Head of School with SENDCO responsibility

East Brent Church of England First School, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4HZ

13 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 January 2027

• Closing date

  12 October 2026 at 8am

• Date listed

  29 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
  • SENCO (special educational needs coordinator)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
• Working pattern: Full time, part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Leadership Scale 3 – 6 (£54,394 - £58,569 FTE)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Head of School of East Brent Church of England First School

Leadership Scale 3 – 6 (£54,394 - £58,569 FTE)

Permanent, Full-Time Position (0.8 FTE will be considered)

This role includes a teaching commitment and SENDCo responsibility

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious and empathetic leader who is passionate about inclusive education to join our dedicated leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the lives and futures of our pupils. Combining strategic school leadership with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you will lead high-quality teaching and learning, foster a culture of excellence, and champion the achievement and wellbeing of all pupils. If you believe passionately in removing barriers to learning and want to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you.

The school is committed to appointing a Head of School and SENDCo who has:

• Inspirational leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others.

• A proven track record as an outstanding classroom practitioner, with high expectations for teaching, learning and pupil progress.

• A strong understanding of effective teaching and learning and a commitment to continuous school improvement.

• A passion for inclusion and SEND, with the knowledge and determination to ensure every child is supported to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

• High expectations for every learner, alongside a commitment to their academic, emotional, social and personal development.

• A broad understanding of the primary curriculum and how it can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

• The ability to work collaboratively and strategically, supporting the Headteacher and wider leadership team across academic, pastoral and operational aspects of school life.

• An unwavering commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and the success of every child, while modelling the values and ethos of the school.

What the school offers its staff

We can offer you:

• The full support of a dedicated committed team of staff.

• The benefit of working in an innovative and forward-thinking Trust.

• The opportunity to work with our wonderful young learners and supportive parents.

• A commitment to offering excellent CPD opportunities, including our Aspiring Leaders Programme.

• Staff benefits, including discounted gym membership and a cycle to work scheme.

• Teacher Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution in excess of 20%, subject to pension eligibility criteria.

• A staff assistance programme with specialist provider, PAM Wellness who provide a 24/7 free phone helpline, or face-to-face counselling for every employee in the Wessex family.

If you are a strategic thinker with the skills, ability, and passion to support learners to achieve and flourish within a superb school, we would be delighted to hear from you. To apply please complete a teacher application form, (available on the Wessex Learning Trust website), together with a letter of interest outlining your suitability for the role and your relevant experience, this should be addressed to Mrs Katie Whiting (Executive Headteacher). Your letter should be no more than two pages of A4. Completed applications should be returned by email to hr@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk

Closing date: 12 October 2026 at 8am

Interviews date: TBC

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date.

The Wessex Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding young people and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff appointed will undergo online checks and be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

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

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Safeguarding means: protecting children from abuse and maltreatment. preventing harm to children's health or development. ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care. Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation apply to all children up to the age of 18.
At East Brent C of E Academy Mrs Katie Whiting is the Designated Safeguarding Lead & Mrs Cowlin is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About East Brent Church of England First School

• Organisation type: Academy, Church of England, ages 2 to 9
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 77 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 9
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: East Brent Church of England First School website
• Email address: hr@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/east-brent-church-of-england-first-school

We are a small village rural First school in the heart of the community . At East Brent, the staff, the parents and the governors aim to work closely together for the benefit of every child. We strive to develop the children’s self-confidence and esteem to ensure they are inspired to learn, achieve and enjoy their education within a caring and supportive Christian environment with strong links with the adjacent church.

Arranging a visit to East Brent Church of England First School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Somerset, Bath and Bristol