- Eastern Education Group
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Address: Out Risbygate, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3RL
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Salary: £57,612 - £66,726 per annum
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Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
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Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
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Reference: 5328
Eastern Education Group are seeking a SEND School Development and Quality Lead to work and support the development of SEND provision across our schools - Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Sudbury, Fakenham, Exning and Stanton.
The School Development and Quality Lead (SEND focused) play a pivotal role in driving sustainable improvement across the Group's schools by providing expert challenge, strategic guidance and hands-on support in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum development in all areas of Special Educational Needs. The role ensures that improvement activity leads to measurable, lasting positive change and consistently high-quality classroom practice for students with SEND. You will champion high expectations and support schools to deliver ambitious, wholly inclusive education that secures strong progress and improved life chances for every pupil.
You will work directly with leaders at all levels with precision, to strengthen subject leadership and embed robust systems for self-evaluation and improvement planning. They will lead and contribute to quality assurance activity, analyse performance and attendance data, model effective practice where appropriate, and provide constructive feedback that drives immediate and sustained improvements in SEND provision across our schools. Through coaching, mentoring and targeted professional development, the role will ensure curriculum intent is translated into high-quality implementation and that curriculum pathways prepare learners effectively for future education, employment or independence.
You will have a proven track record in the leadership, development and curriculum design of SEND provision, with a particular interest and expertise in developing bespoke provision for students with complex SEMH and C&I needs. They will have a clear understanding of how to guide schools to support students, using therapeutic approaches in order to improve attendance and outcomes for all. A further desirable quality for applicants is experience and expertise in the development of mathematics curriculum and provision for students with SEND.
Central to the role is developing collaboration and sharing best practice across schools to promote consistency, innovation and excellence. The school development and quality lead will produce clear, evidence-informed reports to support effective oversight, while also building strong professional partnerships with local authorities and external agencies to enhance provision and improve outcomes. This is a key leadership role for a highly skilled practitioner committed to securing long-term improvement and high-quality, inclusive education for all learners across the group.
We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:
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Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
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Family friendly policies and flexible working
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Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
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Employee wellbeing initiatives
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Free parking
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Canteen
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Company events
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Access to various memberships and discount schemes
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Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days
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Funded subject course development for your role
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Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities
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Career progression opportunities
Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.
Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.
As a group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.
This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.
For more information
Please read the Job Description (pdf)
Please contact the recruitment team by emailing: [email protected]
How to apply
To apply, please visit our website
Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal. If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Closing date: 8 am, 14 September 2026.
Interview date: 21 September 2026.
We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date; early applications are encouraged.
The group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
The group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.
All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.
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