Build a Rewarding Career in SEND
Make a real difference every day by joining our ambitious and supportive SEND team.
Whether you're an experienced SEND professional, a recent graduate, or an aspiring apprentice, we'll help you build a rewarding career that changes lives.
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and adults with SEND
- Access fully funded training and professional development
- Benefit from clear career progression opportunities
- Work alongside passionate professionals
- Enjoy generous holiday package and pension
Grow Your Career With Us
Whatever your starting point, we'll support you to develop your skills and discover your area of expertise within SEND and neurodiversity.
Not sure which role is right for you? We'll help match your experience, skills, and ambitions to the opportunities available.
Apply today and start your journey in SEND.
Currently there are no vacancies in this area, but if you'd like to be kept informed on when something else comes up in the future, register your interest below
If you have a disability, neurodivergence, or a condition that may impact your performance during our selection process, we are happy to accommodate your needs. You will have the opportunity to inform us of any necessary adjustments throughout the application and selection process. As an employee, we will continue to discuss and work with you to ensure you have the necessary accommodations to succeed in your role.
Some examples of possible adjustments include:
- Allowing extra time for online assessments
- Providing alternative accessible formats
- Sharing interview questions beforehand
- Offering additional information about what to expect
- Providing an office orientation before an in-person assessment.
If you have any questions about the adjustments process at Weston College, please contact hr@weston.ac.uk .
Demand for SEND provision continues to grow locally and nationally.
Weston College currently supports:
- More than 3,000 learners with a declared learning difficulty or disability
- Approximately 445 learners with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Approximately 545 High Needs learners
To meet this growing demand and improve learner outcomes, we are investing in people, facilities and new ways of working.
This includes:
- A £3 million investment in specialist SEND facilities
- Expansion of residential and independent living provision
- Increased frontline learner support
- Greater specialist SEND expertise
- Enhanced support across all campuses
- New career pathways and progression opportunities
This is not simply about growing services. It is about ensuring every learner has the opportunity to achieve, progress and thrive.
Weston College is investing over £3 million to create a dedicated SEND Centre for Residential Training and Independent Living.
The new centre will support learners to develop the confidence, skills and independence needed for adult life.
Alongside this investment, we are creating a new model of SEND support focused on:
- Improved learner outcomes
- Greater inclusion across the College
- Increased specialist expertise
- Enhanced support for learners with autism, ADHD and other additional needs
- Stronger pathways into adulthood and employment
This investment reflects our long-term commitment to creating outstanding opportunities for learners with SEND.
We believe great SEND professionals can come from many different backgrounds.
Some colleagues join us with extensive SEND experience. Others are taking their first step into specialist education and learner support.
What matters most is a commitment to improving outcomes for learners and a desire to continue learning and developing.
Where required for a role, employees may have the opportunity to undertake fully funded SEND qualifications, helping them develop specialist knowledge and build long-term careers within the sector.
Potential development opportunities may include:
- Level 2 SEND qualifications
- Level 3 SEND qualifications
- Level 5 specialist SEND qualifications
- Internal SEND CPD programmes
- Specialist autism and neurodiversity training
- Cross-college learning and development opportunities
- Leadership and management development programmes
We want SEND at Weston College to be more than a job. We want it to be a career.
Want to ask a question ahead of applying? Click here to book a phone call with a member of the team
RECENT NEWS STORIES
<p>Lucy studies on the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/send/… for Life </a>course at the College. Over her time with us, she has made outstanding personal, academic and social progress - so much so that she has been named the 2025 Celebration of Success Winner for the Preparation for Life programme.</p><p>Lucy’s journey this year has been remarkable. She has advanced academically - achieving a Level 2 English qualification, having progressed from Level 1, and attaining Level 1 and Entry 3 Maths, having progressed from Entry 2. These accomplishments reflect her hard work, dedication and growing competence in core academic skills.</p><p>One of Lucy’s biggest achievements was learning to travel independently to college - a milestone reflecting increased independence, confidence, and self-reliance. Through the “Autism and Me” curriculum, Lucy has also developed greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. She now uses a variety of strategies to manage her emotions in different contexts, which has helped her navigate college life more independently and confidently.</p><p>Lucy has developed increasing confidence and resilience in social situations, actively engaging in a wide range of enrichment activities. She eagerly participated in pathway group trips, including visits to the Harry Potter film studios and Thorpe Park, embracing each experience and enjoying every opportunity to challenge herself and try new things.</p><p>As part of broadening her skills and exploring her interests, Lucy joined Extension Studies Animal Care sessions, which had a profound impact on shaping her future ambitions. She completed a work placement at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, where she gained confidence working with animals and in an active workplace. Building on this experience, Lucy has now progressed into the Extension Studies pathway with the aim of working toward a Level 1 qualification in Animal Care.</p><p>Lucy’s achievements stand out because they reflect growth not just academically, but personally - in independence, emotional regulation, social participation and self-confidence. Her journey shows how the Preparation for Life course, combined with tailored support and opportunities, can enable individuals to unlock potential, build resilience, and lay the foundation for meaningful further education or employment.</p><p>We celebrate Lucy’s progress, her award, and look forward to supporting her as she aims to complete Level 1 Animal Care and pursue her ambitions for the future.</p><p> </p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20Power%20of%20Specialist%20FE%20Badge_1%20smaller_5.png" data-align="left" data-entity-uuid="bd02c919-c8a6-42a4-ab22-6671b54aadf7" data-entity-type="file" alt="The power of specialist further education" width="300" height="300"><p> </p>
<p>As part of our celebration of Supporting the Power of Specialist Further Education (1st–5th December), we asked Caitlin and her family to reflect on her time at Weston College so far.</p><p>Caitlin studies <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/send/… to Supported Adulthood</a> at the College, and since joining us she has made outstanding progress - personally, socially and in her independence. Transitioning from Briarwood Special School in Bristol, Caitlin and her family chose Weston College as the next step in her journey, a decision that has led to transformative growth across every aspect of her life. She has also been recognised as the 2025 Celebration of Success Winner for the Pathways to Supported Adulthood programme, an award that celebrates exceptional achievement, progress and resilience.</p><p>One of Caitlin’s most significant areas of development has been her communication. Through dedication and determination, she has built a strong and effective system of expressive tools, including signing and a high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. These skills have empowered her to express herself with clarity and confidence.</p><p>Caitlin began college with a high level of support, receiving 2:1 assistance across much of her curriculum. As her confidence, independence and self-regulation grew, this support was gradually reduced. She now accesses community-based learning with 1:1 and group support, demonstrating her increased autonomy and readiness for the next phase of adulthood.</p><p>Throughout her time at Weston College, Caitlin has also worked hard to build meaningful and trusting relationships with both staff and peers. She now leaves college equipped with the social skills to form and maintain friendships and professional connections, an achievement that will support her as she moves forward into adulthood.</p><p>Caitlin’s journey is a powerful reflection of her strength, resilience and determination. Her achievements show just how much she has grown, and she is truly deserving of her Celebration of Success recognition. Weston College is incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and excited for the opportunities ahead of her.</p><p> </p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20Power%20of%20Specialist%20FE%20Badge_1%20smaller_3.png" data-align="left" data-entity-uuid="008075a5-d9e4-461f-8362-636c66926176" data-entity-type="file" alt="The power of specialist further education" width="300" height="300">
<p>John studies <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/send/… to Adulthood</a> at the College and has been with us since 2022. As part of our celebration of Supporting the Power of Specialist Further Education (1st–5th December), we asked John to reflect on his time at college so far.</p><p>Throughout his time here, John has made impressive academic, social, and personal progress. One of his biggest areas of growth has been his communication. At the start of the year, he found it difficult to initiate or join conversations, particularly in group settings. Through small-group communication sessions and support from staff, John has grown in confidence, now sharing his opinions and asking questions more freely.</p><p>John has experienced several standout achievements this year. He successfully passed his Entry Level 1 Maths and English Functional Skills exams and proudly attended his graduation ceremony, receiving certificates for completing his second year and for his Maths success. These milestones reflect his dedication, determination, and increasing independence.</p><p>John thrived during his work experience placement at Butcombe Farm, as well as in the college garden and at Grove Park. These placements helped him develop communication, teamwork, and practical skills. He particularly enjoyed working outdoors and hopes to pursue a career in this environment. He also participated in several college trips, which he thoroughly enjoyed.</p><p>John is most proud of making new friends, travelling independently on the bus, and developing outdoor work skills. He has become more confident with new people and more independent in lessons and around campus. Staff support has helped him build his English and maths skills, which he applies in real-life situations in the community.</p><p>Meeting new people was initially John’s biggest challenge, but with time and support, John overcame his worries and formed meaningful friendships. He now feels a strong sense of belonging within the college community and is more prepared for adulthood. He hopes to progress into a supported internship to help him achieve his goal of working outdoors.</p><p>John encourages new students to embrace the college experience, saying, “You will learn new skills, make friends and become more independent. I am becoming well prepared for future employment. “ a milestone he is clearly proud of and excited about.</p><p> </p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20Power%20of%20Specialist%20FE%20Badge_1%20smaller_2.png" data-align="left" data-entity-uuid="191c1b29-8179-4754-a1de-85cd15ae798f" data-entity-type="file" alt="The power of specialist further education" width="300" height="300">
OUR SEND VIDEOS
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE COLLEGE
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OUR SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS STAFF STORIES
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Toby
"Weston College has changed my life for the better in nearly every way possible. When I first started, I was at my lowest point, but the college has given me confidence, happiness, friends and a direction. I cannot thank the staff enough forever changing my life for the better.”
India
“My journey started at Weston Bay, a residential training centre for students on the autism spectrum, before I progressed to study the Level 3 Health and Social Care Course. After completing that course, I began a Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship with the Weston College Reception team. Each stage built my confidence, resilience, and practical skills, preparing me for the workplace in ways I never thought possible.”
VIDEOS
Only 16% of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time paid employment. Nick is grateful that due to the support received from Weston College, he is within that 16%. Watch his inspiring story.
Harry is one of our award winning students, and is a supported intern at Bakers Dolphin. Watch his inspiring story.
One Message, Different Voices
Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.
Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.
FAQ's
Yes – you will be placed on Weston College’s internal teacher training programme or the Education Training Foundation’s ‘Taking Teaching Further’ programme. This will include undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (or equivalent/higher level teaching qualification).
Yes – we would still encourage applicants to apply. Candidates can organise a virtual discussion with one of our team to discuss further. Please find the booking link above.
Yes – Weston College actively promotes staff to maintain industry currency and/or membership. The College provides an extensive CPD programme whilst supporting staff to engage with industry-specific training.
