SENDCo/Head of Learning Support

Leadership Scale L8–L12 | Full-time, Permanent
Start: September 2026

The John Fisher School, Purley

The John Fisher School is a highly successful and oversubscribed Catholic boys’ secondary school in South London, committed to academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and the formation of young men of integrity and character.

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and ambitious SENDCo / Head of Learning Support to lead and further develop our provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), English as an Additional Language (EAL), and those requiring literacy support.

This is a key leadership role within the school, offering the opportunity to shape an ambitious, inclusive provision within a culture of high expectations and a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic leadership for SEND, EAL and literacy across the school

• Lead a committed Learning Support team, ensuring high-quality provision and strong outcomes for pupils

• Oversee EHCP processes and work closely with external agencies and the Local Authority

• Drive a whole-school approach to adaptive teaching and inclusive practice

• Lead and develop our literacy strategy, aligned with a “low-tech, high-text” approach

• Work closely with pastoral and safeguarding teams to support vulnerable pupils

• Contribute to whole-school improvement and leadership

The Candidate

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is an excellent classroom practitioner with strong experience of SEND provision

• Has a secure understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015)

• Has experience of leading or coordinating SEND and managing staff

• Demonstrates strong leadership, organisation and interpersonal skills

• Is committed to high expectations, inclusion, and pupil success

• Holds the NASENCo or NPQ SENCO qualification, or is willing to complete the NPQ SENCO

• Supports the Catholic ethos of the school (applications are welcome from candidates of all faiths or none who are supportive of this ethos)

Why Join Us?

• A clear and ambitious vision for inclusion within a high-performing school

• Strong and supportive leadership, including an established Deputy SENDCo

• A culture of high expectations, excellent behaviour, and purposeful learning

• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth

• A welcoming and friendly community rooted in Catholic values

Safeguarding

The John Fisher School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Tuesday 5 May 2026

For further information and an application form, please contact Michelle Laviniere via [email protected].