Special Education Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

Leeds East Academy, Leeds, LS14 6HA

36 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  9 January 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  4 December 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator)
• Visa sponsorship: Skilled Worker visas can be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time (Can be done as a job share): Full Time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Leadership 1 to 5 (£51,773 to £57,137)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Leeds East Academy is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and committed Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) to play a pivotal role in shaping and leading our SEND provision. Working closely with the Principal, Assistant Principal for Inclusion & Provision and the Senior Leadership Team, you will drive the strategic development of SEND across the academy and ensure the highest standards of support for our young people.

As the named SENDCo, you will lead the continued development and effective implementation of our SEND policy, strengthening our well-established systems, structures and graduated provision. OFSTED (2024) recognised our unwavering commitment, noting that “the school works tirelessly to ensure pupils with SEND get the support that they need.” You will uphold this standard by championing an inclusive, ambitious vision where every student feels valued, respected and fully supported to achieve their potential.

With strong expertise in SEND practice and extensive classroom experience, you will model high-quality, inclusive teaching and provide direct classroom support where required. You will lead casework, oversee statutory processes, coordinate robust intervention pathways, and monitor the progress of SEND learners to ensure timely, effective provision. Collaboration with families, external agencies and the wider student support team will be central to your role.

This position requires an excellent communicator with exceptional organisational skills, the confidence to influence whole-school practice, and the drive to deliver a purposeful, impactful SEND provision.

What the school offers its staff

Terms and Conditions

All of our employees benefit from nationally negotiated terms and conditions including STPCD (teachers) or NJC Green book (support staff). This includes our commitment to the Real Living Wage Foundation.

Long Service Recognition

After 5 years continuous service, support staff will receive 5 additional days of annual leave entitlement (pro rata).

Flexible Working

We offer flexible working arrangements from term time only, part-time, job share opportunities, as well as hybrid working where possible. Flexible working can also be requested for colleagues undergoing fertility treatment.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing champions and Mental Health First Aiders are available in each of our academies, demonstrating our commitment to, and support for staff.

Family Friendly Policies

At the heart of our policies we strive to be family orientated to support work/life balance. This includes a policy to support emergency and special leave where required.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

All colleagues and their families have access to Health Assured, a confidential service to support our colleagues with their wellbeing. This includes access to a Health Assured app.

Generous Pensions Schemes

All employees benefit from wither Teachers Pension Scheme or LGPS.

Eye Test Vouchers

Employees using Display Screen Equipment (DSE) are provided with a free eye test and up to £69 towards selected glasses* , funded by the trust. If glasses are needed solely for DSE use, the trust will pay. (*Subject to terms and conditions).

Colleague Recognition Schemes

We have a variety of schemes across our schools that allows our staff to be recognised and thanked for their hard work.

Our Commitment to Wellbeing

Through our commitment to wellbeing we have committed to the staff wellbeing charter. This is in addition to being accredited as a Mindful Employer.

Car Parking

Through our commitment to wellbeing we have committed to the staff wellbeing charter. This is in addition to being accredited as a Mindful Employer.

Headspace

We are delighted to offer access to Headspace which is available for free, for all of our colleagues. Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you through science.

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

All colleagues have access to both the Tech Scheme and the Cycle to work scheme, which allows colleagues to spread the cost of these purchases, making NI savings of up to 12%.

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.

Skilled Worker visas can 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.

Post Reference: 2732

Academy: Leeds East Academy

Job Title: Special Education Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

Grade: Leadership 1 to 5 (£51,773 to £57,137)

Hours: Full Time

Leeds East Academy is a thriving 11-16 school committed to transforming the lives of young people through education. Rooted in values of resilience, integrity, trust, and ambition, the academy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to excel, regardless of their background. As part of the White Rose Academies Trust, the school is dedicated to delivering a world-class education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and embracing innovative approaches to learning.

Recognised by Ofsted in 2024 for its strong leadership, positive student behaviour, and personal development opportunities, Leeds East Academy has undergone remarkable improvement in recent years. The school is driven by the belief that every child can achieve exceptional outcomes. More than just a place of learning, the academy nurtures and inspires students, equipping them with the skills and character to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.

We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their continuous professional growth. As part of our Trust, colleagues have access to a range of nationally recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6, fully funded by the organisation. We provide protected time during the working week to enable staff to complete these qualifications successfully, ensuring professional development is both achievable and meaningful. This commitment reflects our belief in nurturing talent and supporting career progression across all roles within the Trust.

Leeds East Academy is part of White Rose Academies Trust, a local trust dedicated to raising aspirations and unlocking the potential of young people across Leeds. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class education and creating life-changing opportunities for all.

We believe the trust is a highly desirable place of work for an ambitious professional, who will be joining one of the most supportive and talented teams in the country.

Closing Date: Friday, 9th January 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 19th January 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

If you would like to arrange a visit to the academy, please contact us on 0113 273 1964.

White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check.

Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check.
Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome, irrespective of
sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

WRAT Recruitment Pack 2025-26.pdf - 2.79 MB (opens in new tab)

2732 SENDCo Job Description and Person Specification.pdf - 257 KB (opens in new tab)

About Leeds East Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary
• School size: 1016 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Leeds East Academy website
• Email address: wrat-hr@whiteroseacademies.org
• Phone number: 0113 2731964
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/leeds-east-academy

Leeds East Academy is an over-subscribed 11-16 academy that has recently achieved the title of UK Parliament School of the Year. We are a vibrant, diverse and welcoming academy community who are committed to securing our highly ambitious vision of ‘Everyone Exceptional’ for every single member of our wonderful school. Over the last three years the school has been on a rapid journey of transformation which has resulted in significant improvements in attendance, progress, and behaviour. We received a ‘good’ judgement in our 2019 Ofsted inspection and every member of our community is determined to convert this to outstanding and beyond at our next inspection.

We are proud to be an academy who forms part of the High-Performance Learner international community and our vision of ‘Everyone Exceptional’ is underpinned by the principles of High-Performance Learner. The principles simply foster the belief that every child can and will perform highly and are able to excel both academically and personally within the right climate and culture. We have worked closely with our academy community to develop a culture and climate in which both staff and students can flourish.

Our academy is committed to delivering an outstanding education to each and every one of our students. We provide exceptional life training; harnessing the skills and fortifying the aspirations of young people, who we know will transform the region and provide a positive, progressive contribution to society.

White Rose Academies Trust is a local trust dedicated to raising and fulfilling the ambitions of young people. Our academies throughout Leeds are at the heart of the communities they serve, which is why we are committed to delivering an outstanding education to every one of our students.

Arranging a visit to Leeds East Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email wrat-hr@whiteroseacademies.org.

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