Job reference
REQ0001453
Date posted
29/09/2025
Application closing date
17/10/2025
Location
Stockton Riverside College Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6FB
Salary
E31-E33 £47, £49,882.25
Package
Permanent
Contractual hours
37
Basis
Full time
Job category/type
Management
Job description
Who we are?
The Education Training Collective (Etc.) is a dynamic and forward-thinking group of colleges and training providers, including Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training Group and Innersummit. Together, we deliver high-quality education and skills training across the Tees Valley.
We are proud to announce that we have recently been awarded an Outstanding rating by Ofsted, highlighting the exceptional support, teaching and opportunities we provide to help out students thrive. As we continue to build on this success, there has never been a more exciting time to join our team and make a real difference.
We're passionate about creating greater opportunities for all of our students and communities- equipping people with the skills to launch their careers, raise aspirations and power the economic growth of our region. ONE Etc- fuelling ambition and driving success in a resurgent Teesside and beyond. If you share our ambition and energy, we'd love to hear from you.
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Group Head of SEND & High Needs to lead our outstanding provision across four sites. This is a pivotal role in shaping inclusive education that meets the evolving expectations of the Ofsted 2025 framework, where SEND and inclusion are now central to inspection outcomes.
Our provision has been nationally recognised for excellence in supporting high needs learners, with innovative supported internships, bespoke learning pathways, and robust preparation for adulthood support. We proudly serve students from seven local authorities, offering inclusive learning from entry level to higher education, across full-time, part-time, short courses, and apprenticeships.
We're looking for a leader who:
* Has extensive expertise in SEND and high needs, including exam concessions, curriculum adaptation, and transition planning.
* Is passionate about removing barriers to learning and embedding a culture of belonging and equity.
* Can lead and inspire a team of over 100 staff, including two SENCOs and a Group High Needs Manager, across multiple campuses.
* Understands the importance of learner voice, staff development, and impact-driven practice.
* Is confident in working with learners with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities, and can demonstrate inclusive leadership.
You will join a forward-thinking organisation where inclusive education is at the heart of everything we do. You will lead a dedicated team focused on transforming outcomes for learners with additional needs, and play a key role in shaping provision that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the new Ofsted inclusion criteria. This includes fostering inclusive practices that promote a sense of belonging, implementing robust systems for early identification and support, ensuring curriculum accessibility through meaningful adaptations, and demonstrating real impact beyond mere compliance.
Why Join Us?
We are proud that 91% of our staff tell us that Etc. is a Great Place to Work. At Etc. we reward and support our colleagues in many different ways, including remuneration, training and so much more – we've listed a few examples of what you can expect when you join our team:
* Generous annual leave entitlement days per annum, depending on role and length of service)
* Up to 5 days additional leave at Christmas
* Free on-site parking
* Pro-Hybrid working employer
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with 15.2% Employer Contribution
* Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
* Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Scheme
* Career development opportunities for progression
* Comprehensive Health and Wellbeing programme
* Employee Assistance Programme (free counselling support for staff, available 24/7 365 days per year)
* Free gym memberships/discounted memberships (dependent on site)
* Staff Discounts Package- Save on your weekly shop with discounts and savings at a number of retailers including groceries, electronics, clothing, homeware and much more https://thanking-
* Better Health at Work Scheme – Etc. has achieved the Continuing Excellence Better Health at Work award
* Wellbeing Days (in addition to annual leave)
* Discounted Hair and Beauty treatments available
* Bike2Work Scheme
If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a tangible difference in the lives of learners, we would love to hear from you.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is midnight, 17th October 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure by the DBS.
If you are unsure whether you need to disclose criminal information, you should seek legal advice or you may wish to contact Nacro or Unlock for impartial advice. There is more information on filtering and protected offences on the Ministry of Justice website. Nacro - or email or phone Unlock – phone text
The Etc. Group is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and access for all, irrespective of age, background, race, gender, religion, ability, disability or sexuality. Safeguarding is also priority for the group and we have key policies and systems which help to make the group a safe place for learners and staff. The purpose of these policies is to provide clear guidance regarding Safeguarding responsibilities throughout the group, including the Prevent Duty. To read more, please visit
We welcome applications for employment from the whole community.
* note we do not accept CVs or late applications, no agencies please
All applications must be completed via our website