Contract: Permanent, full-time.

Salary Range: up to the region of £49,232 per annum (actual salary), dependent on experience.

Start Date: 1^st September 2026

Closing Date: 14^th May 2026

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

St Edward’s School (rated Outstanding by Ofsted, 2025) provides a nurturing, specialist learning environment where every pupil is supported to grow, build resilience, and thrive.

We are now seeking an inspiring and forward‑thinking SENCo (The Bridge) to coordinate therapeutic provision across the school.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Assistant Head (SEND), Senior Leadership Team and Clinical Psychologist, providing high‑quality integrated support that removes barriers to learning and promotes positive wellbeing, engagement and achievement.

We invite you to “make yourself necessary” and become a valued part of our dedicated community.

The role will involve working across our main site (SO51 6ZR) and an additional Hub in Hampshire within a reasonable commuting distance.

The Role

As SENCo (The Bridge), you will:

• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership for The Bridge and therapeutic provision across the school.
• Coordinate and oversee integrated therapeutic interventions, ensuring coherence, quality and impact.
• Lead, line‑manage and support the multidisciplinary therapy team, promoting high standards of professional practice, supervision and wellbeing.
• Manage statutory SEND responsibilities and act as a key liaison with families, Local Authorities and external professionals.
• Prepare and quality‑assure tribunal documentation and attend tribunal hearings and court proceedings where required, representing the school professionally and confidently.

About You

We are looking for a confident, organised and empathetic professional who:

• Has significant leadership experience within SEND, therapeutic, clinical or specialist education services.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of statutory SEND duties, including EHCP processes and tribunal procedures.
• Has experience working effectively with children and young people with complex SEMH needs.
• Is highly organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Leads with calm authority, professionalism and compassion.
• Communicates clearly and sensitively with pupils, families, colleagues and professionals.
• Can translate therapeutic knowledge into practical guidance for school staff.
• Is committed to inclusion, dignity and positive outcomes for pupils with SEND.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• NASENCO or NPQ SENCO qualification
• Experience within a specialist or therapeutic school setting.      

 Our Vision

At St Edward’s, our vision is clear:

To ensure that every pupil has access to an accredited, high-quality education tailored to their individual needs, complemented by meaningful opportunities for vocational learning.

We aim to equip young people with not only academic qualifications, but also the confidence, strategies, and resilience they need to manage challenges, build self-belief and succeed in education, employment, and life beyond St Edward’s School.

Why Join St Edward’s?

Staff Wellbeing

Your wellbeing is central to our ethos. Staff benefit from:

• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, health, and counselling support)
• Dedicated staff wellbeing days each year
• A two-week October half-term break
• Access to professional supervision and support from a Clinical Psychologist
• A dedicated senior leader responsible for staff wellbeing. 

Professional Development

We are committed to your professional growth through:

• A thorough induction programme
• High-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Clear pathways for career progression and development.

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive salary scales reflecting experience and expertise
• Pension Scheme
• Free on-site lunches during term time
• Free on-site parking
• Use of excellent sports facilities outside school hours, including a fitness suite, swimming pool, and sports hall.

Our Community

St Edward’s is a warm, inclusive, and collaborative community. We are proud of our strong staff retention, supportive culture, and shared commitment to putting pupils first. Our staff work creatively and collectively, always supporting one another and celebrating success.

Safeguarding and Application Procedure

St Edward’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Appointments are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and other relevant pre-employment checks.

Online searches are conducted on all shortlisted candidates. This may include search engines and social media platforms.

St Edward’s is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Please note: CVs are not an acceptable alternative to a fully completed application form.