Job Description
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)
Derby Grammar School
Full Time | Fixed Term Maternity Cover
Start Date: 4 January 2027
Salary: £40,777 - £44,777 per annum (Dependent on experience)
Closing Date: 20 November 2026
Derby Grammar School is seeking an outstanding, experienced and dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) to lead and develop our provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Derby Grammar School is a co-educational independent school that has provided excellent schooling to pupils from Derby and across the county. Established in 1995, the school educates children aged 4 to 18 and is situated within beautiful grounds in Littleover, providing an exceptional environment for learning and personal development.
At Derby Grammar School, we strive to "bring education to life" and inspire a passion for learning that remains with our pupils throughout their lives. Our small size allows us to know every child as an individual, celebrating their strengths and supporting them to achieve their full potential.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and highly motivated teacher and leader to play a key role in ensuring that every pupil receives the support they need to thrive. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for SEND across the school, overseeing the effective day-to-day operation of SEND provision throughout the maternity leave period. Working closely with the Headmaster, teaching staff, parents and external agencies, the SENCO will champion inclusive practice, high-quality teaching and learning, and outstanding outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
About the Role
The SENCO will:
• Lead the strategic development and implementation of the school's SEND provision.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and achievement of pupils with SEND.
• Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Support teaching staff in identifying and meeting the needs of pupils with additional learning needs.
• Work collaboratively with parents, external professionals and relevant agencies to secure the best outcomes for pupils.
• Coordinate SEND interventions and monitor their effectiveness.
• Lead annual reviews and maintain accurate SEND records.
• Provide professional guidance, training and support to colleagues.
• Contribute to wider school improvement and inclusion initiatives.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
Essential:
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Experience of teaching across the primary age range.
• Successful experience in a middle or senior leadership position.
• Experience of SEND and inclusion provision.
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Experience analysing pupil progress and attainment data.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• A proven track record of raising pupil achievement.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and high educational standards.
Desirable:
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or willingness to undertake the qualification.
• Experience of leading staff training and development.
• Experience of coaching and mentoring colleagues.
• Subject leadership experience.
• Experience working with governors and external agencies.
Why Join Derby Grammar School?
As part of the Inspired Learning Group, staff benefit from a supportive and collaborative environment alongside an excellent range of benefits, including:
• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• Discount on school fees for eligible staff children.
• Free staff parking.
• Free meals whilst on site.
• Pension scheme.
• Health plan providing significant coverage including optical, dental, chiropody, therapy treatments and health club concessions, alongside access to DoctorLine from anywhere in the world.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Westfield Rewards scheme offering discounts from a range of high street and online retailers.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application at the earliest opportunity via the link below: https://applicant.website/i/65A755/vacancy-info/0000001445
Closing Date: 20 November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and interview suitable candidates prior to the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.
For further information, please contact Danni Joyce - danielle@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk
Derby Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including enhanced DBS checks, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks, including an exploration of any gaps in employment and two satisfactory references. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures.