SENDCo Assistant Principal

The Chalk Hills Academy, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 0NE

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027 or following notice period

• Closing date

  12 October 2026 at 8am

• Date listed

  21 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership role
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £65,297.00 - £71,998.00 Annually (Actual) AS Leadership 10 -14 £65,297-£71,998 dependent on experience

SENDCo Assistant Principal job summary

Assistant Principal of Special Educational Needs (SENDCo)

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced SENDCo to join our team at The Chalk Hills Academy and will lead the development of our SEND team. We are an oversubscribed school and held in high regard within the community in Luton and we are seeking to appoint an ambitious, enthusiastic and dedicated SENDCo with a passion for raising standards through excellence in teaching and learning.

As well as being an excellent subject leader or pastoral leader, the candidate should have a proven track record in leading positive change and have the drive and commitment to ensure that high standards are met. The candidate will appreciate and engage with the latest research and be confident enough to deliver school wide CPD.

Our core focus, and at the heart of everyone’s responsibility, is Quality First Teaching. We are ambitious for our pupils, and we understand that this is underpinned by the high-quality lessons that are delivered, day in, day out. We make no exceptions and no deals in our approach to Teaching, because we know that it is right for our context. Staff and students of The Chalk Hills Academy are aligned to our Playbook approach and are reaping the benefits. Any new applicants will receive an enhanced on-boarding and induction process to support staff in implementing our core teaching routines.

At The Chalk Hills Academy, our values of Integrity, Ambition, Excellence are underpinned by very high expectations and drive in everything that we do. We have a powerful culture which is warm but strict, based on clear routines, systems, and structures. As a result, our teachers enjoy their teaching with impeccable behaviour in lessons and hardworking, highly motivated pupils.

The successful candidate will

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & (NASENCO) or National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.

Possess a deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act, with the ability to translate complex needs into actionable classroom strategies.

Lead the strategic direction for SEND, ensuring that Chalk Hill’s commitment to excellence is embedded in the support for all pupils with additional needs. You will be the named SENDCo and be supported by a Assistant SENDCo.

Work in close partnership with the PP Lead to operationalise our Pupil Premium strategy, ensuring it is implemented on the ground to reduce barriers for socioeconomically disadvantaged pupils.

Be an expert in co-production, building powerful relationships with parents, carers, and external partners to ensure our students' aspirations are at the heart of every decision.

Have the analytical skill to use qualitative and quantitative data to identify emerging needs and trends, such as SEMH or EBSNA both quickly and accurately to ensure a sustained difference.

Have experience of a large multicultural school

The ability to upskill classroom teachers and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) on Quality First Teaching strategies.

Resilience & Emotional Intelligence, Exceptional Diplomacy, Solution-Focused Mindset & Authority with Empathy

Be an experienced leader who can manage staff and support colleagues to achieve targets set.

Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Have excellent communication skills and enthuse staff and implement ideas

Job specifics

Start Date: January 2027 or following notice period

Salary: AS Leadership 10 -14 £65,297-£71,998 dependent on experience

Job role: Full time, Permanent

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

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

Advantage Schools is committed to safeguarding and child protection at every stage of the recruitment process.

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 The Chalk Hills Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1644 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: The Chalk Hills Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-chalk-hills-academy

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