Director of Student Support (SEND)
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 21 Ionawr 2026 |
|---|---|
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 02 Chwefror 2026 |
| Lleoliad: | Durham, County Durham, DH1 1SG |
| Cwmni: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Math o swydd: | Parhaol |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | 82545456-8dee-41bd-bbc3-7cc4016571e1 |
Crynodeb
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for someone who:
• Demonstrates exceptional planning, organisation and time management skills.
• Is able to inspire and challenge both students and colleagues to achieve excellence.
• Has the highest expectations of themselves and others, particularly regarding student outcomes and professional conduct.
• Exhibits outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Models the values, ethos, and vision of the organisation in pursuit of excellence and equity.
• Possesses a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the statutory frameworks governing post-16 education.
• Is a passionate advocate for inclusion, committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every student has the support needed to reach their fullest potential
What the school offers its staff
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Director of Student Support (SEND) to join our outstanding sixth form team, part of the Providence Learning Partnership, where unwavering support, care and guidance for our post-16 learners is at the heart of everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a dedicated specialist team in championing the holistic success and personal growth of our SEND students, empowering students to overcome barriers to learning and achieve successful transitions into meaningful adulthood and post-18 destinations.
What Makes This Role Exciting?
• Strategically Lead a Specialist Team: Oversee, coordinate and quality assure the work of a dedicated team of professionals, including the Deputy SENCo, Student Support Coordinator and Student Support Mentors.
• Champion the Success of Students with Additional Needs: Take strategic responsibility for the academic achievements, progress and retention of all students with SEND, utilising data to monitor outcomes and implement bespoke interventions at regular intervals.
• Drive Inclusive Excellence: Lead the ‘frontline’ of inclusion by providing expert guidance to teaching staff on Quality First Teaching and curriculum accessibility, ensuring every learner can settle quickly and thrive in sixth form life.
• Manage Statutory Duties: Strategically lead the implementation of the SEND Code of Practice, overseeing the development and statutory review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Student Profiles to ensure they are of the highest standard.
• Safeguard and Nurture: Play a vital role in supporting the safeguarding of students with additional needs, ensuring that robust protocols are followed.
• Forge Partnerships: Build collaborative relationships with parents/carers, and a wide range of external agencies, including health and social care services, to support students in their transition to adulthood and meaningful post-18 destinations.
Why choose us?
• Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
• We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
• Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
• Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as Director of Student Support (SEND). Lead and inspire the next generation of post-16 students in a nationally recognised, high-performing sixth form. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.
Further details about the role
Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Student Support (SEND) at Durham Sixth Form Centre, which has arisen due to the retirement of the longstanding current post holder. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated, forward-thinking team that sits at the very heart of our school community.
The Director of Student Support is a pivotal role at Durham Sixth Form Centre, occupying a strategic position within Senior Middle Leadership. As a lead professional and role model, the Director of Student Support embodies the school’s values and ambitions, fostering a culture of exemplary behaviour and mutual respect. They are directly accountable for student support and holistic development, leading by example through exceptional professional conduct. By setting high expectations, they champion a diverse and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we are defined by our commitment to excellence, but we recognise that for many students, achieving that excellence requires more than just high-quality teaching - it requires a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment. As a Director of Student Support, you will play a lead role in creating and nurturing that environment in order to ensure all students flourish.
The Director of Student Support works collaboratively with teachers, the Pastoral team, the Progression team, the Health and Wellbeing team, Academic Mentors, parents/carers and external agencies to remove barriers to learning that might otherwise prevent a young person from reaching their full potential.
As the Director of Student Support, you will be leading a collaborative hub of professionals who believe that every student, regardless of their additional needs or background, deserves an educational experience that is both ambitious and accessible. You’ll need excellent communication and organisational skills, a strong understanding of the needs of young people and the resilience to respond to the fast-paced, ever-changing demands of sixth form life and post-16 students.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future with our students. If you are passionate about supporting young people and want to be part of a team that genuinely values care, high standards and ambition, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for considering this role at Durham Sixth Form Centre. We look forward to learning more about you and hopefully welcoming you to our team. We would strongly encourage candidates interested in this role to visit us in advance and apply early. Should you wish to discuss this role further, or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
We are looking for someone who:
• Demonstrates exceptional planning, organisation and time management skills.
• Is able to inspire and challenge both students and colleagues to achieve excellence.
• Has the highest expectations of themselves and others, particularly regarding student outcomes and professional conduct.
• Exhibits outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Models the values, ethos, and vision of the organisation in pursuit of excellence and equity.
• Possesses a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the statutory frameworks governing post-16 education.
• Is a passionate advocate for inclusion, committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every student has the support needed to reach their fullest potential
What the school offers its staff
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Director of Student Support (SEND) to join our outstanding sixth form team, part of the Providence Learning Partnership, where unwavering support, care and guidance for our post-16 learners is at the heart of everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a dedicated specialist team in championing the holistic success and personal growth of our SEND students, empowering students to overcome barriers to learning and achieve successful transitions into meaningful adulthood and post-18 destinations.
What Makes This Role Exciting?
• Strategically Lead a Specialist Team: Oversee, coordinate and quality assure the work of a dedicated team of professionals, including the Deputy SENCo, Student Support Coordinator and Student Support Mentors.
• Champion the Success of Students with Additional Needs: Take strategic responsibility for the academic achievements, progress and retention of all students with SEND, utilising data to monitor outcomes and implement bespoke interventions at regular intervals.
• Drive Inclusive Excellence: Lead the ‘frontline’ of inclusion by providing expert guidance to teaching staff on Quality First Teaching and curriculum accessibility, ensuring every learner can settle quickly and thrive in sixth form life.
• Manage Statutory Duties: Strategically lead the implementation of the SEND Code of Practice, overseeing the development and statutory review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Student Profiles to ensure they are of the highest standard.
• Safeguard and Nurture: Play a vital role in supporting the safeguarding of students with additional needs, ensuring that robust protocols are followed.
• Forge Partnerships: Build collaborative relationships with parents/carers, and a wide range of external agencies, including health and social care services, to support students in their transition to adulthood and meaningful post-18 destinations.
Why choose us?
• Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
• We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
• Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
• Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as Director of Student Support (SEND). Lead and inspire the next generation of post-16 students in a nationally recognised, high-performing sixth form. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.
Further details about the role
Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Student Support (SEND) at Durham Sixth Form Centre, which has arisen due to the retirement of the longstanding current post holder. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated, forward-thinking team that sits at the very heart of our school community.
The Director of Student Support is a pivotal role at Durham Sixth Form Centre, occupying a strategic position within Senior Middle Leadership. As a lead professional and role model, the Director of Student Support embodies the school’s values and ambitions, fostering a culture of exemplary behaviour and mutual respect. They are directly accountable for student support and holistic development, leading by example through exceptional professional conduct. By setting high expectations, they champion a diverse and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we are defined by our commitment to excellence, but we recognise that for many students, achieving that excellence requires more than just high-quality teaching - it requires a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment. As a Director of Student Support, you will play a lead role in creating and nurturing that environment in order to ensure all students flourish.
The Director of Student Support works collaboratively with teachers, the Pastoral team, the Progression team, the Health and Wellbeing team, Academic Mentors, parents/carers and external agencies to remove barriers to learning that might otherwise prevent a young person from reaching their full potential.
As the Director of Student Support, you will be leading a collaborative hub of professionals who believe that every student, regardless of their additional needs or background, deserves an educational experience that is both ambitious and accessible. You’ll need excellent communication and organisational skills, a strong understanding of the needs of young people and the resilience to respond to the fast-paced, ever-changing demands of sixth form life and post-16 students.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future with our students. If you are passionate about supporting young people and want to be part of a team that genuinely values care, high standards and ambition, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for considering this role at Durham Sixth Form Centre. We look forward to learning more about you and hopefully welcoming you to our team. We would strongly encourage candidates interested in this role to visit us in advance and apply early. Should you wish to discuss this role further, or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.