Job Description

We're seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to be our next Director of SEND. This role shapes and drives our Trust-wide vision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You'll play a pivotal role in raising standards of learning and achievement by working directly with SENDCOs and school leaders in their schools, coordinating high-quality provision, monitoring outcomes, and championing inclusive practices across our schools. This is a national role requiring travel across our Trust schools.


If you're passionate about equity in education and have the expertise to lead transformational change, we'd love to hear from you.

About Star Central

Star Central, which is headquartered in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools.


The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools directly by being in them to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is prepared to shape and drive our Trust-wide vision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and work directly in our schools to make that happen. A willingness to be operational and be in schools shaping and developing practice is essential. You'll play a pivotal role in directly raising standards of learning and achievement by coordinating high-quality provision, monitoring outcomes, and championing inclusive practices across our schools.


If you're passionate about equity in education and have the expertise to lead transformational change and have a demonstrable impact on outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Capabilities:

Credibility as an experienced and successful secondary phase senior leader with a demonstrable track record of success, particularly with improving teaching. School-based secondary school leadership experience of SEND is essential. Deep understanding of the four broad areas of need, with experience in leading high-quality SEND provision and supporting SENDCOs to develop and implement a Trust-wide SEND strategy that raises standards and ensures consistency in provision and outcomes. Collaborative leadership skills to deliver joined-up, inclusive education aligned to Star's vision and values. Performance and impact focused with strong analytical skills to monitor progress, impact, and drive continuous improvement in SEND outcomes. Committed to building capacity through developing others through instructional coaching, professional development, and creating a culture of excellence in SEND leadership in schools. Experience in commissioning services, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities. Ability and experience in fostering strong relationships with schools, local authorities, and external partners to enhance provision and outcomes.

About Star Academies

Star Academies

is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our

STAR values

embody what we believe is needed to succeed.


Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub,

Star Talent Academy

. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.


We can also offer you a range of

rewards and benefits

, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Star Central by calling 0330 313 9800.

Key Dates

Closing Date:

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at midnight.

Interview Date:

Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

Proposed Start Date:

As soon as possible.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.