Shape the future of inclusive education.
Your Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the country's largest Multi-Academy Trusts at a pivotal moment for inclusion. As national SEND reform gathers pace, GLF is determined not simply to respond to change, but to help define and exemplify what excellent, inclusive practice looks like across the sector. We are seeking an outstanding leader to join our School Support Team and play a key role in delivering our ambitious vision that every child shapes their future through an excellent education.
Working across our secondary schools, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND, inclusion, attendance, behaviour, and safeguarding, helping to ensure that all young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, have access to high-quality, inclusive educational experiences.
Why this role?
This newly created position represents a significant investment in inclusion and reflects GLF's commitment to being at the forefront of national developments in SEND and inclusive practice.
The successful candidate will:
- Help lead GLF's strategic preparation for SEND reform, ensuring our secondary schools are well-positioned to meet emerging DfE expectations and influence best practice across the sector.
- Drive the implementation of innovative, trust-wide approaches to SEND, including the introduction of a common SEND provision mapping system across all secondary schools.
- Provide leadership for inclusive pedagogy, supporting school leaders and teachers to develop classrooms where all learners can succeed.
- Bring specialist secondary expertise to strengthen our capacity to improve outcomes for pupils with SEND and other learners vulnerable to underachievement.
- Play a key role in reducing barriers to attendance, tackling disadvantage, and supporting schools to further reduce suspensions and permanent exclusions through inclusive and evidence-informed approaches.
- Contribute to the strategic deployment of resources, including the Inclusive Mainstream Fund, and school inclusion bases, ensuring investment is targeted where it can have the greatest impact.
- Strengthen trust-wide safeguarding leadership, acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and helping ensure robust safeguarding oversight across our family of schools.
Join us at an exciting time
GLF is recognised for its commitment to inclusion. As we prepare for the next chapter of education reform, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape strategy, influence practice across multiple schools and contribute to system-wide improvement. If you are a passionate and forward-thinking leader who wants to help build a more inclusive education system, we would love to hear from you.
Please note, you must have your own transport / be willing travel, as the role will be on site across several of our schools. As a flexible employer, we would consider part time of job shares.
Join us and help place GLF at the forefront of SEND innovation, inclusive practice, and educational excellence.
Join the GLF Schools Community
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
- A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 pupils
- Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Ambition and Kindness
- 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
- We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
- Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
Our Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish
- Access to our highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Career pathways and talent management
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
The Details
Start Date: 1stSeptember 2026
Salary: £69,596 - £76,772 FTE
Contract: Permanent. Please note this is an Associate contract, and not Teaching Terms and Conditions.
Hours: Full time, but we would consider part time/job shares. Please note in your personal statement your preference.
Location: One of the central office locations in GLF, or nearest secondary school
Close Date: 29th June 9am
Interview Date: 3rd July 2026
Safeguarding Statement:
At GLF Schools, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment. All roles are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We understand that life is busy and that flexibility matters. That’s why we’re happy to explore flexible working arrangements that help you balance your professional and personal commitments.
GLF Schools is proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our schools and communities. We’re building a culture where:
- Everyone is respected and valued.
- Discrimination is never tolerated.
- Equity and fairness are at the heart of everything we do.
- Staff, children, and students are safe to express their identities.
We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and our community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, trans and non-binary individuals, people of all ages, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths and beliefs.
To help us manage applications efficiently:
- We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
- We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will carry out an online search and request references for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a self-declaration form. You will have the opportunity in the application form to confirm if you would prefer referees to be contacted after your interview.
