Inclusion and High Needs Manager

Job Posted: 22 January 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: £32,292 - £38,543
• Industries: Education Management & Executive Miscellaneous

Inclusion & High Needs Manager

Location: Isle of Wight College - Newport

Working Hours: 39 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £32,292 - £38,543 per annum

Make inclusion everyone’s business — and make it stick.

At Isle of Wight College, inclusion is more than a policy — it’s a mindset. We’re looking for a dynamic, creative and outcomes-driven Inclusion & High Needs Manager who’s passionate about making education work brilliantly for learners with high needs.

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to lead SEND and inclusion across the college, working closely with Student Support Services and reporting directly to the Head of Student Experience. If you enjoy influencing culture, improving practice and seeing real impact, this role has your name on it.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be the driving force behind Inclusion and High Needs at the college — setting direction, building confidence and making sure great inclusive practice shows up everywhere, every day.

In the role, you’ll:

• Lead a whole-college Inclusion & High Needs agenda, translating policy into consistent, high-quality practice across classrooms and support services
• Oversee EHCPs and SEND support, ensuring timely annual reviews, strong Local Authority partnerships, clear outcome tracking and confident escalation when things aren’t working
• Own Exam Access Arrangements from start to finish, keeping everything compliant with JCQ regulations and fully audit-ready
• Lead and develop a large ALS team, using data to deploy support effectively and championing coaching, independence and targeted interventions
• Shape culture through impactful CPD, supporting curriculum teams to embed adaptive teaching and celebrating what works so it can grow
• Champion safe, equitable and inclusive practice, strengthening links between inclusion, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, mental health and student services
• Evidence impact through learner progress, attendance, retention and destinations, contributing confidently to quality processes, deep dives and external scrutiny

You’ll have the space and trust to think strategically — while still staying close enough to practice to know what really makes a difference.

About You

You’re a credible SEND leader who balances warmth with authority. You care deeply about learners — and you’re also confident setting standards, holding people to account and driving improvement.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience leading SEND, ALS or a similar inclusion function in FE or schools
• Expert knowledge of EHCP processes, Local Authority working and evidence standards
• A strong grasp of JCQ Exam Access Arrangements and the organisational skills to deliver them seamlessly
• Experience designing and delivering CPD that genuinely changes practice
• A calm, organised and analytical approach, with strong relationship-building skills

Relevant professional qualifications (such as Level 7 Specialist Assessor or a national SEND qualification) are desirable.

What we can offer:

Employees at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work-life balance and wellbeing. Staff are entitled to 35 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, and benefit from a Christmas Shutdown Holiday Allowance. The college offers an excellent pension scheme under the Local Government Scheme, providing long-term financial security.

For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on-site gym. Convenience is provided with free onsite parking, and the campus boasts an on-site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs.

Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes. The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources.

Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well-being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.

The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high-quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education.

Please be aware that the Isle of Wight College may close the vacancy earlier than anticipated if a sufficient number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your CV promptly.

The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.