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SENCO
Leigh Academy Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 8GS28 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Easter 2026
Closing date
12 January 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
15 December 2025
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
What skills and experience we're looking for
Leigh Academy Rainham is seeking an exceptional and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our team starting in Easter 2026.
At the heart of all we do is our philosophy of 'Invisible Inclusivity'. This means our well-embedded structures, systems, and routines are meticulously designed to ensure every single student, regardless of their needs, feels valued, belongs, and can immerse themselves in all aspects of academy life. As our next SENCO, you will be the driving force behind this vision!
This is a unique opportunity to lead a provision where the focus is on learning differences, not learning difficulties, ensuring all students - from those needing support for dyslexia or ASD to those with an EHCP - receive an outstanding education.
What the school offers its staff
Why join us?
Be part of a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven school
Work in a modern, purpose-built learning environment
Join a team that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth
Receive high-quality training and development through Leigh Academies Trust
Plus, enjoy great staff benefits, including:
Enhanced family-friendly policies
Employee Assistance Programme
24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service
Wellbeing support and staff recognition initiatives
Free onsite parking
Further information about the job
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Holly Neve (Talent Manager): holly.neve@latrust.org.uk/01634 412 263.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack,,which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust, consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Including online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
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 Leigh Academy Rainham
- School type
- Free School, ages 11 to 19
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 793 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Leigh Academy Rainham website
- Email address
- joinus@latrust.org.uk
In September 2021, we opened our doors to the 180 founding students of our co educational comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds. Already oversubscribed, our new school is firmly set to be a beacon of excellence for secondary education in Medway. The wellbeing and success of each individual child is at the heart of everything and we are driven by the belief that it is our role to ensure all pupils develop an appreciation of the limitless possibilities ahead of them. Every learner is entitled to an enriching, varied and personalised education; delivered through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides challenge, irrespective of need, starting point or background. It is our ambition that in our highly inclusive setting, all our students will flourish, becoming inquiring, compassionate and culturally aware young adults. We will work together to embed the essential skills, knowledge and attributes needed to be highly successful in achieving their own personal goals, as caring members of our community and as leaders in tomorrow’s world.
Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in human-scale education, delivered through our college model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers.
Working in a brand new school is a unique opportunity. A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is required, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm. We will be looking to recruit a staff body that has a multitude of talents to enable us to provide a rich academic and co-curricular offer from the outset and look forward to hearing what additional skills, talents and interests you could bring to a role at the Academy. A sense of humour is also essential!
Arranging a visit to Leigh Academy Rainham
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.
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