Assistant Principal - SEND, Inclusion and Safeguarding

Writtle College is a leading specialist provider of land-based education, delivering high-quality further education and apprenticeship programmes that meet the evolving needs of industry while providing an inclusive and ambitious learning experience for all students.

In 2024, Writtle College merged with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), creating exciting new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and regional impact, while securing the college's long-term sustainability. Our shared values of ambition, collaboration, inclusion and integrity underpin our mission to transform lives and create an environment where excellence can thrive.

Located on a stunning 150-hectare campus in the Essex countryside, within easy reach of central London, Writtle College offers an exceptional learning environment. Our specialist facilities include dedicated equine, animal and canine centres, alongside a working farm, on-site accommodation for 300 students and a range of industry-standard resources that support both further and higher education provision. We are proud of our modern, industry-focused curriculum and the strong partnerships we have built with employers, civic organisations and sector stakeholders, creating meaningful progression pathways for our learners.

Following a successful Ofsted inspection in May 2025, which resulted in a Good rating, the college is going from strength to strength. We have experienced significant growth in student numbers over the past two years, maintain an outstanding financial position, and have ambitious plans to further enhance our curriculum offer and specialist facilities.

As part of ARU, Writtle College benefits from being embedded within one of the UK's most dynamic universities. ARU was named University of the Year by The Times Higher Education in 2023 and holds a TEF Gold rating for educational excellence. The University continues to strengthen its reputation through research-led innovation, extensive partnerships and significant investment across its four campuses.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking leader to provide strategic leadership for SEND, inclusion, attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding at Writtle College. The new post holder will lead the development and implementation of the college SEND and Inclusion Strategy, providing leadership for learning support services and inclusion teams, and ensuring effective support and outcomes for students. You will champion inclusive practice across all curriculum and support areas to further develop and enhance inclusion at the college, ensuring that it is front and centre in all we do. Key to success will be reducing achievement gaps and improving learner outcomes through continuous improvements to SEND and inclusive practice.

We have recently modified the focus of this role, to ensure that it reflects our deep commitment to providing the optimum experience, support and nurturing environment for our more vulnerable students and those with higher needs. This will be a key priority going forwards, as our enrolments continue to grow and as we welcome students to more diverse programmes and levels of study.

You will have ample opportunity to bring new ideas, shape practice and make a deep impact on the success and well-being of our students. A key priority will be working collaboratively with colleagues across both Writtle College and ARU, including sharing good practice and role modelling inclusivity.

.The Candidate

Our successful candidate will have significant experience of leading SEND and Inclusion provision, supporting High Needs learners and vulnerable groups within an education environment, with a strong understanding of EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.

Experience of leading quality improvement and inspection preparation is of key importance, as is extensive safeguarding leadership experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. We are seeking an innovative, entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, who can motivate and inspire staff while demonstrating empathy in supporting and engaging students. 

We welcome applications from individuals seeking to step upwards and we will provide support and development to help you succeed and continue your leadership journey. We are equally open to considering candidates from colleges, schools, academies or other education environments, and previous land-based sector experience is not necessary. What matters most is your ability to have a positive impact on the inclusion agenda, inspire colleagues and create a safe, supportive environment, taking forward a specialist institution with ambitious plans for growth.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a talented and committed leadership team at a pivotal point in the college's development. By combining Writtle's specialist heritage with the strengths and opportunities offered through ARU, you will help shape the next chapter of our success and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our students, staff and wider communities.

Writtle College Website Vision and Values

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