Assistant Principal - Inclusion/SENCO

What skills and experience we're looking for

From September 2026, we are seeking to appoint an experienced and qualified Assistant Principal - Inclusion/SENCO who, with the support of the Principal, Academy Leadership Team and the SEN department will take 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 also work closely with staff, parents/carers and other agencies.

A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is necessary, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm, as nearly everyday we experience something new for the first time. It is essential that our SENCO has a positive outlook, is supportive of others and openly shares best practice, modelling this constantly to the growing staff body. Our SENCO will need to embrace a forward thinking approach to raising standards in teaching for SEND, implementing a high quality intervention programme and working with SE London and Kent teams to ensure we are doing the absolute best for our most vulnerable students at all times.

We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at secondary level;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders;
• have recent experience of the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Careers related programmes, although this is not essential.

What the school offers its staff

We understand that each student has different learning needs and experiences, but they must always have the same opportunities. Leigh Academy Blackheath’s goal is to always act quickly to identify undiagnosed needs and always support students with SEND needs. Our digital curriculum, which includes Chromebooks for students and an incredible team of teaching assistants, has removed barriers for children, laying the groundwork for this successful approach. We make every effort to ensure students with SEND thrive and grow in confidence alongside the rest of our community.

The role of SENCO can be highly rewarding, as you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to pupils receiving the support they need to achieve their full potential.

Further details about the role

Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Lisa Ball (PA to Principal) -lisa.ball@leighacademyblackheath.org.uk. Visits will be offered and will be hosted by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Please ensure you offer Lisa a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the SLT about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Lisa Ball (as above) in the first instance.

Closing date

Tuesday 19th May 2026, 9am

Shortlisting date

Tuesday 19th May 2026, PM

Interview date

Thursday 21st May 2026

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor) on 01634 412 245 or charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk.

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.