Head of Learning Support / SENDCo

Head of Learning Support / SENDCo Shebbear College Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Permanent Hours: Part Time (20 Hours) The Role Shebbear College is seeking an outstanding Head of Learning Support / SENDCo to lead and develop our inclusive provision across the school (EYFS-Sixth Form). This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring that all pupils-including those with SEND, EAL, and high potential-make strong progress, achieve excellent outcomes, and thrive within a supportive and ambitious environment. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, ensuring that provision is effective, evidence-informed, and aligned with current best practice and inspection expectations. Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Inclusion - Lead and implement a whole-school inclusion strategy, promote high expectations and inclusive practice, advise SLT on SEND and compliance, and ensure a consistent graduated approach (assess-plan-do-review).
• Pupil Progress & Outcomes - Ensure pupils with SEND and high potential make strong progress, monitor and evaluate provision using data and evidence, maintain the SEND register and provision mapping, and oversee SEN Support Plans and EHCPs including annual reviews.
• Teaching & Learning - Promote quality-first, adaptive teaching across departments, deliver targeted interventions, provide CPD and coaching on inclusive practice, and work with academic and pastoral leaders to embed effective provision.
• Pupil Wellbeing & Inclusion - Support pupils' confidence, independence, and engagement, ensure full inclusion in school life, and support transitions at key stages including entry, phase changes, and post-18.
• Leadership & Management - Lead and develop the Learning Support team, manage staffing, timetabling, and deployment, monitor quality and consistency of provision, and manage the department budget and resources.
• Partnerships & Communication - Build strong relationships with parents and carers, liaise with external professionals and local authorities, and support admissions by assessing and identifying pupil needs.
• Assessment & Exams - Ensure JCQ-compliant exam access arrangements and work closely with Exams and Academic teams to maintain robust evidence.
• More Able & High Potential Provision - Lead challenge and enrichment programmes and monitor progress and outcomes for scholars and high-potential pupils.
• Monitoring & Evaluation - Evaluate provision through data analysis, lesson observations, work scrutiny, and stakeholder feedback, demonstrating clear impact on pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
• Wider Contribution - Contribute to co-curricular life and school events, support the school's external profile and admissions, and participate fully in the life of the College.
Person Specification:
• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree
• NASENCo qualification (or willingness to complete)
• Experience supporting SEND pupils across a variety of needs
• Experience leading SEND provision and using data to improve outcomes
• Experience working with parents and agencies
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes, adaptive teaching, and safeguarding
• Leadership and communication skills with the ability to analyse data and lead teams effectively
• Organised and detail-focused with strong interpersonal skills
• Committed to inclusion and pupil-centred practice
• Collaborative and resilient with a positive presence in the school community
Why Join Shebbear College: This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead SEND provision in a school that values individual potential, strong relationships, and high-quality teaching. The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring that every pupil is supported to achieve, belong, and succeed. Application Process All applicants must complete the application form on the following link: https://applicant.website/i/65A755/vacancy-info/0000001292 Full Job Description available upon request. Closing Date: Friday 26th June 2026 Early applications are encouraged and Shebbear College reserves the right to close the recruitment process earlier than advertised, should a high volume of suitable applications be received. PLEASE NOTE: Shebbear College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young adults and expects all staff to share this commitment including regular training attendance. The successful applicant will be offered the post subject to receipt of satisfactory written references, proof of appropriate qualifications, Health questionnaire, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the applicant as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, proof of identity, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, an overseas police check if required and confirmation of the right to work in the UK. Please refer to the Recruitment Selection and Disclosures Policy and Procedure on the school website.


• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree
• NASENCo qualification (or willingness to complete)
• Experience supporting SEND pupils across a variety of needs
• Experience leading SEND provision and using data to improve outcomes
• Experience working with parents and agencies
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes, adaptive teaching, and safeguarding
• Leadership and communication skills with the ability to analyse data and lead teams effectively
• Organised and detail-focused with strong interpersonal skills
• Committed to inclusion and pupil-centred practice
• Collaborative and resilient with a positive presence in the school community