SENCO

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

14 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  15 June 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  1 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Leadership scale based on experience + London Fringe allowance

What skills and experience we're looking for

Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy is seeking an exceptional and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our team starting in September 2026. We are looking for someone who will lead SEND across the academy, taking responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy, SEN information report, and provision made by the school for pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities. The successful candidate will work closely with staff, parents/carers, and other agencies, whilst line managing a team of experienced teaching SEND and SEN support staff.

We have a high proportion of students with SEND. The number of students with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more than three times the national average. Our Specialist provision, The Spectrum Centre, is recognised as a National Area of Excellence. Additionally, we host two small Specialist Resource Provisions: a Hearing Impaired provision with a qualified Teacher of the Deaf in post, and a Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) provision with a qualified SEN teacher in charge. The role of our SENCO is therefore crucial in ensuring that our inclusive values are upheld and all our students are making excellent academic progress whilst developing the skills required to contribute effectively in a democratic society. The successful candidate must have a legitimate passion for SEND and must have the motivation to take our excellent, diverse SEND provision to the next level.

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___SENCO___Sir_Geoffrey_Leigh_Academy.pdf - 786 KB (opens in new tab)

About Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy

• School type: Academies, Does not apply, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1335 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School 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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