Assistant Principal Inclusion & Special Educational Needs & Disability
Coordinator (SENDCo) Recruitment Pack
April 2025
Together, stronger
• Letter from the Executive Principal
• About us
• Letter from our CEO • Our sponsors • Role Description • Person Specification page • Why Haberdashers? • Recruitment process • Contact details
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Contents
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Letter from D
r T esca
Bennett, Executive Principal Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Assistant Principal Inclusion & SENDCo. This is an excellent opportunity to make a major contribution to ensuring that our pupils, but especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, are able to achieve our vision, that 'All pupils are able to reach their full potential personally, academically and socially.'
We are looking for an ambitious leader with a commitment to inclusion, excellent educational outcomes, and high standards to take a strategic lead in the vision for SEND provision across the academy in line with our vision and ASPIRE values. You should have a clear vision for high quality SEND provision, teaching and learning, and impactful interventions so that SEND is a shared responsibility for all staff across the academy, working with families and external agencies.
You might be an experienced Assistant Principal or a successful Middle leader, looking for the next pivotal step in your career, to broaden and strengthen your leadership experience. You must have the ambition and desire to make a real difference.; adept at being reflective, managing yourself and in seeing the learning in the opportunities you will be presented with through this role.
To support you in your growth you will join an experienced leadership team and Trust, where every senior leader has access to an executive coach and is supported with an extensive professional development offering to support them in their role and career.
Haberdashers’ Knights Academy is a vibrant, diverse 11–18 school community with a relentless focus on high expectations and aspirations. We serve the families of the local community in the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Bromley and are part of the Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, a well-established multi-academy trust of four secondary and five primary schools in southeast London and Kent with over 6000 students and 600 staff. The scale of expertise and leadership across our Trust gives us enormous capacity. It is this capacity that has resulted in the success of the Trust and allows us to mount new ventures and allows our staff to take on new opportunities and rapid development trajectories.
Our school and our Trust are uniquely exciting places to be, and I hope that you decide to join us in our current phase of rapid development and growth. I look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you into our Knights Academy school community.
Dr Tesca Bennett Executive Principal Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
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Trust -wide vision
We are a multi-academy trust consisting of four secondary schools and five primary schools and have been educating children and young people since 1876.
Our moral imperative at that time was to ensure that every child in our care received the best possible education in order to make the best start in life. That moral imperative remains today, underpinned by ethos of working together and our values of being ambitious, always growing and contributing to the world as global citizens.
In a complex world, we need our children and young people to be as well equipped for their future as possible so that they can flourish. We will support them to become compelling individuals so that by the time they leave us they will have experienced a range of opportunities that not only build their mind but also build their character.
We are proud to be a diverse community and take seriously the need to ensure that every child, young person and adult connected with our schools feels included, welcomed and listened to. This is an important part of who we are and our commitment to equality and fairness. This commitment remains at the forefront of our work.
To find out more about Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, please visit: www.habstrustsouth.org.uk
VISION 2026 Every School an Excellent School It is the Trust’s vision for all of our schools to be excellent schools. Our mission is to ensure that every one of our children and young people flourishes at school so that they can be successful in their lives.
Our three main objectives are:
• Excellent outcomes for all children and young people so that they can be successful in their next steps and future lives;
• To be regarded as a great employer, attracting, retaining and developing the best staff;
• To be the Trust of choice and a welcome presence in our communities.
To find out more about our Vision and Strategy, please visit: https://www.habstrustsouth.org. uk/Our-Vision-and-Strategy
About Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Assistant Principal Inclusion & SENDCo.
We are a Trust of nine schools, all based in South East London. Whilst each of our schools maintains its individuality, we share a common mission: to ensure that every single child and young person in our care is successful at school so that they can flourish and be successful in their lives. We are committed to ensuring this success from 3 to Forever, under our mantra of ‘once a Haberdasher, always a Haberdasher’.
Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.
Please take a look on our website for more information. We want the best people to join our Haberdashers’ community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body.
If you are passionate about making a difference and feel that you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us on our journey.
For a confidential discussion regarding this post, please contact the HR department at knightshr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Jan Shadick Chief Executive Officer Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
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Our Sponsors
Our sponsors are a huge part of the culture within our schools. The links with our sponsors are a unique and special part of what our Trust and schools what they are today.
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers
Our main sponsor is the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Education is hugely important to the Haberdashers’ Company and today there are more than 12,000 children and young people in its’ family of 21 schools. The Haberdashers’ network of maintained and independent schools stretch across the country, covering north London, Shropshire and Monmouth and our own Trust, in south London and Kent. We have regular opportunities to collaborate with the wider network of Haberdashers’ schools on a number of initiatives and events.
The Haberdashers’ Company supports our pupils in many ways. There are a number of educational and careers initiatives that are organised by the Company, such as the Livery Academy Awards, Monmouth - City of London Work Experience, Haberdashers’ Musician of the Year, an annual Year 7 visit to the prestigious Haberdashers’ Hall, cross school sporting competitions, mentoring, trips and much more. Each year, a number of Year 13 pupils receive scholarships that will support them financially through university and the Company fund a number of projects throughout the school year. The relationship with the Haberdashers Company is central to the success of the Haberdashers’ Advantage enrichment programme, and pupils, parents and staff are proud of this relationship.
Being part of the Haberdashers’ community is very important to us as a school. The Haberdashers’ come and visit us each year to hear from the children, to see what has been happening in our school and to celebrate our achievements. The Haberdashers’ Company supports pupils, past and present, as they progress through their educational and professional journey, which offers our pupils something truly unique.
Find out more: www.haberdashers.co.uk
Temple Grove Schools Trust
Temple Grove Schools Trust is a charitable trust dedicated to raising standards for primary education. The Trust was founded some 50 years ago and springs from one of the country’s oldest prep schools, Temple Grove founded in 1810. The Trust seeks to provide all children with a breadth and depth of learning opportunities in order to realise individual aspirations and potential.
Our primary schools are extremely fortunate to have a partnership with the Temple Grove Schools Trust. Schools benefit from bursaries that allow us the opportunity to give our children learning experiences they may not get at other schools; including music lessons, professional coaches and multiple trips.
Find out more: www.templegrove.org.uk
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Mr Nicoli, Head of Music Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
“In my role at Knights Academy, I have felt the support of a Leadership that shares the same ethos and vision for my subject area. This support, combined with a Principal that will always do what is best for the students, has allowed me to develop the Music department towards achieving our aims. The students are eager to get involved in the activities we offer them, showing a real enthusiasm for making music. Their willingness to perform at events and represent the school demonstrates the sense of community felt by our students, giving the school and students a sense of pride and belonging.”
Role Description
About the role
We are seeking a passionate, strategic, and inspirational leader to take on the role of Assistant Principal – Inclusion & SENDCO, a highly valued and visible position within our Academy. This is a unique opportunity to champion SEND and Inclusion at a whole-school level, shaping provision and driving change that ensures every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
As our Assistant Principal for Inclusion, you will play a central role in our senior leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of the Academy and working closely with staff, families, external agencies, and – most importantly – our students. You will lead a proactive and ambitious Inclusion team, and be supported in your role by a Deputy SENDCO, allowing you to focus on driving long-term improvement while ensuring that all statutory responsibilities are robustly met.
This is an exciting time to join us. The landscape of SEND and Inclusion is evolving rapidly, and we are looking for someone who is ready to embrace fast-paced change, bring innovative thinking, and lead from the front as a visible champion for inclusion across the Academy. Your work will ensure that SEND and vulnerable pupils receive high-quality support, excellent teaching, and the opportunity to fulfil their academic and personal potential.
You will be an outstanding practitioner with a clear vision for inclusive education, and a deep understanding of how to support a diverse range of needs within a mainstream setting. You will combine relentless ambition for student achievement with the operational skills required to lead a complex area of school improvement.
This role offers excellent scope for professional growth, with access to high-quality CPD, a collaborative team environment, and the opportunity to shape the Academy’s inclusive culture. Whether you are an experienced SEND leader or ready for your next step into senior leadership, we welcome applications from individuals who share our commitment to equity, ambition, and excellence for all.
Job Title: Assistant Principal Inclusion Contract type: Permanent Salary: L11- L17( £74,827- £85,217) Inner London School/ Service: Haberdashers’ Knights Academy Location: Launcelot Road, Bromley BR1 5EB Accountable to: Vice Principal – Pastoral
Key responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
• Be the named SENCO and lead the implementation and continuous development of the SEND policy across the Academy.
• Ensure full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, meeting all statutory responsibilities for SEND provision.
• Develop and lead the Academy’s strategic approach to supporting vulnerable groups, including pupils with SEND, Children Looked After (CLA), and those with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and tracking of students within vulnerable groups, ensuring appropriate support and timely interventions that lead to improved outcomes.
• Work in close partnership with Curriculum Leaders to embed inclusive classroom strategies and differentiated teaching practices that meet the needs of all learners.
• Collaborate with Teaching and Learning leads to ensure all SEND students benefit from high-quality, adaptive teaching across the curriculum.
• Design and maintain a clear and cost-effective provision map that demonstrates impact and value for money in the deployment of SEND resources and interventions.
• Analyse data and monitor the academic progress of SEND and other vulnerable learners, ensuring that underachievement is swiftly addressed.
• Ensure all staff and key stakeholders understand and can effectively support the individual needs of students, promoting a culture of inclusion and high expectations.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with parents and carers, ensuring regular communication, review processes, and co-production in line with statutory requirements.
• Lead on the development and delivery of a high-quality CPD programme for staff focused on SEND, Inclusion, and adaptive teaching strategies.
• Line manage and support members of the wider Inclusion and SEND team, fostering a collaborative and effective working environment.
• Lead the planning and implementation of effective transition processes for vulnerable learners at key transition points, including entry to and exit from the Academy.
• Strengthen relationships with external agencies and specialist professionals to ensure coordinated and expert support for students with additional needs.
• Contribute to whole-school leadership as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, playing a key role in shaping the Academy’s vision for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ensure safeguarding practices are embedded within all aspects of SEND and Inclusion work, in collaboration with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
No job description can be exhaustive and duties may alter over time. The post holder is expected to use their professional judgement to ensure that the role continues to evolve and develop in line with the Trust’s changing requirements.
Key responsibilities continued
Achievement & Pupil Progress - Inclusion Focus
• Lead the strategic use of assessment and performance data to monitor and improve the achievement of SEND and other vulnerable groups across the Academy.
• Ensure assessment practices are inclusive and aligned with Academy policy, enabling teachers to provide high-quality, meaningful feedback that supports progress for all learners.
• Identify patterns of underachievement among SEND and vulnerable learners through data analysis, and coordinate effective, evidence-based interventions.
• Set ambitious, personalised academic targets for students with SEND and those in vulnerable groups, ensuring alignment with teachers, pupils, and parents/carers.
• Oversee progress reporting for SEND and vulnerable learners, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and accuracy in communications with families.
• Monitor and support the quality of inclusive teaching across the Academy, using self-evaluation, learning walks, and work scrutiny to drive improvements in provision and student outcomes.
• Champion high expectations and achievement for all learners, ensuring that inclusion is central to the Academy’s teaching and learning culture.
• Promote and support inclusive classroom environments that are well-organised, purposeful, and adapted to meet a range of learner needs.
Wider Responsibilities
• Stay abreast of developments in SEND, inclusion, and wider education policy, and ensure the Academy’s practice reflects current research and statutory guidance.
• Lead on professional development across the Academy relating to SEND, adaptive teaching, inclusion, and pupil support — ensuring high-impact CPD is embedded in teaching practice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and within the wider Trust to develop and share effective inclusive strategies.
• Contribute to the Academy’s self-evaluation processes, with a focus on the impact of SEND and inclusion strategies on pupil outcomes.
• Support consistent implementation of Trust and Academy policies in relation to teaching, learning, behaviour, and safeguarding for vulnerable pupils.
• Actively engage in your own professional development, reflecting on practice and contributing to the development of others through coaching, mentoring, or training.
• Share best practice in inclusive teaching, intervention, and curriculum access across the Academy, helping to raise standards and expectations for all.
Key responsibilities continued
General Responsibilities
• To work within the Academy framework with regard to Health and Safety • To promote equal opportunities in the Academy • To promote the ethos of the Trust / Academy • Be aware of and assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and
promoting the welfare of children. • To support the Academy’s commitment to the continued professional development
of all staff • Report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding
policies • To undertake any additional duties as may reasonably required by the CEO or
Executive Principal
Our Commitment to Staff Development
We believe that great staff are the foundation of great schools. Our students thrive when our colleagues are empowered, supported, and continuously learning. That’s why professional development is not just a priority — it’s embedded in our culture.
We offer a rich and varied programme of internal and external CPD opportunities, delivered by experienced facilitators and expert partners. Whether you're early in your career or stepping into leadership, you’ll find high-quality training tailored to your development.
We place particular emphasis on the growth of our support staff, recognising the crucial role they play in student success. As part of our team, you will be encouraged and supported to:
• Engage in relevant, externally accredited training programmes, enhancing your expertise and career progression.
• Attend targeted development opportunities, keeping up to date with the latest educational practice, legislation, and innovations in your field.
• Share your expertise across the Trust and beyond, contributing to a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement.
We are committed to ensuring that every member of staff feels valued, developed, and invested in — because when our people grow, our pupils do too.
Role description continued
Staff Development
Our staff are important to us. We know that without great staff, our children will not be as successful. Therefore, Professional Learning is key to our success. As a new employee within the Trust, you will be supported by the Senior Directors of People and Professional Learning, alongside your line manager to realise your full potential.
'Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.’
London Living Wage
We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.
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Federation-wide vision
Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment: Application (A) Interview (I) Assessment (AS) References ( R)
Education & Qualifications
• Holds a good honours degree in a relevant discipline
• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) • Evidence of continued professional development
related to SEND, Inclusion, and/or leadership
• Holds or is willing to undertake the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) within the required timeframe
A, I, AS
Knowledge & Experience
• Proven experience in successfully leading SEND provision across a school or key stage
• Successful classroom experience with a strong track record of progress for learners with a range of special educational needs
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and support students of all abilities, ensuring access to an inclusive and engaging curriculum
• Experience of leading high-quality pupil tracking, feedback practices, and designing impactful intervention programmes
• A proven record of securing high standards of achievement and progress for vulnerable learners
• Experience of working effectively with external agencies, professionals, and families to improve outcomes for students
• Experience in line managing or leading a team, with the ability to delegate responsibility while maintaining accountability
• Strong knowledge of current SEND legislation and statutory frameworks, including the SEND Code of Practice
• A clear understanding of inclusive pedagogy, adaptive teaching, and curriculum accessibility
• Highly skilled in using data to monitor student progress, identify need, and inform strategic intervention
• Strong understanding of the National Curriculum and current qualification pathways (e.g. GCSE, Functional Skills, A-Level)Excellent communication, literacy, and interpersonal skills – with the ability to influence and inspire across the school community
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and lead change
• Understanding of effective quality assurance processes and accountability frameworks within schools
• Experience working across a partnership of schools or across schools within a Multi- Academy Trust setting.
A, I, AS, R
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A, I, AS, R
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Person specificationPerson specification
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Federation-wide vision
Personal qualities
• Passionate about inclusion and committed to improving outcomes for all learners, particularly the most vulnerable
• Professional, reflective, and driven with a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement
• A collaborative team player with the ability to build positive relationships across stakeholders
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people
• A positive, resilient leader who embodies the values and ethos of the Academy and wider Trust
A, I, AS, R
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Person specificationPerson specification
Staff Benefits
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W hy H
aberdashers? At Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, we believe that investing in our staff is crucial for our success. That’s why we offer a range of benefits that cater to your professional growth, well-being, and financial security.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you join us:
Perkbox: Our cutting-edge reward and benefits platform empowers you to acknowledge your colleagues’ accomplishments through its celebration tool. You can gain flexi and reward points, which can be redeemed at various high street and online retailers for treats and every day essentials. Additionally, you have the option to make charitable donations.
Pension Scheme: (eligible and enrolled participants): From 1 April 1 2024, for teachers, the Trust will contribute 28.68% to your pension fund. Support Staff will receive a 19.80% contribution to their pension pot from the same date.
Professional Learning: Our dedicated team at Habs Institute for Professional Learning is devoted to nurturing your professional growth. We offer excellent training opportunities for all staff throughout the year and provide partial funding for qualification pursuits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP encompasses a 24-hour, free, and confidential counselling service. It includes access to online cognitive- behavioural therapy and management consultations to support Line Managers.
Well-being: Enjoy complimentary access to the award-winning Headspace app, along with free mindfulness courses to enhance your overall well-being.
Staff Development: Explore secondment opportunities within the Trust or external organisations, providing valuable experiences for your professional development.
Ride to Work and Cycle to Work Schemes: Take advantage of substantial discounts through tax allowances for either purchasing a bike or opting for bike hire, promoting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
Season Ticket Loans: Enjoy discounted annual travel fares through our salary-deductible Season Ticket Loan and save on your travel overall.
We are committed to helping you thrive in your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of working with a supportive and forward- thinking organisation.
Staff Incentives
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W hy H
aberdashers? We know that staff are our greatest asset in achieving our vision for every school to be an excellent school and for our children and young people to flourish and succeed.
To incentivise like-minded and talented people who care about the work we do at the Trust, to join us and stay with us, we have recently introduced :
Talent Connect Bonus
Refer a friend or connection to apply for a role at the Trust and receive a £300* bonus when they successfully complete their probation period.
Welcome Reward
Those employed in ‘hard to fill’ roles to receive a Welcome Reward of £500* after successfully completing their probation period.
Milestone Appreciation Award
Long-serving members of staff to receive a £500*** reward and congratulatory letter from the CEO for reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-year anniversaries with the Trust. .
* subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, and other terms and conditions. Some senior leaders will be exempt from receiving the Talent Connect Bonus.
“When you join as a member of staff at Knights, you become a part of the 'Knights family'. The welcome and support I received upon joining, from every corner of the academy, helped me to settle in quickly and feel successful straightaway. Our students are curious and ambitious, and they help make the school a great place to work.”
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Teacher of English Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
Recruitment process and additional recruitment information Closing date: Tuesday 6th May at 12pm
Interview dates:
• Day 1- Monday 12th May
• Day 2- Friday 16th May
Start date: September 2025
Recruitment Process: We will interview candidates as and when applications are received and reserve the right to close this job advert early if we adequately fill the position. It is advised that you submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Once you have submitted your application, it will be assessed against the criteria in the person specification. If you score well against this criteria, you will then be invited to attend an interview. Details will be made available when selected, but the interview is likely to include:
• A written task • Classroom visit with staff and students • Presentation on a strategic SEND component • Panel interviews on a variety of topics
Special Requirements: If you require reasonable adjustments prior to your interview, these can be arranged by emailing knightshr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
Equality and Diversity: We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace, becoming an employer of choice, for all staff to believe that they have a voice and be empowered to make a difference.
References: We will obtain references from your referees if you are successful at interview. In order to prevent any delays, please ensure that the reference section of the application form is accurate and completed in full.
Right to work in the UK: Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence for an employer to take on a new employee whose immigration status prevents him/her from taking up employment. If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be asked to produce original and up to date documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
Data Protection: Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the selection process. By signing and submitting your application form, you are giving consent to the processing of your data.
Criminal Convictions: All education establishments in the UK are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In practice, this means that all shortlisted applicants must inform on all spent and unspent convictions on their application form and when completing a Disclosure and Barring form. Failure to provide this information may result in dismissal. List 99 is also obtained on anyone who will be working or coming into contact with children; and must be received by the School before employment can commence.
For a confidential discussion about this post or to arrange a visit to our school, please
contact the office on 020 8461 9240 or email knightshr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
Thank you for your interest in Haberdashers’ Knights Academy. We look forward to receiving your
application.
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Haberdashers’ Knights Academy Launcelot Road, Bromley BR1 5EB
www.habsknights.org.uk