Deputy Headteacher and Inclusion Lead / SENCO

Job Advert

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER AND INCLUSION LEAD / SENCO

Start Date

Autumn Term 2026 or January 2027 (for the right candidate)

Are you ready to be the co-architect of a school where background never dictates destiny?

We are looking for an inspiring, tenacious, and dynamic Deputy Headteacher and Inclusion Lead/SENCO to join our Senior Leadership

Team. This is a highly visible leadership role for an exceptional practitioner who wants to shape the strategic direction of our

school, mentor dedicated colleagues, and champion our most vulnerable learners.

Willow Brook Primary School is a vibrant, one form entry school in Colchester where diversity is celebrated, potential is

unlocked, and community is everything. With 39% of our pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and 31% speaking English as an

additional language, our school is wonderfully diverse, deeply rewarding, and full of unique opportunities. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

in all areas, we boast extensive grounds, an exceptional Early Years provision, and a whole-school, shared responsibility for

reading. To find out more visit our website here [https://www.willowbrook-tkat.org/].

THE ROLE

STRATEGIC, IMPACTFUL, REWARDING

As our Deputy Headteacher and Inclusion Lead, your influence will be felt in every corridor, classroom, and colleague

conversation. You will work in lockstep with the Headteacher to manage colleagues and resources, formulate strategic aims, and

step up to fully deputise in the Headteacher's absence.

YOUR LEADERSHIP WILL FOCUS ON FOUR CORE PILLARS

1. Cultivating Culture & Inclusion - Act as our lead practitioner for SEND. You will champion Quality First Teaching, turn our SEN

policy into classroom reality via the graduated approach, and be the vital link to external agencies.

2. Driving Curriculum & Assessment - Partner with the Headteacher to monitor classroom standards and rigorously analyse data. You

will keep English and Maths at the center of our strategy and model exceptional practice when teaching.

3. Developing & Empowering Colleagues - Lead whole-school CPD, mentor colleagues across all career stages, and run appraisals, all

while remaining fiercely mindful of colleague workload and well-being.

4. Strengthening Partnerships - Be a highly visible, approachable anchor for parents and hard-to-reach families to improve

attendance, while actively collaborating across the 45 academies in the Kemnal Academies network.

WHO YOU ARE

You are a proactive, reflective leader who can balance deep empathy with professional challenge.

The ideal candidate will bring

* The NASENCO qualification (or a commitment to achieving it rapidly), alongside a deep understanding of the SEN Code of Practice

and primary curriculum.

* Outstanding communication skills, with a proven ability to build trust with children, colleagues, outside agencies, and

parents.

* A data driven mindset, capable of evaluating the progress of pupils with additional needs and translating those findings into

targeted interventions.

* A collaborative spirit, ready to work alongside the Governing Body, Local Authorities, and the broader TKAT network to drive

educational standards.

* An unwavering commitment to the safeguarding, equity, and well-being of all pupils.

WHY CHOOSE WILLOW BROOK AND THE KEMNAL ACADEMY TRUST

Investing in our employees' wellbeing and career development is an absolute priority for us.

We can offer you

* Vast Career Progression - Ongoing CPD and excellent promotion opportunities across TKAT, one of the largest Multi-Academy

Trusts in the South & East of England.

* Elite Leadership Support - Tailored coaching, mentoring, and a comprehensive induction programme from the academy’s experienced

leadership team.

* A Culture of Work-Life Balance - A friendly, collaborative environment where flexible working practices are actively promoted.

* Comprehensive Benefits - Access to vast Trust planning resources, an Employee Assistance Programme (free & confidential

physical, mental, and financial advice), cycle-to-work schemes, and free eye tests.

COME AND SEE US

The best way to understand what makes Willow Brook such a special place to lead and teach is to come and visit us. We look forward

to welcoming you and sharing our fabulous school with you.

*

To Arrange a Visit

Please contact the school office on 01206 864375 email office.manager@willowbrook-tkat.org to arrange a

tour and an informal chat with the Headteacher and Director.

*

Our Interview Approach

We recognise the commitments of busy school leaders. We have a highly flexible approach to interviews

and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances.

Please Note

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications. Early

application is strongly advised.

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this

commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and

barring service check.

Flexible working

TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests

outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.

Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual

experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications

from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Access to interview

Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the

recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways

that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.