SENCO

St Columba’s are now seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced SENCO to work alongside the current SENCO and the Senior Leadership Team in delivering the school’s evolving inclusion agenda. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in promoting an inclusive culture, leading the strategic direction and development of our SEN provision, and ensuring that every pupil is supported to reach their full potential.

St Columba's is a Catholic comprehensive school for boys aged 11 – 16 in the London Borough of Bexley. The school’s ethos and vision is that every member of our school community is a unique and special creation of God. We are proud to be part of St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, which operates 16 schools across the Diocese of Southwark and whose vision is to create an environment where all children will be empowered, inspired and flourish. The St Columba’s School Vision places inclusivity at the heart of our school and we are proud to have a Resourced Provision within our school catering for 30 students who require a more specialist level of support.

St Columba's most recent Ofsted inspection (published January 2025) confirmed the school remained a good school stating "Pupils are keen to come to this happy, inclusive school. This is a caring community that welcomes and celebrates diversity. The school sets high expectations for learning, behaviour and attendance. Pupils respond well to these. They come to school regularly and on time. Pupils behave with courtesy and respect. They take pride in all they do." With respect to staff the report states: "Staff enjoy working here and are proud of the school. They report that leaders are sensitive to their workload and well-being. Teachers appreciate the opportunities they have for professional development." See for yourself what our students are saying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DriFyQL1jU.

The ideal candidate will have:

• QTS and the National Award for SEN Coordination

• Up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation and the new inclusion agenda

• Leadership experience, either curriculum or pastoral, and experience of raising educational standards

• Experience of the change management process

• Energy, dynamism and a genuine determination that children with SEND can and should thrive in school

What we offer:

• A welcoming and supportive Catholic school environment

• A vibrant school community of 809 pupils

• A dedicated, collaborative staff team

• Opportunities for professional development

• A limited teaching timetable, enabling demonstration of best classroom practice and the opportunity to forge strong relationships with pupils

St Columba’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and other employment checks. The school is committed to equality and diversity in employment practice and service delivery.

The successful candidate will be required to also complete the CES Application Form.

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to interview ahead of the closing date.

Closing Date: Midday Thursday 14 May 2026

Interview Date: w/c Monday 18 May 2026

Start Date: 1 September 2026

How to apply:
For more information or to apply, please visit our website or contact Kelly White at: kwe@st-columbas.co.uk