Required: January 2026

Reporting to: Head of Junior School

Hours: Full-Time

Closing date: Tuesday 30th September, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Tuesday 7th October

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and highly organised SENDCO to join our dedicated team of education professionals.

As SENDCO, you will play a central role in ensuring every pupil receives the tailored support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. You will lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the Junior School’s provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will work closely with the Head of Junior School, teaching staff, parents, external agencies, and pupils to ensure inclusive, high-quality education and support for all pupils with SEND requirements.

While you will have oversight for the for the provision for pupils with SEN or a disability, class teachers will hold responsibility for the day-to-day education and support of the pupils in their classroom.

The School

The King’s School, comprising the pre-school, Junior and Senior Schools, is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last six years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the Junior School aspect of the King’s SEND policy in line with whole-school priorities;
• Contribute to the relevant Internal Strategic Development Plans (ISDP) and self-evaluation processes, focusing on SEND provision;
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SEND interventions and provision;
• Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation including the Equality Act 2010 ensuring provision of appropriate reasonable adjustments and access arrangements.

Operational Coordination:

• Maintain the SEND register and provision map using the School’s tracking platform;
• Coordinate and regularly review the day-to-day provision for pupils with SEND, including those with EHCPs and in the EYFS;
• Lead a graduated approach to SEND support, ensuring early identification and appropriate intervention;
• Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date;
• Enable a smooth transition for SEND pupils moving between key stages and different schools;
• Liaise with external agencies including educational psychologists, therapists, and the local authority.

Teaching and Learning:

• Support teachers and teaching assistants in planning and delivering inclusive lessons in liaison with the Deputy Head Academic;
• Provide professional guidance and CPD to staff on SEND strategies and differentiation;
• Monitor the progress of pupils with SEND through data analysis and classroom observation;
• Teach an allocated number of lessons/interventions as appropriate to the role, participate in the co-curricular programme and fulfil supervision duties as per the Junior School Staff expectations.

Pastoral and Inclusion:

• Promote emotional regulation and wellbeing, linking with whole-school initiatives such as restorative practices and our Talking School ethos in liaison with the Deputy Head Pastoral;
• Ensure pupils with SEND are fully included in all aspects of school life, including extracurricular activities;
• Collaborate with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to support vulnerable pupils.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Maintain clear and effective communication with parents/carers regarding their child’s needs and progress;
• Report regularly to the Head of Junior School and Governing Body on SEND provision and outcomes;
• Work with the Head of Learning Skills and Deputy Heads Academic to align SEND provision with curriculum development across the whole school.

Personal Profile

Qualifications:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS);
• National Award for SEN Coordination (or willingness to complete within 3 years);
• Degree-level education.

Experience:

• Proven teaching experience, ideally across primary age ranges;
• Experience working with pupils with a range of SEND;
• Experience in leading staff training and supporting whole-school development;
• Experience in working with external agencies and managing EHCPs.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice;
• Ability to analyse data and use it to inform provision;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Knowledge of effective intervention strategies and inclusive teaching practices;
• Competency using Microsoft packages and familiarity with School- and SEN-related platforms such as iSAMS & Insight (training can be provided);
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage the administrative complexity of SEND provision, including EHCP applications, multi-agency communications, and meticulous record-keeping.

Personal Qualities:

• Commitment to inclusive education and pupil wellbeing;
• Ability to lead and inspire colleagues;
• Organised, proactive, and reflective;
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and equality.

Note: This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the job holder. This job description is illustrative of the general nature and responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all the activities that the SENDCO will carry out. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the level of the role as directed by the Head of Junior School.

Salary

The King’s School offers its own salary scale, details of which can be discussed at interview. The salary will be commensurate with the significance of this role in a leading HMC school and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work / Car scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES or by sending a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 30th September at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Tuesday 7th October. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing and interview dates, if appropriate.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.