Deputy SENCO – St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School
Due to an expanding roll and an increasing number of students who have additional needs, the Governing Board is seeking to appoint a Deputy SENCO from September 2026.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be a qualified teacher with experience of working with, or a passion for, Special Educational Needs (SEN). They will support students to become independent learners and achieve qualifications for future careers, working alongside a dedicated SEND Administrator and an experienced SENCO.
The department offers a customised space that includes intervention rooms, a sensory room, St. Teresa Room provision for adapted learning, and specialised bathroom facilities. Robust interventions are run daily, coordinated with outside specialists for further support and Education, Health and Care Plan applications.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement individualised support plans for students with SEN.
* Collaborate with the SENCO, SEN Administrator, HLTA, LSAs and independent specialists (e.g., educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, counsellor).
* Coordinate with Medway Local Authority services and other community resources.
* Manage Exam Access Arrangements and deliver CPD to school staff on SEN needs.
* Participate in the wider Inclusion Team and in a SENCO network to share best practice.
* Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and maintain a safe environment for all students.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified teacher with experience in SEN.
* Passion for supporting students with additional needs.
* Desirable to have qualifications or experience that support SENCO status.
What the School Offers Its Staff
Our commitment to staff wellbeing and workload includes:
* Clear behaviour policy and centralised interventions.
* Strategic marking policy with feedback lessons.
* Incentive inset days, including one at the end of the year.
* Progress reports limited to twice a year.
* Wellbeing events at the end of each half-term.
* Consolidated break duties and lunchtime supervisors.
* Teaching timetable below the national upper limit of 90%.
* Weekly briefing emails for school-wide developments.
* No expectation to respond to work-related emails in evenings or weekends.
* Staggered deadlines agreed annually with middle leadership.
* Free parking and free breakfast for staff teaching exam classes.
* Staff room and workrooms with tea, coffee, water, fridges, and microwaves.
* Full staff support from admin teams, reprographics, and pastoral care leaders.
* Staff treats during key holidays.
* Fortnightly line‑management meetings focused on wellbeing.
* Personalised CPD programme and learning walks.
* Opportunities to collaborate with local Catholic schools.
* Non‑punitive appraisal process centred on support and growth.
* Investment in staff rooms and reflection spaces.
* Staff clubs, socials, and events.
* Holiday cards and gifts for milestones.
* Staff wellbeing coordinator.
Additional Information
St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School is a non‑selective, coeducational secondary school for students aged 11‑18, located in Rochester, Medway. The region offers a vibrant community with new housing developments and the lowest council tax rates in Kent.
Apprenticeship & CPD opportunities: a bespoke programme tailored to meet individual development needs, including SENCO qualification.
Application Details
* Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2026.
* Interviews will be held on Monday 27th April 2026.
* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
* All successful applicants must provide satisfactory references and undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Contact
For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact send@stjohnfisher.school.
EEO Statement
St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School is an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. The recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to additional checks where relevant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr