CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) - SEN TRUST SOUTHEND  

Location:                                   Southend-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom

Salary:                                        Leadership points 38-42

Contract Type:                      Permanent full time

Our academies are open for 39 weeks per year.  There is a requirement with this role to be available during a portion of the holiday periods for the performance of your professional duties. 

Start Date:                               September 2026


Inspire. Lead. Develop.

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for special education? Do you have the strategic insight and operational expertise to lead a Multi Academy Trust dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?

Due to the retirement of our founding CEO, the SEN Trust is recruiting an exceptional CEO to lead our small and successful Trust into its next phase of development.  With a strong foundation and a clear moral purpose, Our Trust is committed to continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for pupils with complex needs across our four specialist Academies; The St. Christopher School, Kingsdown School, Lancaster School and St. Nicholas School.

Our values promote inclusivity; meeting the needs of all our students, whatever the background. We have high aspirations for our students and promote a voice for everyone, whilst also ensuring accountability and transparency in our practices.


About the Role:

·         Develop existing networks with local and national partners to ensure the long-term future of the Trust.

·         Be a visible and values-driven leader for our community; including representations with Local Authority Officers.

·         Drive development and innovation, being proactive in recognizing future challenges and opportunities in special education.

·         Champion the highest standards of education, care, and inclusion.

·         Provide strategic leadership and direction across the Trust, whilst enabling each school and Headteacher to maintain their own school’s identity within the umbrella of the Trust.

·         Work closely with Headteachers, Trustees, the MAT central staff team, and partners including Christopher’s Cottage respite center (on-site at The St. Christopher School).

·         Ensure financial health and regulatory compliance, as Accounting Officer for the Trust.

·         Hold responsibility for safeguarding across the trust.

·         Further centralisation of MAT services for the benefit of all Schools.


What we are Looking For:

·         Proven leadership experience at executive or senior level in special education or a related sector (preferably at Headteacher level).

·         Deep understanding of SEND and inclusive practice.

·         Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen to ensure that resources and people are deployed effectively and efficiently.

·         Inspirational communicator and relationship-builder, who demonstrates empathy and understanding, relating well to people at all levels, whilst motivating them to do their best.

·         Commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement-always upholding strong ethics and values.

·         Keeping our pupil's wellbeing and outcomes at the center of our focus.


We Offer:

·         A dedicated and passionate team of professionals to support in the role.

·         A supportive and engaged Board of Trustees.

·         Opportunities to shape the future of SEND education in our area.

·         A culture rooted in compassion, ambition, and excellence.


To Apply:

Visits and discussion encouraged  19^th- 23^rd January 2026 - to be arranged in advance by email:  JMullan@sentrustsouthend.co.uk  (current and retiring CEO).

Closing date:                                            6^th February 2026

Shortlisting dates:                                 10^th February 2026

References:                                              Referees will be contracted prior to the interview date

Interview dates:                                     24^th/25^th February 2026

Start date:                                                 1^st September 2026