Director of Inclusion - Colchester Academy
Required for September 2026
Permanent contract
Full Time
Salary Leadership Pay scale 6 - 10
Resilience, Excellence, Respect
Colchester Academy is a thriving secondary school, looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and driven Director of Inclusion with a commitment to inclusive education to join its dedicated and talented Middle Leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to continue to raise standards and outcomes across the school and to drive the Inclusion Faculty further on its journey to success. A key leadership role within the school, it offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of young people and to shape a truly inclusive culture of high expectations and outcomes.
As Director of Inclusion, you will lead the strategic development of SEND provision, working closely with senior leaders, staff, families, and external agencies to deliver high-quality, inclusive education. You will have a strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, a history of strong outcomes and successful leadership, and champion a culture of high expectations, ensuring that teaching is adaptive, responsive, and meets the diverse needs of all learners and be an integral part of our Raising Standards Team.
The NPQ SENCO is desirable; however, we will support the right candidate to achieve this qualification.
Colchester Academy is a secondary school located in the heart of Colchester, Essex, and is graded ‘GOOD’ by OFSTED (2018 and 2023). Part of a local Academy Chain, Penrose Learning Trust, this is an incredibly exciting time for us to appoint someone who is hard working, has high levels of integrity, can lead a team to greatness and passionately believes in the power of education to change lives.
We offer a positive and supportive workplace where staff go the extra mile, for students and for each other. A place where we provide excellent opportunities for career progression and advancement, and where the culture is one of equity and fairness built on relationships developed out of mutual trust and respect.
Colchester Academy is an outward facing research-based school, with pedagogy firmly rooted in the Principles of Instruction and a knowledge rich curriculum. We are looking to appoint someone intent upon driving up standards, delivering excellent teaching and inspiring the same in others.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Colchester Academy, a school committed to ensuring that every student is known, supported, and challenged to succeed. As Director of Inclusion, you will be at the heart of this mission—leading change, supporting staff, and ensuring that no student is left behind.
This role provides excellent opportunities for career progression and advancement. Colchester Academy is committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training, and the culture is one of equality and fairness built on relationships developed out of mutual trust and respect.
To apply for this position an application form must be completed in full. Please also enclose a covering letter outlining your suitability for the post and the skills you will bring to the post.
If you have any questions or would like to visit the Academy, please contact Lindsay Ainger, 01206 878878.
Closing date: 09:00am Tuesday 5 May 2026
Interview date: TBC
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Colchester Academy is an Equal Opportunities Employer