Job Description
Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy is seeking an exceptional and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our team starting in September 2026. We are looking for someone who will lead SEND across the academy, taking responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy, SEN information report, and provision made by the school for pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities. The successful candidate will work closely with staff, parents/carers, and other agencies, whilst line managing a team of experienced teaching SEND and SEN support staff.
We have a high proportion of students with SEND. The number of students with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more than three times the national average. Our Specialist provision, The Spectrum Centre, is recognised as a National Area of Excellence. Additionally, we host two small Specialist Resource Provisions: a Hearing Impaired provision with a qualified Teacher of the Deaf in post, and a Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) provision with a qualified SEN teacher in charge. The role of our SENCO is therefore crucial in ensuring that our inclusive values are upheld and all our students are making excellent academic progress whilst developing the skills required to contribute effectively in a democratic society. The successful candidate must have a legitimate passion for SEND and must have the motivation to take our excellent, diverse SEND provision to the next level.
Working with us at Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy
Welcome to Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, where our small school model ensures every student receives the personal support and challenge they need to succeed. As the flagship academy of Leigh Academies Trust, our inspirational building features modern technology and excellent facilities, creating an ideal environment for learning. We're proud to be an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme to students in Years 7-9, as well as the International Baccalaureate Careers Pathway, A-Levels, and BTECs in Key Stage 5. Our commitment to student well-being is demonstrated by our status as the first school in the UK to be awarded The Healthy Minds School kite mark, reflecting our dedication to the personal development of both students and staff.
Our motto, "Opening minds to Success," guides our mission to foster a community where students are happy, resilient, and prepared for their futures, both academically and socially. We work in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure all students are given every opportunity to thrive. Our dedicated leadership team is committed to making Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy a great place to work, supporting staff at every stage of their careers with access to NPQ courses and other professional development opportunities. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our inspiring, challenging, and supportive community.
Please click here to view our website and learn more about Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy.
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor): charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 245.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about it on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.