| Reference: | AQ3531 |
| Specialisms: | Education, Schools |
| Date posted: | 18th March 2026 |
I am delighted to extend my warmest welcome to you as you consider joining St James Schools. We appreciate your interest in becoming a part of our unique and inspiring educational community.
At St James, we take immense pride in our distinctive philosophical approach to education. Mindfulness, vegetarian lunches, and the inclusion of Sanskrit in our curriculum are just a few of the ways in which we stand out from the crowd. Our students, parents, and staff all cherish our truly unique ethos, built on principles of open-minded enquiry, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the limitless potential of the each individual.
With locations in both Ashford, Surrey, and Kensington Olympia, London, our schools are a vibrant and diverse hub of learning. Our commitment to fostering a culture of mutual respect and trust is central to our mission, and our dedicated staff play a pivotal role in making this a reality.
Our school’s unique ethos extends to our support for staff. We have our own salary scale, and we highly value our team members. You will find ample opportunities for professional development to help you grow in your career.
We would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.
Warm regards,
William Wyatt
Chief Operating Officer
Founded in 1975 by philosophically-inclined parents, our three independent day schools offer a distinctive approach to education which provides for the intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of every child; they aim to provide an environment in which a child can discover all that is best within their own nature.
We actively support our pupils’ emotional wellbeing, focusing on mindfulness and fostering a positive school atmosphere built on mutual respect, trust and kindness.
Our schools enjoy enviable locations in London and Surrey: our Nursery, Preparatory School and Senior Girls’ School are close to Hammersmith and High Street Kensington, while St James Senior Boys’ School occupies a stunning 33-acre site in Ashford, in leafy Surrey, with transport services from London.
About the role
St James Schools are entering an exciting new phase in their development. With a long-established reputation for academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of community, the Schools are now expanding their provision as the Senior School at Olympia becomes fully co-educational, welcoming boys and girls into the community from this year.
As the Schools continue to grow and evolve, they are seeking an experienced and committed SENDCo to lead and develop the provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities across the school.
This is an important role in ensuring that every pupil at St James is able to flourish academically and personally. The successful candidate will lead the strategic development and day-to-day management of SEND provision, working closely with school leaders, teachers, parents and external agencies to ensure that pupils receive the support they need to succeed.
The SENDCO will play a key role in shaping an inclusive learning environment as the school transitions to co-education, ensuring that the needs of all pupils are understood and supported. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the school, the postholder will ensure that inclusive teaching practices are embedded within the curriculum and that staff are supported to deliver high-quality, differentiated learning.
The role will involve overseeing identification and assessment processes, developing individual support plans, and ensuring that appropriate interventions are in place. The SENCo will also monitor progress and outcomes for pupils with additional needs, ensuring that provision is effective and aligned with statutory guidance and best practice.
Working closely with the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will contribute to the wider pastoral and academic development of the school, helping to ensure that inclusion, wellbeing and academic achievement remain central to the school’s ethos.
The SENDCO will build strong partnerships with parents and carers, ensuring open communication and a shared commitment to supporting each child’s development. They will also work with external specialists and agencies where appropriate to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils.
We are looking for a candidate who combines strong professional knowledge with a collaborative and compassionate approach. The successful candidate will have experience of leading SEND provision, a strong understanding of current SEND legislation and practice, and the ability to support and guide colleagues in delivering inclusive teaching.
This is an excellent opportunity to join St James Schools at a moment of significant development, contributing to a school community that values academic ambition, character development and the wellbeing of every pupil.
The School is committed to providing a comprehensive range of non-contractual benefits
Meal: Lunch will be provided on your working days in the on-site refectory during School term time.
Discounts: All permanent members of staff who have passed their probationary period may be eligible for School fees discounts. Any discount agreed ends when your employment terminates for whatever reason.
Christmas Closure: All support staff contracted to work during School holidays will receive paid leave during the Christmas period when all School sites are closed. This is in addition to the annual contractual holiday entitlement.
School of Philosophy and Economic Science membership: The Schools will cover the cost of membership fees for the employee to the School of Philosophy and Economic Science.
Life Assurance: All permanent members of staff are covered by life assurance. It is designed to help your dependants in the unfortunate event of your death while employed by us.
How to Apply
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to St James Schools. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.
Closing Date: This role is currently live on a rolling basis and we encourage early applications
Applications should consist of:
Should you wish to discuss further details about the role in strict confidence, please get in touch with Alasdair Redwood at alasdair.redwood@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0) 7394 012 383.
If you have any questions about your application, please get in touch.
