Closing date: Thursday 14 th May Interview date: Wednesday 20 th May 2026 Wessex MAT is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, creative and dynamic Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for SEND, from September 2026, to work with our current teams in both Bere Regis Primary and Pre-school and Milborne St. Andrew First School. The role will be split across both sites. Both schools are therapeutic thinking schools; strong relationships are at the heart of our daily practice. We work closely with staff, parents and carers to ensure that the well-being of our children, and the wider school community is at the heart of everything we do. We are exceptionally proud of our dedicated and caring staff team, our vibrant learning environment and our strong partnership with parents and carers. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, achieves their very best. Equally, we are passionate about developing the talent of all staff, enabling them to flourish and succeed. We are pleased to offer a rare and exciting opportunity to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo). This role will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to make a significant strategic impact across both schools supporting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The Assistant Head/SENDCo will lead and further develop SEND provision across both schools, working closely with staff, parents, pupils and external agencies to ensure that individual needs are identified early and supported effectively. You will play a key role in shaping inclusive practice, supporting high‑quality teaching and learning, and promoting positive outcomes for all learners. From the moment you join the schools, you will be warmly welcomed by staff and pupils alike. Working under the direction of the Headteacher, you will continue to grow as a leader, supported by high‑quality professional development opportunities. This new role, joining the SLT, would suit an experienced and ambitious candidate seeking to further develop their leadership journey as part of a supportive and forward‑thinking team. Wessex Multi Academy Trust offers the benefits of close collaboration with colleagues across the trust, shared expertise, enhanced opportunities for pupils, and a rich professional learning offer for staff. The Trust also offers a generous benefits package including pension scheme, a health cash plan*, bike and tech schemes*, wellbeing support and more (*subject to qualifying period). If you are a reflective, knowledgeable and child‑centred SENDCo with a commitment to excellence and inclusion, we would love to hear from you. Further Information How to Apply To apply, please complete the online application process via: www.jobs.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Please refer to the Person Specification and Job Description when making your application. Visits to the school are very welcome and strongly encouraged. For an informal conversation about the role or to arrange a visit, please contact Rachael Brown (HT) Bere Regis Primary and Pre-school – 01929 471334 or [email protected] Please note that strong applications may be considered upon receipt. Wessex MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, an Enhanced DBS check Child Barred List check and satisfactory references. We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. Applicants are advised that it is an offence to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. About Us Not Specified