Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator

Job Overview 

The British Junior Academy of Brussels (BJAB) is a prestigious international school located in the diplomatic residential area of Brussels and the diverse intake is reflected in our proximity to the main institutions of the EU, major NGOs and offices of multinational companies. Our reputation, since 1992, as a high-quality provider of the National Curriculum of England is recognised in the local and international community. BJAB is proud to be a member of COBIS (Council of British International Schools), IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) and Round Square. The school was inspected in 2022 by ISI and judged to be ‘Excellent’ in all areas; since the change in the BSO framework, we have successfully completed a further 2025 ISI inspection in which the school met all British School Overseas (BSO) standards, eliciting high praise.  The report can be accessed here.  

BJAB offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for pupils and students currently aged 3 to 16. As a growing school, aiming to be offer fully all-through education from 3 to 18 by 2027-28, BJAB is very well placed to offer the full learning journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to IGCSE and ultimately the IB Diploma programme (IBDP). BJAB is currently involved in the accreditation process to offer the IB IBDP from September, 2026, with the first set of exams in Spring and Summer, 2028. The school already has an excellent record of feeding pupils into top European and British independent schools including Eton, Thomas’s Battersea, Westminster, Magdalen College, St Mary’s Ascot and James Allen's Girls School, and continues to attract high calibre British and international families.  

We are committed to providing a high-quality, holistic education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth and global citizenship, based on the BJAB Values. As a thriving and highly successful learning community, BJAB is founded on a tradition of high academic achievement and exemplary support for pupils.  At the heart of our success is the strength of partnership that exists between pupils, their families and staff. Our ethos is grounded in providing a safe, caring, respectful, tolerant and disciplined environment where high standards prevail in all areas of school life. The school has approximately 300 pupils and a teaching staff of 58. 

The school is seeking an experienced Special Education Needs and Development (SEND) Coordinator, preferably with a strong background in Primary and Secondary education who has taught either in the UK, in a UK international school or both. This role represents an exciting opportunity to help shape our rapidly developing SEND component of our curriculum within a fast-paced, ambitious school. BJAB is looking for someone with expertise, energy and organisational drive to lead high-quality provision, support teachers and LSAs across the school and ensure that students receive the support, challenge and care they need to succeed. 

The SEND Co. will be responsible for the oversight and the responsibility of ensuring high quality SEND provision at BJAB from Pre-KG to Year 12 and ultimately Year 13 from September 2027, playing a critical role in leading, managing and developing the school’s support of students across both sites at the Lower School (BSM – Boulevard Saint Michele) and Upper School (BLS – Boulevard Louis Schmidt), i.e. from Pre-KG to Year 12/13 as a clear and visible presence across both sites. This position requires strong leadership skills, pedagogical expertise and a passion for student success.  

The SEND Co will lead and manage the strategic development of the school’s SEND provision in line with the school’s vision and policies. As a key member of the Middle Leadership team, the SEND Co will work closely with Phase Leaders and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to support pupils and teachers to maximise student attainment. The SEND Co ensures the quality assurance of SEND provision and contributes to whole-school planning, safeguarding and curriculum development to ensure SEND provision is fully embedded. The SEND Co reports directly to the Headteacher, who may delegate additional tasks as they arise. 

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

• Develop further, re-design as necessary, implement and coordinate a high-quality SEND programme  

• Support and advise staff in identifying and meeting the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning for all. 

• Provide pedagogical leadership of SEND - working closely with SLT, Subject Specialists, Teachers and LSAs to evaluate implementation of the curriculum. 

• To contribute to the successful induction of all new staff so that they are supported and fully aware of expectations, policies, and procedures pertaining to SEND. 

• Coordinate the accommodations and exam access arrangements for all SEND students following JCQ guidelines. 

Curriculum Implementation 

• Ensure that the planning and implementation of SEND is in alignment with (inter)national standards, school objectives and the needs of pupils and students. 

• Ensure that teaching materials, resources and methodologies are current, effective, and engaging, promoting active learning and differentiation. 

Assessment, Feedback and Data Analysis: 

• In consultation with the data manager, to monitor, track and evaluate the progress and attainment of pupils with SEND, using data to inform effective interventions and support. 

• Use data, assessments and observation to drive targeted learning support. 

Administration & Leadership 

• Develop, implement and review systems such as IEPs, provision maps and pupil support plans to help overcome barriers to learning.  

• Lead and support colleagues through training, guidance and collaboration to promote best practice in SEND across the school. 

• Coordinate and have oversight of annual reviews, ensure all reports are collated, deadlines met and follow up actions implemented. 

• Ensure that teachers are provided with an opportunity for professional development related to SEND and professional development requirements are met . 

• Be available to supervise candidates if an examination falls on a bank holiday / public holiday in Belgium.    

• Be available following results day on campus to meet students and parents with concerns about exam results. 

• Work with the Headteacher, SLT, IB Co-ordinator and MLT to analyze key results and plan the way forward.  

 Students 

• Monitor students' progress and coordinate support for those experiencing difficulty. 

• Share information with students/families about SEND provision at BJAB.  

• Evaluate, arrange and review access arrangements for all students taking external exams. 

• Work effectively with teachers, LSAs, parents, external agencies and other schools to coordinate support and ensure continuity of provision. 

 External Inspection and Compliance 

• Ensure the school remains compliant with its statutory responsibilities regarding young people with SEND and EHC Plans. 

• Coordinate the preparation of SEND at BJAB for both internal and external inspection and evaluation processes, such as ISI inspection, IB accreditation and the IB 5-year programme review, ensuring the required documentation and evidence is in place. 

This Job Description may be amended at any time following discussion between the Headteacher and member of staff; it is to be reviewed annually. 

The British Junior Academy of Brussels (BJAB) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All members of the teaching staff are required to remain updated on any changes to school policies and promote the ethos, aims and policies. All candidates will be subject to background checks in line with British Overseas Standards.   

Successful candidates must have the following essential Qualifications and Experience: 

• A higher education degree or qualification to act as a SEND Coordinator. 

• An excellent knowledge of UK education and the National Curriculum of England.  

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent. 

• A minimum of 3 years of SEND experience in an educational setting, preferably in an international school. 

• A proven track record of success in school leadership and management, with a strong focus on academic excellence and pupil wellbeing. 

• Confidence with the use of IT and experience with Microsoft Suite. 

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.  

• The right to work in Belgium and/or eligibility for sponsorship under a Belgian work visa programme.  

Applications without these essential criteria will not be considered.  

The following experience or personal attributes is/are highly desirable:  

• An enthusiastic and passionate leader with deep understanding of the requirements and demands of teaching and learning for SEND learners. 

• A working level (or higher) of an additional language, especially French or Flemish/Dutch. 

• A strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions. 

• A warm, professional and competent communicator.  

• A collaborative and inclusive leader who values teamwork, empathy and the contributions of others. 

• Culturally aware and sensitive, with a global perspective and appreciation for diversity. 

• Calm and approachable manner, able to work under pressure. 

• Excellent standards of personal presentation.  

• Resilient and adaptable, able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 

• Publicly support, both inside and outside school, all decisions of the Headteacher, SLT and School Owners. 

• Actively contribute to the positive reputation of BJAB as a growing school and future all-through 3-18 institution. 

• A positive, flexible, ‘can do’ work ethic, able to be flexible when required  

• An enthusiasm for engaging with diverse cultures tempered only with high levels of patience and adaptability  

• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, safeguarding, and inclusion in all aspects of the role. 

• Ability to lead and coordinate support provision in a thriving, fast-paced and growing school 

• Committed to the core values of BJAB: creativity and flexibility, professional rigour and integrity, expectations of high standards of academic and pastoral care and support are the hallmarks of our professional team.  

The ability to work as a team-player and to be flexible are pre-requisites for this role. We look for educationalists who are excited by the opportunity to support, nurture and challenge children from a range of backgrounds and starting points. Creativity and flexibility, professional rigour and integrity, expectations of high standards, as well as high levels of pastoral care and support are the hallmarks of our professional team.  

Working at BJAB offers:   

• A competitive salary based on years of teaching experience and qualifications.   

• Lunch Vouchers for each working day.   

• Ecological Product Vouchers.  

• Transport compensation and bike leasing plan.   

• Pension Plan.  

• Hospitalisation insurance (family included).  

• Work Permit and Visa Sponsorship (fees included).  

• Opportunities for Professional Development and advancement with responsibilities within the school. 

This position will begin on Friday, 21st August 2026 with new staff induction ahead of a full staff preparation week from Monday, 24th August until Friday, 28th August; the beginning of term is Monday, 31st August, 2026. Employment is for an indefinite time period. We only welcome candidates interested in full-time employment for this role. If interested, kindly submit the TES application form. The Headteacher, Mr Francis Retter, also requires a short covering (motivation) letter along with your CV via the platform. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and short-listed candidates may be contacted before the advert end date.