Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator (SENDCo) and Head of Learning Support
About Us
The Richard Pate School is owned and operated by Pate’s Grammar School Foundation. It is a successful co-ed independent day school (Monday-Friday) for approximately 300 3-11 year olds. The school is set in a beautiful 11-acre semi-rural site on the outskirts of Cheltenham. We offer children a broad education in modern, purpose-built facilities, which includes music, sport, art, languages, drama and a varied extra-curricular programme. The School has an excellent record of admissions to both grammar and independent schools, with around half of our pupils moving on to grammar schools and a large number gaining scholarships to independent schools.
We are seeking an exceptional candidate to fill the role of SENDCo and Head of Learning Support from January 2027. There is also an opportunity to take on a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
In summary the role is as follows:
- Full-time permanent post
- Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications
- Start date: 1 January 2027
- Responsibility for leading SEND provision across the school
To be successful in this role you must be:
- Have relevant qualifications and Qualified Teacher Status, and be experienced in the delivery and monitoring of SEND within a school setting – preferably across Early Years and Key Stage 1 and 2.
- Have sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and of supporting pupils with English as an Additional Language.
- Be capable of communicating effectively with pupils, colleagues, parents, visiting professionals and external agencies.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Be committed to professional development.
- Be enthusiastic about being part of a supportive team, prepared to be immersed fully into school life.
- Be respectful of the School’s aims and values.
In return, we offer you:
- A positive working environment with friendly and supportive colleagues.
- A strong commitment to on-going professional development
- Children who are enthusiastic to learn, with outstanding behaviour
- A fee-remission scheme
- Free parking on site and subsidised lunches during term time.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.
Further Information
Further information can be found in the job Information Pack on the school website (www.richardpate.co.uk), along with policies (including ‘Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure, including Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and Recruitment Privacy Notice’).
To apply for this role:
Please download our Application Form and Information Pack below.
Completed applications should be posted to:
Mrs Lucy Cox – Bursar
The Richard Pate School
Southern Road
Cheltenham GL53 9RP
Or emailed to: bursar@richardpate.co.uk
Applications must be received by 12:00pm on Monday 21 September 2026.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 8 October 2026.
Start date: 1 January 2027
NB: CVs will not be accepted in place of an application form, but may be submitted as additional supporting documentation.
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our community. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Candidates who have a disability or any other special requirements should let the School know if there are any reasonable adjustments they would like the School to make as part of the recruitment process.
Pate’s Grammar School Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare or children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the School. We make sure that all our staff are trained and supervised to a high standard so they can provide safe, effective practice.
All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes the disclosure of criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check including Barred List check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to undertake online checks and ask for references prior to interview, by applying for this role you are consenting for us to contact your referees. Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Pate’s Grammar School Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our community. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
