambitions, fostering a culture of exemplary behaviour and mutual respect. They are directly accountable for student support and holistic development, leading by example through exceptional professional conduct. By setting high expectations, they champion a diverse and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we are defined by our commitment to excellence, but we recognise that for many students, achieving that excellence requires more than just high-quality teaching - it requires a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment. As a Director of Student Support, you will play a lead role in creating and nurturing that environment in order to ensure all students flourish.
The Director of Student Support works collaboratively with teachers, the Pastoral team, the Progression team, the Health and Wellbeing team, Academic Mentors, parents/carers and external agencies to remove barriers to learning that might otherwise prevent a young person from reaching their full potential.
As the Director of Student Support, you will be leading a collaborative hub of professionals who believe that every student, regardless of their additional needs or background, deserves an educational experience that is both ambitious and accessible. You’ll need excellent communication and organisational skills, a strong understanding of the needs of young people and the resilience to respond to the fast-paced, ever-changing demands of sixth form life and post-16 students.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future with our students. If you are passionate about supporting young people and want to be part of a team that genuinely values care, high standards and ambition, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for considering this role at Durham Sixth Form Centre. We look forward to learning more about you and hopefully welcoming you to our team. We would strongly encourage candidates interested in this role to visit us in advance and apply early. Should you wish to discuss this role further, or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
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.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Durham Sixth Form Centre
- School type
- Academy, ages 16 to 19
- Education phase
- Sixth form or college
- School size
- 1708 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 16 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Durham Sixth Form Centre website
- Email address
- staffvacancies@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk
Welcome to Durham Sixth Form Centre and thank you for your interest in the advertised post. I hope the following information gives you an insight into our school.
Durham Sixth Form Centre is a large post-16 provider based in the North East of England, with approximately 1,700 students on roll. We are situated in the middle of Durham City centre, a couple of minutes walk from both the bus and railway stations. Students generally enrol at Durham Sixth Form Centre from over 60 different secondary schools from
across County Durham, Sunderland and into Northumberland.
In 2017 we were graded an ‘outstanding’ post-16 academy, this is reflected in our recent Ofsted monitoring visit
report. Our students have an excellent record of success, which they work hard to achieve. Trends over time demonstrate the following headlines:
In academic qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the National Average (NA) and was graded above average in the
2025 performance tables.
● A level average point score (APS) is significantly above the NA and places us in the top 6% of schools and
colleges nationally.
● 71% of students achieved A*- B A level grades in the summer 2024.
In applied general qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the NA and was graded above average in the 2025 performance
tables.
● Overall attainment (APS) is consistently above the NA and is ranked in the top 2% of schools and Academies
nationally.
We recently celebrated 110 years in education. We are housed in various buildings, often referred to as a mini university setting. Our site comprises a 1913 former girls’ grammar school, which was converted to sixth form
accommodation in 1983. In addition to the original building, there is now a science specific wing; a 200 seated theatre; our Hunter resource centre; visual arts centre and Freeman’s Quay leisure centre. In 2019, we expanded further to include our digital media centre, which houses a grab-and-go café, conference facility, TV studio, small cinema room
and additional classroom space. We also have a dedicated Art Gallery on site, the Dead Dog Gallery, with an ever changing exhibition and community programme in place.
Through sustained effort, and a clear focus and direction, Durham Sixth Form Centre is a truly embracing and dynamic organisation. We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunities and we aspire to an environment where all our students and employees can develop their potential. We have a strong professional development
programme and have achieved CPD Mark accreditation, Investors in People Gold and Governor Mark among others. Our most recent Ofsted inspection report said ‘The Headteacher and the highly skilled leadership team have established a culture in which students flourish and grow. Consequently, there is a healthy appetite for learning and achievement in an environment that demands high expectations for academic, vocational and personal excellence’.
Our academy operates according to the Values of our Trust which we feel help to determine the culture, ethos and atmosphere of Durham Sixth Form Centre.
If you are energetic and passionate about post-16 education and have the skills and aptitude required for the role then
we would welcome your application and look forward to hearing from you.
Arranging a visit to Durham Sixth Form Centre
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email staffvacancies@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton