Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

About the Role 

DESS is looking to recruit a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) for an August 2026 start. 

For a comprehensive understanding of the role and its requirements, we encourage you to review our detailed job description. 

About You

Qualifications and Experience

 The appointed candidate will be a fully qualified teacher (with Qualified Teacher Status) and hold a degree in a relevant subject area. They will be an experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), currently working in this role or possessing substantial prior experience within a large secondary school context. They will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of statutory SEND requirements, whole school inclusion frameworks, and evidence-based approaches to meeting the needs of learners with diverse profiles.

 

The candidate will be required to hold either the:

• National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SEN Coordination or

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)

• International Award in SEN Qualification (iSENCo)

 

This will ensure they bring the accredited specialist expertise necessary to lead and develop the school’s SEND provision with rigour and professionalism.

 

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will demonstrate exemplary professional integrity, sound judgement and an unwavering commitment to inclusive education. They will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling them to work effectively with students, staff, parents and external agencies. A reflective and resilient practitioner, the candidate will show the capacity to lead with empathy, discretion, and clarity, while maintaining high expectations for all learners. They will exhibit exceptional organisational skills, a meticulous approach to detail, and the ability to prioritise effectively within a demanding school environment. A collaborative and solution focused mindset, coupled with the ability to inspire confidence and foster a culture of support and ambition, will be essential.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive tax-free salary.

• Accommodation allowance or fully furnished accommodation for the first year.

• Premium Medical Insurance coverage. 

• Annual flight allowance. 

• Tuition fees for up to two children. 

• End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law.

Application Process 

• To apply for this position, please utilise the TES Portal by clicking the Apply button. Applications not submitted through the Portal will not be considered. 

• Within your application, please include a supporting statement. 

• Additionally, provide contact information for two referees, one of whom must be your current Principal/Headteacher. Ensure to include their names, telephone numbers (including international dialling codes), and email addresses. 

• Initial interviews will be scheduled  for successful candidates as applications are received. 

• Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted. 

Safer Recruitment Statement 

Dubai English Speaking Schools is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers who work with the school to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo a rigorous screening process that includes: verification of qualifications, birth certificate and passport; obtaining satisfactory references (including current / most recent employer and at least one from a previous employer); providing a Police Certificate(s) from the UAE (if applicable) and from all countries that the applicant has resided in for the last five years and one from their home country if they have resided there in the last ten years; Prohibition Checks (for applicants with a UK background). Any employment gaps on the application form will be addressed during an interview and may be explored further. 

DESS welcomes applications from UAE Nationals who have the relevant qualifications and experience.