Deputy Headteacher and SENCO

Salary: L 3-7 £54,394 – £60,145 per annum

Hours of work: Full-Time       

Contract type: Permanent

A bit about us:

At St. Paul’s School in Chippenham, we are proud to be an inclusive and supportive community where every child is valued and nurtured. Our school motto, “Making a difference with kindness, creativity, and pride,” is at the heart of everything we do. We take a child-centred approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that each pupil’s unique needs are met with compassion, respect, and excellence. We are an OPAL school, committed to outdoor learning and play. In September 2024, we opened our 2-Class Resource Base for children with Complex Needs, focusing on communication and interaction difficulties.

All about the role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Headteacher/SENCO at St Paul’s Primary School. The Governors are seeking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Deputy Headteacher/SENCO to share in the leadership of our happy and successful school; someone who will promote our vision, aims, standards and values. The SENCO part of the role is for our mainstream provision as the Resource Base SEN provision is managed by the Resource Base Manager.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an outstanding classroom practitioner able to lead by example.
• Has the imagination to develop a creative curriculum that lifts standards whilst enthusing pupils.
• Has proven leadership and management skills with the ability to lead and inspire staff and secure school improvement.
• Is able to play a significant role in raising standards and improving teaching and learning across the school.
• Can lead on SENCO provision and promote the outcomes for children with SEND.
• Can take responsibility for the operational management of all SEND staff
• Liaise effectively with the Resource Base Manager
• Can analyse and interpret local and national Data on SEND and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching to guide further improvement.
• Can demonstrate excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Is prepared to go that extra mile and make a difference to the lives and life chances of our children.
• Is able to teach across the primary age range.

In return we can offer:

• Enthusiastic, friendly children who are eager to learn.
• A committed, friendly and supportive staff.
• A supportive Governing Body.
• Opportunities to network with the cluster of local schools.
• Dedicated leadership time.
• A commitment to Profesional Development
• Lots of hard work, fun and laughter.

Find out more and apply:

Visits are welcomed and encouraged – please contact Sheridan Upton, Headteacher to arrange a visit: head@st-pauls.wilts.sch.uk

To apply, please download the application form and click the ‘apply now’ button below to upload your completed application form and covering letter, referring to the person specification. Please note: CV’s will not be considered. 

Closing date (and time): Midday on Monday 13^th April, 2026

Interview date:  Week Commencing 20^th April, 2026

Commencement date:  September 2026

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are not ‘protected’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.

Job description and Person specification