Start Date: September 2026
The Opportunity
Are you an exemplary practitioner with a passion for inclusive education? Sir John Nelthorpe School is seeking a visionary leader to join our extended Senior Leadership Team as the Director of Teaching and Learning for SEND (SENDCO and Area Leader for Pupil Additional Support).
This is a pivotal leadership role designed for an individual who can balance high-level strategic planning with the operational excellence required to secure the best possible outcomes for all pupils. As a Director of Teaching and Learning, you will be accountable for the performance and well-being of a significant team of staff and pupils, ensuring that SEND provision is at the heart of our school’s success.
While we welcome applications from candidates of all subject backgrounds, a specialism in PE or Humanities is preferred, though not essential.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership: Provide high-quality leadership to ensure all pupils have access to the highest standards of learning and teaching.
2. SEND Provision: Lead improvements in whole-school SEND support, overseeing learning outcomes and the formulation of inclusion policies.
3. Staff Management: Supervise, monitor, and guide the work of a significant number of teaching and support staff within the designated area.
4. Curriculum & Outcomes: Agree and support the achievement of pupil progress targets to contribute significantly to whole-school targets.
5. Resource Management: Oversee and evaluate the area’s budget allocation in line with subject learning priorities and best value principles.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a candidate who meets the following criteria:
6. Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and SEND accreditation are essential.
7. Subject Specialism: A background in PE or Humanities is desirable, but we encourage any outstanding practitioner to apply.
8. Experience: A proven record of achievement in leadership and management responsibilities within the secondary phase.
9. Skills: Excellent knowledge of DfE policies, exemplary classroom practice, and the interpersonal skills required to manage both people and resources effectively.
10. Commitment: A dedication to raising the attainment of ALL pupils, embracing change, and fostering the professional development of staff.
Why Sir John Nelthorpe School?
At Sir John Nelthorpe, you will be part of a leadership team committed to a culture of high expectations and professional integrity. You will play an active role in maintaining our excellent standards of behaviour while upholding the health, safety, and well-being of our entire school community. Our values of Resilience, Respect and Integrity run through our whole school and you will play a key role in embedding this.
We are deeply committed to the professional growth and well-being of all our staff. As a Director of Teaching and Learning, you will lead by example in developing and enhancing the teaching practice of others, and in return, you will be supported by a robust framework of professional development. We offer extensive CPD opportunities tailored to senior leadership, including support for national strategies and personalized learning. Whether you are looking to further refine your strategic leadership skills or stay at the forefront of the latest SEND frameworks and DfE policies, we provide the resources and mentorship necessary to ensure your career continues to flourish.
Application Process
For further details and to apply, please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification. If you would like to visit the school please email to arrange a visit.
Closing Date for Applications: 9am on Monday 27th April 2026
Interview Date: w/c Monday 4th May 2026
Sir John Nelthorpe School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
As an employer, we promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect the same commitment from existing and prospective employees or volunteers. Recruitment to this post will follow our safer recruitment procedure which includes us requesting references prior to interview and a DBS check.