Director of Inclusion & Learning Support
Salary: Up to £61,536.00 per annum, depending on experience.
Hours: 37 per week.
Working Weeks: Full Year.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Site: Accrington & Rossendale College.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 13th April 2026.
Interview Date: TBC – either 20th or 22nd April 2026.
Our Organisation
East Lancashire Learning Group, including Nelson and Colne College (NCC), Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC), and Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL) collectively deliver outstanding education and training across the region.
We are nationally recognised for excellence in teaching, learning and student outcomes, with a strong commitment to transforming lives through education. Our inclusive ethos ensures that every learner regardless of background, ability or need has the opportunity to thrive and achieve ambitious futures.
The Exciting Role
We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Inclusion and High Needs to join our College Leadership Team.
This pivotal strategic role leads our inclusive learning agenda across all provision types, ensuring that learners with SEND, high needs and additional barriers achieve outstanding outcomes and progress to meaningful destinations. You will champion a truly inclusive culture across the Group, driving innovation, shaping strategy and ensuring high‑quality support is embedded within curriculum delivery.
Working collaboratively with curriculum leaders, pastoral teams and external partners, you will ensure that no learner is left behind and that inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
Why ELLG?
Joining East Lancashire Learning Group College means becoming part of a high‑performing, values‑driven organisation with a national reputation for excellence. We are proud of our inclusive ethos and unwavering belief that every learner can succeed.
This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to shape the future of inclusive education across a diverse and ambitious group of colleges and provision.
You will work as part of an experienced, collaborative and forward‑thinking Learner Services department, committed to innovation, continuous improvement and doing what is right for learners. Under the leadership of the Assistant Principal, you will be empowered to lead transformational change, with the autonomy to develop and embed sector‑leading inclusive practices. You will also have the opportunity to shape lives at scale, ensuring that learners are supported to achieve exceptional outcomes and meaningful destinations.
If you are an experienced practitioner looking for a role where you can combine strategic influence, sector leadership and a deep sense of purpose, this is an exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career.
What You Will Be Doing:
* Strategy: Leading the development and delivery of a forward‑thinking Inclusive Learning Strategy that drives high expectations, improves outcomes and reduces achievement gaps.
* Leadership: Providing inspirational leadership to Additional Learning Support and other specialist teams, fostering a high‑performance, collaborative culture.
* Inclusion: Championing a whole‑organisation approach to inclusion, ensuring learners with SEND and high needs are fully supported to succeed and progress.
* Professional Development: Driving inclusive teaching practice through high‑quality CPD, enabling staff to embed adaptive and inclusive approaches in everyday delivery.
* Performance: Overseeing the effective use of data, funding and quality assurance processes to monitor impact, ensure compliance and continuously improve provision.
* Influence: Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing strategic decision‑making and shaping organisational priorities around inclusion.
What We Are Looking For:
* Significant leadership experience in SEND, inclusion or additional learning support within Further Education.
* Deep knowledge of SEND legislation, funding and regulatory requirements.
* Strong track record of improving outcomes for learners with diverse and complex needs.
* Ability to lead, inspire and develop high‑performing teams across multiple disciplines.
* High skill in strategic planning, partnership working and influencing at senior level.
* Forward‑thinking, innovative approach to inclusive practice and curriculum design.
* Holder of a degree and teaching qualification (management or SEND specialist qualifications desirable).
* Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and continuous improvement.
What We Offer in Return:
* Eligibility to join the Teachers or Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Generous annual leave allowance including a two‑week closure over the Christmas period.
* Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme and access to family friendly policies and benefits.
* A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support.
* Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards.
* Free on‑site parking on all College sites.
Further Information
Please visit our working for us section of our website for a full list of our benefits.
For questions, please contact our friendly HR Team at h.resources@eastlancslearning.ac.uk.
All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children.
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