Head of SEND

Quest (A Church Of England Schools Trust), Wigan, WN2 4SQ

6 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  27 April 2026 at 12:59am

• Date listed

  2 April 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: £54,394.00 - £60,145.00 Annually (Actual) Leadership 3 - 7

Head of SEND job summary

About the Role

As Head of SEND, you will provide inspirational leadership and strategic oversight of SEND and inclusion across the Trust’s schools. You will ensure that every pupil with additional needs receives the support they require to thrive, making a tangible impact on their educational experience and outcomes.

Job Purpose

To provide strategic and operational leadership of SEND across the Trust, securing high‑quality inclusive provision and strong achievement for pupils with SEND, including those supported through pupil premium.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust SEND strategy in line with the SEND Code of Practice
• Quality assure EHCPs, support plans, provision mapping and impact
• Monitor achievement, attendance and behaviour for pupils with SEND, with a focus on disadvantaged pupils
• Oversee alternative provision, inclusion pathways and reintegration
• Build SENDCO leadership capacity through coaching, training and quality assurance
• Analyse SEND and pupil premium data to identify gaps and drive improvement
• Ensure readiness for Ofsted, LA and SEND inspection or review activity
• Work closely with Attendance, Behaviour and Safeguarding leads to reduce barriers

This role offers a rewarding leadership challenge where your expertise will shape inclusive education from early years to post-16, aligning with our vision to prepare young minds for their lifelong quest to knowledge and service.

About You

You are a dedicated SEND professional with the vision and drive to lead transformational change. You bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status and National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo) or equivalent
• Proven experience leading SEND provision and raising achievement for pupils with additional needs
• A deep understanding of SEND legislation, the SEN Code of Practice, and current educational developments
• Strong leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and support colleagues to deliver outstanding inclusive practice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build effective partnerships across the Trust and community
• A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice
• Resilience, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative spirit to thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment

Above all, you share our relentless drive for excellence and equality, and you are passionate about unlocking the full potential of every pupil.

What We Offer

At QUEST Academy Trust, we recognise that our staff are our greatest asset. We offer:

• A supportive, values-driven culture where your leadership is valued and your impact is visible
• Comprehensive professional development opportunities to grow your skills and career
• Wellness initiatives including additional leave day for wellbeing
• Access to a pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Discounted childcare through our Play Pals Childcare Limited provision
• The chance to work within a forward thinking Trust committed to innovation and continuous improvement

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every pupil can succeed.

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

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.

About Quest (A Church Of England Schools Trust)

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: Quest (A Church Of England Schools Trust) website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/quest-a-church-of-england-schools-trust

QUEST Academy Trust is a successful and vibrant organisation that provides a caring and thoughtful quality of education across our family of schools within the Northwest region. Established in 2014, we have 4 Good primary schools, nursery settings with before and after school club provisions and the University Collegiate School, Bolton comprising of secondary and sixth form education.

About Our Schools
QUEST Academy Trust educates over 1700 children and young people across its five schools and nursery provisions within the Northwest. Each of our schools are recognised individually – each have their own legacy and history focused upon the educational needs of its children and community.

Schools within the Trust
St Peter’s CE Primary School, Hindley
Hindley Green Community Primary School
St John’s CE Primary School, Hindley Green
St John’s CE Primary School, Abram
University Collegiate School (UCS), Bolton
Play Pals Childcare Limited

Having originally established in 2014, the Trust Board are now looking to expand the number of schools within the Trust. We are currently comprised of one medium sized secondary school in Bolton and four Primaries in Wigan. We also have four Nursery provisions associated with the Trust. The Trust comprises 1700 pupils and 270 staff.

Our vision is to create a strong Trust where the power of relationships, an unwavering commitment to our Christian values, and a focus on lifelong learning that will propel children to achieve well and go on to great things. Our mission, ‘Supporting Children from Early Years to Employment,' shows our steadfast dedication to preparing young minds for a lifelong quest of knowledge, character, and service.

We believe that at the heart of our community lies a commitment to our ‘WHY?’ – the 1700 children that we serve. As a Multi Academy Trust rooted in Christian values, we are guided by the values of respect, compassion, and kindness. These principles underpin everything we do, creating an atmosphere where children and staff flourish in a professional, responsible, and loyal way.

We believe that schools should have their own unique identity so they can serve their local community. We have a strong belief in the power of collaboration with other schools and Trust is key to strengthening the quality of education for the students we serve.

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