• Required for 1 September 2026
• Permanent and full-time
• 32.5 hours per week
• Salary Pay Scale: Leadership L8-L12

Required for September 2026, the Governors of this high achieving, oversubscribed Catholic Voluntary Academy seek to appoint a highly motivated and inspiring experienced SENDCo to join our Special Educational Needs Team.   

What are we looking for?

We are looking to appoint someone with experience of working with students with a range of additional needs and a solid understanding of SEND provision and support. The SENDCo will also be expected to fulfil the responsibilities of a teacher, as outlined in the STPCD.  While a small teaching load will form part of the role, time will also be allocated for core SENDCo duties.  We also recognise the importance of having a practising teacher in post.

The SENCO will work closely with the Executive SENDCo who works strategically across two secondary schools within the Trust, as well as the Senior Leadership Team and Pastoral Inclusion Team.  Together they are committed to providing a high-quality curriculum and teaching and learning for all students. 

This post presents an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference for students at St Mary’s Menston, working in a happy, friendly and positive school community. 

You will already hold the National SENCO Award or be willing to complete the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENDCos within the required 3-year timeframe.

You will be able to effectively lead and manage the team of Teaching Assistants and work closely with parents/carers and professionals. 

We are looking for an outstanding practitioner who has experience of providing and supporting students with SEND or a disability to succeed whatever their starting point, whatever their need. 

We are looking for someone who: 

• is passionate about making learning effective and enjoyable for all students 
• is forward thinking, outward looking with a clarity of vision 
• is aware of the national and local agendas in SEND
• has excellent analytical and data skills and the ability to provide challenges and support 
• great interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt 
• can create an environment in which our students feel especially safe, valued and happy 
• a high degree of personal integrity, strong personal drive, and resilience 

What can we offer you?

• a committed and friendly team aiming for excellence
• students who are well behaved, happy and eager to learn
• a supportive and encouraging Senior Leadership Team, Academy Council and Trust
• employee discount scheme (offering cycle to work scheme, gym membership, money saving offers across hundreds of the UK’s favourite high-street and online retailers, home and electrical items)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme (Education Support)
• on-site parking and access to canteen
• Teacher Pension Scheme
• a supportive organisation with the commitment to high quality professional development and wellbeing.

St. Mary’s is a popular and highly successful school situated on the Northwest fringe of Leeds, close to the Yorkshire Dales.  The school is part of the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust which consists of 2 high schools and 14 primary schools.  The June 2019 Section 48 judged St Mary’s as an outstanding school and the February 2025 Ofsted inspection judged St Mary’s to be outstanding in all areas.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed, please contact Jo-Anne Hughes, PA to the Senior Leadership Team on 01943 883000 to make an appointment.

• Closing date:          Monday 23 March 2026, 12.00 noon  
• Interview date:     It is anticipated that interviews will take place shortly afterwards

The Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy for applications or withdraw the vacancy at any time at its absolute discretion. 

St Mary’s is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK-either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

We value diversity and seek a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.