Vice Principal – Inclusion

Academy 360 is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our team as Vice Principal for Inclusion. This is a pivotal strategic role with whole school responsibility for ensuring that inclusion sits at the heart of our culture, systems and outcomes. The successful candidate will lead SEND provision, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and alternative provision, ensuring that every pupil particularly the most vulnerable thrives within a culture of high expectations, belonging and ambition. Working closely with the Executive Principal and Senior Leadership Team, you will shape and deliver an inclusive vision that removes barriers to learning while sustaining excellence across the Academy.

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven leader with a proven track record of delivering impact for vulnerable learners in a mainstream setting. You will bring strong expertise in inclusion, SEND, behaviour and attendance, alongside the strategic capacity to lead teams, influence culture and drive sustained improvement. This role requires moral courage, resilience and belief that inclusion and excellence are inseparable. If you are an ambitious senior leader committed to ethical leadership, relational practice and transformational change, Academy 360 offers the opportunity to make a profound difference.

Academy 360, a member of Laidlaw Schools Trust, is a unique all-through school in Sunderland, combining primary, secondary, and special educational provision under one roof. We pride ourselves on our inclusive approach and commitment to providing every child with the opportunity to succeed. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to deliver a curriculum that inspires ambition and creativity.

Laidlaw Schools Trust is leading the way in redefining education. We are committed to empowering every child to succeed and every colleague to thrive. Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Every student and teacher receives an iPad, unlocking new ways to teach, learn, and collaborate. This cutting-edge approach ensures our classrooms are dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused, giving you the tools to deliver outstanding education and inspire creativity.

By joining Laidlaw Schools Trust, you become part of a community that values ambition, bravery, and curiosity. We invest in your professional development through clear reward and development pathways, helping you excel and gain skills beyond those offered by other organisations.

At Laidlaw Schools Trust we appreciate the amazing work that our people do every day and like to reward our staff through benefits that are mentally, physically and financially rewarding.

If you are interested in this post, please click here:  https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Vice_Principal_Inclusion/295185  to view the full job description, person specification and to complete our online application form via our website.

If you require assistance with your application, please contact recruitment@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk

Closing Date for applications: 9am Friday 8th May 2026
Interviews are expected to take place: w/c 11th May 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their commitment to children’s safeguarding. All successful appointments will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and a range of other pre-employment recruitment checks.

For shortlisted candidates, we will conduct an online search as part of our screening.