Do you want to join a team that provides outstanding leadership, strategic direction and support to some of the best schools in the country? Do you want to play your part in delivering outstanding learning and teaching to young people in disadvantaged communities? If so, joining the Star team might just be the best career move you ever make.
About Star Central
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Institute and our schools.
The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.
Who we're looking for
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to shape and drive our Trust-wide vision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will play a pivotal role in raising standards of learning and achievement by coordinating high-quality provision, monitoring outcomes, and championing inclusive practices across our schools.
If you are passionate about equity in education and have the expertise to lead transformational change, we would love to hear from you.
You will have:
* Credibility as an experienced and successful school senior leader with a demonstrable track record of success, particularly with improving teaching. Secondary leadership experience is desirable.
* A deep understanding of the four broad areas of need, with experience in leading high-quality SEND provision and supporting SENCOs to develop and implement a Trust-wide SEND strategy that raises standards and ensures consistency in provision and outcomes.
* Collaborative Leadership skills to deliver joined-up, inclusive education aligned to our vision and values.
* Performance and impact focused with strong analytical skills to monitor progress, impact, and drive continuous improvement in SEND and Pupil Premium outcomes.
* Commitment to building capacity through developing others such as through coaching, CPD, and creating a culture of excellence in SEND leadership.
* Experience in commissioning services, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities.
* The ability to foster strong relationships with schools, local authorities, and external partners to enhance provision and outcomes.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.
We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Find out more
Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Star Central by calling
Key Dates
Closing Date: Thursday, 11 September 2025 at midnight.
Interview Date: To be confirmed.
Proposed Start Date: Monday, 20 October 2025.
Application Process
To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Our Commitment
Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.
We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.