Deputy SENCo

DEPUTY SENCO - FULL TIMEFROM SEPTEMBER 2026 Appointment ofCONTENTS3Our Mission Statement andVision1Headmaster’s Introduction7About Ratcliffe College6The Benefits4-5Academic ExcellenceThe Vacancy89-11How to apply / Ratcliffe Terms Job Description and PersonSpecification12-13I wish you all the very best of luck with your application. Yours sincerely, Kind regards,Mr J. P. Reddin,Headmaster.Welcome to Ratcliffe College. I am delighted that you are considering applying for a role at our wonderful school. First andforemost, Ratcliffe College is a fantastic place to work. We are blessed with a beautiful physicalenvironment set in almost 200 acres of rolling Leicestershire countryside. Our staff, teaching andnon-teaching, work in harness, daily, to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for thechildren and young people to enjoy. Our collegiality is built on the foundations of the College’sCatholic faith, which welcomes everyone with the same universality of warmth and respect,embracing difference and cultivating an authentic community which values everyone equally. As a Catholic School with a proud Rosminian heritage which has endured since our Foundationin 1847, our aim is to help young people to achieve their greatest potential, guide theirintellectual growth, nurture their God-given talents, and inspire them to live in service to others.Together, we aim to develop honest, confident, responsible, and compassionate members ofsociety, based on the educational values of Blessed Antonio Rosmini, inspired by our schoolmotto, Legis Plenitudo Charitas’ or Love is the fulfilment of the Law. At Ratcliffe College, Christ is very much at the centre of all that we do. So, if our Missionresonates, and you believe you can be happy and thrive here, I encourage you to apply andjoin our team of staff as we fulfil our Mission.HEADMASTER’S INTRODUCTION12“Learning and Growing in theLight of the Gospel.”With Christ at the centre of our learning we: Help young people to achieve their greatestpotential.Guide their intellectual growth, nurture theirGod-given talents, and inspire them to live inservice to others.Aim to develop honest, confident, responsible andcompassionate members of society, based on theeducational values of Blessed Antonio Rosmini. Our core Rosminian values: 1. Legis Plenitudo Charitas: Love is the Fulfilment ofthe Law. Our community recognises each individual as a uniquepart of God’s creation, nurtures in each a sense ofdignity and self-worth, and fosters supportive andcaring relationships. 2. Rosminian Education pursues the perfection ofboth human nature and the human person. Our students’ intellect and talents are formed by abroad and balanced curriculum, responsive to andsupportive of students’ needs and aspirations. Ourstudents’ moral integrity is developed through theteaching, celebration and the living of Christian faith.3. Intellectual integrity leads us to the Truth. God is the source of all truth. Our staff are encouragedto foster intellectual curiosity, honesty and achievementin their students and within themselves. OUR VISIONTo be a leading independent day and boardingschool, which is financially secure. OURMISSIONSTATEMENTSCAN THE CODE 3-YEAR STRATEGYDEVELOPMENT PLAN 2025-2028.34Ratcliffe College is an Outstanding Roman Catholic,co-educational, day and boarding school for studentsaged between 3 and 18 years, founded in 1847 bythe Institute of Charity (known as the Rosminians). Whilst Ratcliffe operates as a Catholic school, children arewelcomed from other denominations and faiths whoseparents feel they can share in, and benefit from, the ethosand environment of the College. The majority of students atRatcliffe are day students drawn from the local catchmentarea of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The Senior Leadership Team comprises:Headmaster        Mr J Reddin, BSc, MSc, NPQH Senior Deputy Head        Mr K Ryce, BA, MScDeputy Head Pastoral        Mr J Rainer, BA, MADirector of Safeguarding       Mr J MastertonAssistant Head Academic        Ms J Davis, BA, MScAssistant Head, Head of Sixth Form        Mr B Harrison, BAHead of Preparatory School        Mrs S Boccaccini, BSc, MEdDeputy Head of Preparatory School        Mrs M Markham, BMusDirector of Finance and Operations       Mr C Bellamy, HNDBoarding CommunityRatcliffe benefits from a vibrant, warm and welcoming boarding community that has long been part of the School's history. Allstudents are encouraged to participate in boarding during their years at school – as full, weekly, part-time or occasionalboarders. Its close-knit community of friends and teachers’ is a supportive environment where our young people thrive. Our boarding community comprises students from both the UK and overseas, including those who join through our partnership withthe Academy at Leicester City Football Club.The College also offers several short-term international boarding programmes throughout the year, including 3–4 immersion tasterexperiences and an annual International Summer School, all delivered by Ratcliffe staff.Boarders benefit from a strong pastoral framework. Each student is supported by a Form Tutor who monitors their academicprogress and personal development, alongside the care and guidance provided by a dedicated and experienced boardingteam.ABOUT RATCLIFFE COLLEGE 4Ratcliffe College Preparatory School Ratcliffe College Preparatory School is a thriving andnurturing environment where children aged 3 to 11 areencouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning. As part ofthe wider Ratcliffe College community, the Prep Schoolbenefits from outstanding facilities, a beautiful campussetting, and access to specialist teaching, ensuring aseamless educational journey from Early Years through toSenior School.Ratcliffe College Preparatory School provides a rich, well-rounded educational experience that nurtures each child’sunique talents and potential. Our dedicated staff arecommitted to delivering a broad, balanced, and ambitiouscurriculum that supports academic excellence while nurturingcreativity, confidence, and character. Alongside coresubjects, pupils enjoy a wide range of specialist-led lessonsincluding Music, French, Spanish, Latin, Drama, PhysicalEducation and Games. Small class sizes and a strong sense of community allow usto truly know each child and support their individual strengthsand needs. An extensive co-curricular programme, regular trips, andenrichment opportunities further enhance pupils' experiences,helping to develop well-rounded individuals prepared forthe next stage of their education. The Preparatory School isan exciting and rewarding place to work. Staff are valuedmembers of a collaborative and forward-thinking team,playing an active role in shaping the character and culture ofthe school.5Ratcliffe students enjoy an excellent all-roundbalanced education, underpinned by theCollege’s core Rosminian Catholic ethos. While students at Ratcliffe have a broad range ofability, academic success is strongly encouraged,valued and recognised; indeed, the greatlyimproved academic standards in recent years haveproved popular both with parents and prospectiveparents, as reflected in the numbers of studentsapplying to join the College.Ratcliffe College has repeatedly ranked in thetop 10% nationally for value added results at A Level.A Level results achieved in 2025: 45% of A Level grades A*/A 71% grade B or above. Ten percent of students achieved A*/A*/Aor better. One in four students achieved A Level orBTEC grades equivalent to A/A/A orhigher.Over 90% of students typically achieve their firstchoice pathway for life after School. This includesstudents taking up places at Oxford, Cambridge,and other highly selective Russell Group universities;for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science; andat universities abroad.. ACADEMICEXCELLENCERatcliffe College has been judged ‘Excellent’ in all areas (ISI Inspection, 2022).Read the full Inspection Report here.6THE BENEFITS OFWORKING ATRATCLIFFE COLLEGETPS or Defined ContributionsPension SchemeFree parking on-siteFree lunch and refreshments Professional Developmental opportunities Sport and LeisureFree use of the on-site gym        (at specified times)Leicestershire County Cricket Clubfamily tickets (limited)Staff WellbeingStaff Wellbeing Committee     Free staff social events                        Access to on-site Medical CareRatcliffe College CommunityCommittee Access to the School CounsellorSCAN THE CODE VIRTUAL CAMPUSTOUR.7DEPUTY SENCO - FULL TIMEWe are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable DeputySENCo to join our passionate and inclusive LearningSupport department within our independent senior school.The successful candidate will work closely with the SENCo tofurther develop our learning support provision, ensuringevery learner with additional needs is supported to thriveacademically and personally. This role involves coordinatingeffective interventions, guiding colleagues in deliveringhigh-quality inclusive teaching, and fostering strongpartnerships with pupils, families, and externalprofessionals. This position provides a valuable opportunityto join a warm, innovative school community where inclusionand student wellbeing are central to our everyday practice.Salary: Ratcliffe Pay Scale plus Ratcliffe Allowance. TheRatcliffe Allowance is on a sliding scale presently rangingfrom £1,591 to £10,397, depending on the experience ofthe teacher (reviewed annually). In addition this role attractsone responsibility point, currently £2,518 per annum.JOB DESCRIPTION109Job Title:    Deputy SENCo    Responsible to:  SENCoAccountable to:  Senior Deputy Head    Job Purpose: To support the SENCo in leading, coordinating, and developing high-quality provision forstudents with Special Educational Needs, ensuring effective identification, support, and positive outcomes.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesInitial Assessments:Assist in the identification of pupils with SEND, including screening and assessment. (EXACT, CAT 4 andother assessments as identified by the SENCO)Timetable and coordinate EXACT for Year 7 studentsReporting to Senior deputy head, timetable, coordinate and lead on invigilation for the CAT4 testing forYear 7s and new starters.Analyse CAT4 and EXACT results to identify any potential students that require further investigation forpotential SENAssess students on a 1 to 1 basis to identify any potential underlying difficultySEN referrals:Act upon referrals to the Learning Support Department, identifying if there is a need and assignappropriate level of support.Assist in maintaining referral tracker, ensuring all progress is monitored and up to date,Monitor academic and pastoral progress of pupils, to provide early identification and intervention forstudents who may have SENDObtain student voice and observe students in lessonContribute to the writing of Assess Plan Do ReviewsExaminations:Support the SENCo in ensuring access arrangements are in place for students undertaking internal andpublic examinationsAssist in coordinating, gathering evidence and assessing for Exam Access Arrangements to ensurestudents with additional needs receive appropriate support during end-of-year examinations.Support SENCO and process Access Arrangements Online applications in accordance with JCQregulationsPlay a key role in the organisation of End of Year examinations for all students with SEND, overseeingexam timetabling, coordinating specialist staffing and invigilation, managing room bookings, and actingas a central point of contact for parents and teaching staff to ensure equitable access arrangements.Liaison Role: Liaise closely with parents, carers, teaching staff and outside agencies to ensure a high quality andappropriate service is provided for each student with SENDAssist in maintaining accurate and up-to-date SEND records, including Additional needs list, accessarrangements list and provision map.Support teaching staff in understanding the needs of specific students and ensure consistency inapproach.Liaise effectively with parents/carers to maintain positive relationships and ensure they are informed andinvolved in their child’s education.Attend and contribute to meetings with parents, professionals, and external agencies.Provide guidance and professional development to teaching and support staff regarding inclusiveteaching strategies and students’ individual needsAdvise parents / carers of the SEN diagnosis pathwayEHCP and Annual Reviews:Assist the SENCo in Organising and chairing Annual Reviews for students with EHCPs, ensuring statutorycompliance and that high-quality, person-centred reviews are conducted.TAs:Assist the SENCo in organising and overseeing Teaching Assistant timetables to ensure support isappropriately allocated across the schoolAssist in monitoring timetables to ensure support is being used effectively.Manage the day to day duties of TAs e.g. class changes, return to work meetings following sickness.Teaching Role:Provide high quality teaching, when required to cover staff absences, to small groups of SEND studentsacross Key Stages 3 & 4Other Duties:Deputise for the SENCo where required and appropriateUndertake any additional duties as may be reasonably delegated by the Headmaster, or SLT    10EssentialDesirableQualificationsQualified Teacher StatusHolds a JCQ recognised postgraduate qualificationat Level 7, or equivalent, that qualifies them to be aninternal assessor for access arrangements. eg.Diploma in SpLDRelevant qualifications inSEND SkillsExcellent oral and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skills in relation to staff,students and parents Good organisational skillsKnowledge, understanding and competence in ICTExperience ofusing/understandingspecialist assessmentsKnowledge &ExperienceWide knowledge and understanding of the barriersto achievement faced by learners with SENDKnowledge of the assessment pathway for studentswith SENDWide knowledge and understanding ofstrategies/interventions to support students toovercome barriers to achievementCommitment to, and evidence of, continuousprofessional development relating to SENDKnowledge of a variety ofstandardised assessmentsincluding CAT4 andEXACTPrevious experience as aDeputy SENCoAbilityAbility to support the development of literacy skills atKey Stages 3 and 4Ability to work collaboratively with the SENDCo todeliver the highest possible standards of support forstudents with SENDAbility to support thedevelopment of numeracyskills at Key Stages 3 and4Personal qualitiesDedicated and conscientiousPositive, enthusiastic and flexible attitudeAbility to motivate and inspire students and staffApproachable, sincere and empathetic inmaintaining appropriate and supportiverelationships with studentsFlexibility, initiative and creativity in adapting to theneeds of studentsA willingness to be involved in the pastoral care ofstudentsCommitment to safeguarding and the welfare ofstudentsCommitment to the ethos and aims of RatcliffeCollegeAbility and willingness tocontribute to, and supportthe School’s co-curricularprogrammePERSON SPECIFICATION11Ratcliffe College reserves the right to interviewand appoint ahead of the closing date.INVITED TO INTERVIEW If you do not hear anything further within twoweeks of the closing date, please assume thatyou have not been successful on this occasion.Visit our vacancies page.Please follow the link above to visit the mainvacancies page on our school website. Searchfor the vacancy you wish to apply for,complete the online application form in fulland submit it to us before the closing date. HOW TO APPLYCOMPLETE AN ONLINEAPPLICATION FORM12Child ProtectionRatcliffe College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expectsall staff to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants arerequired to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” underthe DBS filtering rules), in order to assess their suitability to work with children. For further information, please see the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures Policy andhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974The College is also registered for the processing of personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.Such checks are required in accordance with the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures policy and the Data Protectionpolicy. Copies of these policies may be obtained from the Director of Finance and Operations upon request.The appointment is subject to satisfactory:References, of which one must be from a current or most recent employer if not currently in employmentDisclosure and Barring Service check (including children’s barred list check if appropriate)Open source checkProof of identityRight to work checkQualifications checkHealth screeningRATCLIFFE TERMS13Ratcliffe College, Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SGwww.ratcliffecollege.comHR: 01509 817089HR@ratcliffecollege.com