Associate Assistant Headteacher/SENDCO
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
About this Role
The Sir John Colfox Academy is looking for a Associate Assistant Headteacher/SENDCO to lead our fantastic team.
Actual Salary £53,601 - £59,167 per annum (Leadership Scale L4 to L8)
This job is Full Time.
It is offered on a Permanent basis.
Approximate start date 01-Sep-2025.
Associate Assistant Headteacher – SENDCO L4-8
Are you ready to make a difference in an inspiring and inclusive school community?
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled and experienced SENDCO to join our Senior Leadership Team as an Associate Assistant Headteacher at The Sir John Colfox Academy, part of the INITIO Learning Trust.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the strategic development of SEND provision in a thriving secondary school and have a real impact on the lives of young people.
About the Role
As SENDCo, you will:
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Lead the day-to-day operation of the school’s SEND provision and policy
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Ensure high-quality teaching and inclusive practice for all students with additional needs
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Line manage staff including Deputy SENDCo, HLTAs and TAs
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Coordinate the implementation of EHCPs and and liaise with parents, staff and external agencies
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Contribute to whole-school leadership and attend SLT meetings
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Oversee provision mapping, data tracking and statutory responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice
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Champion inclusion and lead on strategies for disadvantaged students (including Pupil Premium)
This post would suit an ambitious, passionate leader who is either a qualified SENDCo (or working towards or wanting to start the SENCO award) and has a proven record of improving outcomes for students with additional needs.
Why Work for The Sir John Colfox Academy?
The Sir John Colfox Academy is a high-performing, caring and inclusive 11–18 school that places students at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our:
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Strong pastoral and academic support systems
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Committed and collaborative staff community
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Opportunities for career progression across the INITIO Learning Trust
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Focus on professional development, leadership training, and innovation
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Consistently strong student outcomes and high parental engagement
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed – and we want you to help us make that happen.
Why Live and Work in Bridport, Dorset?
Bridport is a vibrant and creative market town, just a mile from the stunning Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by rolling countryside, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, it offers:
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A high quality of life and a strong sense of community
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Excellent schools, arts festivals, local food markets and independent shops
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Access to beautiful walks, cycling routes, paddleboarding and coastal adventures
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A refreshing work–life balance that blends career ambition with personal wellbeing
Whether you're relocating or seeking your next leadership challenge, Bridport offers the perfect blend of professional fulfilment and coastal living.
Please refer to the attached job descriptions for more details about the role.
If you have any further questions, please contact the recruiting manager Amanda Tuck on 01308 422291 or by emailing recruitmentwest@initiolearning.org
About our School
Set in a stunning location overlooking Bridport and the surrounding rolling hills, the Sir John Colfox Academy was built in 1999 and offers a lovely environment for staff to work in and where students can achieve their maximum potential.
‘Inspiring learners, Achieving Excellence is our aim’, and we are proud of our wonderful team of teaching and support staff who do their very best to bring this to life for all of our students.
Whilst we are very proud of our record of excellent exam results, and our recent ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, we believe a first class education is about much more than this, and aspire for all our students to have a school experience that gives them access to a wide range of extracurricular activities and cultural enrichment.
For more information please visit our school website: https://www.colfox.org/
We welcome visits to our school - if you would like to arrange a visit please refer to the contact details above.
Initio Learning Trust offers a welcoming and supportive environment and can provide:
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a genuine commitment to supporting professional development
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a supportive and flexible working environment which offers equal opportunities for all
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free onsite parking
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access to the local government or teachers pension scheme
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a range of employee benefits including Cycle to Work and Health Cash Plan
About Initio Learning Trust
Initio Learning Trust comprises 19 schools across Dorset, with our head office based in Wimborne. Formed in February 2023 from the merger of The Minerva Learning Trust and Wimborne Academy Trust, we offer outstanding education through every stage of schooling, from nursery through to upper sixth form. We believe in enabling every person to thrive within their role, and our core values of Ambition, Collaboration and Respect underpin the pride we take in offering genuine professional development opportunities for all our staff; and in our focus on staff wellbeing.
Working for Us
Initio Learning Trust is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and aims to provide an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you would like to discuss any changes or support you may need as part of this process, please call or email the recruiting manager (see contact details above).
Initio Learning Trust values and respects the diversity of our workforce, and encourages employees to be their unique selves. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce underpins our core values of collaboration, ambition and respect, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, social background, religion or belief. Applicant shortlisting is done without reference to any personal data including your name.
Applying for a job with us - other things you need to know
This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be verified.
Initio Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
In line with current safer recruitment guidance, we may collect further information for applicants who are shortlisted for interview including criminal record and social media checks, references and verification of qualifications.
All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2023). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974.
Fluency in English is required for all student and public-facing roles, in accordance with the “fluency duty” (Immigration Act 2016). Please refer to the Job Description for further details.
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