Head of SEND

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

11 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  28 June 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  17 June 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

Exceptional Head of SEND Needed! (flexible and hybrid working will be considered for the right candidate)

QUEST Multi Academy Trust

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for transforming outcomes for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you thrive on collaboration, innovation, and making a genuine difference across a family of schools?

QUEST Multi Academy Trust is seeking an inspiring Head of SEND to lead and shape our Trust-wide provision and strategy.

The Opportunity

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role across our growing Multi Academy Trust. As and Exceptional Head of SEND, you will work closely with our dedicated team of SENDCos across the Trust, driving excellence, consistency, and innovation in SEND provision.

You will:

• Lead and implement a compelling Trust-wide SEND strategy
• Support, develop, and inspire a network of SENDCos
• Champion inclusive practice and high expectations for every learner
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practice
• Shape a culture where every child is supported to thrive

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an exceptional individual who:

• Has significant experience in SEND leadership (minimum SENCo qualification essential)
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of inclusive education and SEND legislation
• Is a confident and collaborative leader, able to influence across multiple schools
• Brings energy, resilience, and a solutions-focused mindset
• Is passionate about improving outcomes and life chances for children with SEND

Why Join QUEST?

At QUEST Multi Academy Trust, we are committed to:

• Collaboration over isolation - you’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven Trust
• Professional growth and development
• A shared vision of excellence, inclusion, and opportunity for all
• Making a real difference in the lives of children and young people across our communities

Key Details

• Role: Head of SEND (Trust-wide base - St Peter's C. of E. Primary School, Hindley)
• Location: Across QUEST MAT schools
• Flexible and hybrid working

We can offer you:

• A values-driven Trust where your leadership has real impact

  Additional day leave to support your wellbeing - a wellness day

  Flexible and hybrid working

• The opportunity to shape and define a distinctive SEND approach across multiple schools

• The chance to lead and develop a strong network of expert SENDCos

• A supportive, ambitious leadership team committed to inclusion

• Excellent professional development and career progression

• A comprehensive wellbeing offer, including an additional wellbeing day

• Pension scheme, cycle to work scheme and Employee Assistance Programme

• Discounted childcare through Play Pals Childcare Limited

• Talented, committed colleagues and enthusiastic pupils

• The chance to contribute to a Trust with a powerful moral purpose

Even if you are just slightly curious, we would love to hear from you — this really is as exciting as it sounds.

Be the Difference

If you are ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future of SEND provision across a dynamic and ambitious Trust, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and join us on our mission to ensure every child succeeds.

QUEST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

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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