Assistant Principal – SENDCo

Our School

Granville Academy is part of Affinity Learning Partnership (ALP), a Multi-Academy Trust based in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire which comprises three secondary and four primary schools.

Here at Granville Academy, we are on a truly exciting journey of improving standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence. We are already seeing excellent results, with a strong Ofsted report that recognises the good work we are doing.

Our visitors tell us that our school offers a warm welcome with a calm atmosphere conducive to high-quality teaching and learning and a friendly community ethos. We are a passionate and committed group of staff who support each other to be the best that we can be.

Our vision is to ensure that all the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.

At Granville Academy, we believe in working hard, being kind and choosing wisely. We are privileged to work in a community where we have a positive impact on children' s lives and their futures every day.

The Candidate

Due to the promotion of our current Assistant Principal, Granville Academy is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for either an experienced and highly effective Middle Leader or a serving Assistant Principal – SENDCO to join our leadership team.

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the academy. As Assistant Principal – SENDCO, you will be at the heart of our mission to deliver exceptional education, ensuring that all children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.

You will be fully supported by an experienced Academy Leadership Team, two Assistant SENCos and a fully staffed TA and HLTA team. Our academy benefits from two Behaviour Support Assistants to supplement the work of TAs and HLTAs. 

Granville Academy benefits from a Personalised Learning Centre (PLC) for students with additional needs and also an on-site Alternative Provision called The Bridge. These provisions are run in collaboration with the Vice Principal of Pastoral. Our philosophy, however, is not about withdrawal but rather about using high-quality Wave 1 interventions and TA support to ensure all students can access their learning in front of our expert teachers.

If you are interested in this post, we recommend that you contact us to book a visit to the academy in advance. This would provide an excellent opportunity to visit the academy and speak to leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Standards

• Effectively manage the SEND budget and resource deployment, ensuring catch-up funding offers best value and impact.

• Ensure the Academy meets all statutory requirements for SEND, including the management of EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of SEND provision and intervention programmes.

• Be accountable for the progress and attainment of SEND, disadvantaged, and vulnerable pupils, closing gaps and maintaining mainstream education where possible.

Teaching, Learning & Innovation

• Design and map personalised, bespoke learning pathways and inclusive curriculum models that improve literacy and numeracy standards.

• Undertake regular quality assurance and "open classroom" activities to monitor the effectiveness of provision.

• Develop and deliver a high-quality CPD programme to enhance staff expertise in inclusive practice.

• Lead on Academy-wide approaches to SEND and support wider Trust initiatives.

Personal Development & Welfare

• Maintain a visible and professional high profile across the Academy, leading by example to create a culture of high aspirations.

• Foster strong relationships with parents, the Local Authority, and external agencies to meet the holistic needs of our students.

• Implement strategies to support sustained improvements in student behaviour and engagement through "The Hub" and alternative provision.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a leader who is passionate about equity and driven by results. You should be:

• A supportive coach who can challenge underperformance while fostering a positive, calm learning environment.

• A strategic thinker capable of managing complex statutory requirements and budgets.

• An experienced leader with a proven track record of high-quality teaching and successful SEND management.

• Committed to overcoming disadvantage and advancing equality for every student at Granville Academy.

Why Work for Affinity?

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses – Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives – Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What Are The Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model

• Removal of performance-related pay

• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace

• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks

• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload

• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services

• Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service

• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active

• Cycle to Work scheme

• BHSF health cash plan

• Eye care vouchers

• Flu vaccination vouchers

Visits

Prospective applicants are welcome to visit, and this can be arranged by telephoning 01283 216765.

To Apply

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

To apply, please visit our careers page: granvilleacademy.co.uk/54/vacancies

Closing date: 9.00am on 24th February 2026.

Interview date: 27th February 2026 (to be confirmed).

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process, should this be required.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.