Assistant Principal - PFA Lead and Deputy Senco

Full Job Description

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title:  Assistant Principal - PFA Lead and Deputy Senco 
Location:  Syon Manor College, Isleworth, London, TW7 5AJ
This is a multi site role and travel will be required between all these post codes: TW7 5AJ, UB8 3HD, UB8 1SZ
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Salary:      Up to £55,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As an Assistant Principal, you will play a key strategic and operational leadership role across both campuses, working closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, Clinical Team and wider staff community.

You will lead with compassion, professionalism and ambition — ensuring students receive exceptional educational, therapeutic and pastoral support while helping to grow and shape the future direction of the provision.

This role combines elements of:

• Deputy SENCo leadership
• Assistant Principal responsibilities
• Strategic SEND leadership
• Operational campus leadership

Travel to the main Isleworth campus will occasionally be required.

What you will be doing

Strategic Leadership

• Support the Principal in the leadership and management of both campuses
• Drive forward the College Improvement Plan and strategic priorities
• Lead on inclusion, student engagement and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes
• Ensure policies, practices and provision align with SEND legislation and the College ethos
• Contribute to self-evaluation, quality assurance and sustainable growth

SEND & Inclusion Leadership

• Oversee EHCP processes, annual reviews and statutory responsibilities
• Lead transition planning for new students and leavers
• Work closely with therapists, families, local authorities and external agencies
• Champion outstanding inclusive practice across curriculum and pastoral provision
• Support staff training and development in ASC, SLD and wellbeing approaches

Staff Leadership & Development

• Line manage and performance manage teaching and support staff
• Support recruitment, induction and professional development
• Foster a positive, collaborative and reflective staff culture
• Lead by example as a visible and inspirational role model

Student Outcomes & Wellbeing

• Ensure students receive ambitious, accessible and meaningful learning experiences
• Promote attendance, engagement and belonging
• Strengthen pathways into adulthood, independence, employment and further education
• Build positive relationships with parents, carers and the wider community

What you will bring

• QTS/QTLS, SENCO qualification (desired)
• Has substantial leadership experience within a SEND setting
• Has expertise supporting learners with ASC and/or SLD
• Is highly organised, strategic and solution-focused
• Is passionate about inclusive education and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes
• Brings warmth, resilience and a student-centred approach to leadership
• Driving licence required 

About Us

Syon Manor College is an independent provider of high-quality learning and skills for young people with autism and complex needs aged 16–25. Operating across three London sites—Isleworth, Hillingdon, and Uxbridge—the college delivers personalised education and support in an autism-specific environment. Our broad curriculum includes academic, vocational, and life skills learning, with BTECs, GCSEs, Functional Skills, ASDAN, Employability and Independence programmes, and Duke of Edinburgh awards. Specialist teaching and tailored support help learners develop their unique skills, build confidence, and thrive in their communities. At Syon Manor College, we focus on preparing young people for independent living and meaningful futures.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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