National SEND and EAL Lead

Academy Transformation Trust (ATT) is seeking an exceptional specialist to join our central team as National SEND and EAL Lead. This is a unique opportunity to work in expert advisory partnership with Principals, Senior Leaders and SEND teams across all of our academies, helping to continuously refine and strengthen provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and those for whom English is an Additional Language.

This is a role where expertise, professional curiosity and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for some of our most vulnerable and linguistically diverse learners sit at the heart of everything you do. You will be a trusted, visible presence across our academies — advising, supporting and challenging colleagues to develop their practice as part of a culture of continuous improvement.

About the role

As National SEND and EAL Lead, you will:

• Provide expert, evidence-informed advice to Principals, Senior Leaders and SEND teams on all aspects of SEND and EAL provision, as part of the Trust’s continuous improvement agenda

• Provide clear guidance on SEND law and statutory requirements, supporting academies to fulfil their legal obligations and to advocate confidently on behalf of pupils and families

• Lead SEND and EAL Communities of Practice, fostering collaborative working and the sharing of best practice across the Trust

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies, local authorities and specialist services

• Represent ATT within national SEND and EAL networks and deliver high-quality external-facing training and professional development

• Travel regularly to academies across the Trust, providing on-site support including during external inspections, reviews and audits

Why join ATT?

ATT is a high-trust, high-accountability organisation where specialist leaders are genuinely valued and empowered. You will benefit from:

• A national platform to make a genuine, lasting difference across multiple school communities

• Genuine professional autonomy within a supportive, expert central team

• Opportunities to operate within national networks and to deliver external-facing training, building your profile as a sector leader

• High-quality professional development, peer networks and genuine investment in your continued learning

• Expert Trust support and a collaborative, values-led working environment

Who we’re looking for

You will be an experienced, principled and professionally curious specialist who:

• Holds a NASENCo/NPQSENCo qualification or equivalent, and/or recognised EAL expertise

• Has significant experience of working strategically with schools or academies on SEND and/or EAL

• Is committed to research-informed practice and brings a professionally inquisitive, growth-oriented mindset

• Has a secure understanding of SEND law and the confidence to challenge and engage external agencies on behalf of pupils and families

• Is committed to equity, belonging and safeguarding

• Brings energy, dedication and a servant leadership approach — genuinely committed to going above and beyond for the pupils, families and colleagues they support

• Holds a full UK driving licence with access to own vehicle, and is happy to travel regularly across Trust academies

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from under-represented groups.

How to apply

• Closing date: 9am on Thursday 4 June 2026

• Interviews: Week commencing 8 June 2026, anticipated Tuesday 9 June

• Preferred start date: September 2026

• Apply via: MyNewTerm

If you are considering a September start and need to meet an earlier notice period deadline, we encourage you to make contact with us as soon as possible so we can discuss options for an earlier conversation. We reserve the right to appoint to this post before the advertised closing date should an exceptional candidate come forward.

Informal conversations are warmly encouraged. To arrange a discussion with Christine Franklin, Director of Safeguarding and Inclusion, please contact Karen Robson (PA to the CEO) at Karen.Robson@attrust.org.uk.

Academy Transformation Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will undertake an enhanced DBS criminal record check, and online searches will be carried out in line with KCSIE. We are committed to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and welcome all applications.