Assistant Principal - High Needs/SEND

About the role

We are looking for an exceptional senior leader to join our leadership team as Assistant Principal – High Needs, SEND & Additional Learning Support. The role will shape the strategic direction of SEND and high‑needs provision across a multi‑site further education college, driving inclusive practice, learner outcomes and funding growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of SEND, High Needs and Additional Learning Support provision.
• Drive outstanding learner outcomes, progression and destinations.
• Lead High Needs funding strategy, manage Local Authority relationships and commissioning activity.
• Ensure excellence in quality, compliance, safeguarding and inspection readiness.
• Oversee specialist and mainstream SEND provision, including complex needs and Foundation Learning.
• Develop strong partnerships with employers, Local Authorities and external agencies.
• Lead workforce development, organisational improvement and service transformation.

Required profile

• Significant senior leadership experience within SEND and inclusive education in Further Education.
• Proven track record of leading quality improvement and organisational change.
• Experience managing High Needs funding, Local Authority partnerships and complex budgets.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, funding systems and Ofsted requirements.
• Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree qualified with a recognised teaching qualification and relevant leadership qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience.

Required skills