Bedford Borough is committed to ensuring that every young person has access to an inclusive, high quality education that meets their needs and helps them thrive.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Secondary Inclusion Lead to champion inclusion across our secondary schools and settings, supporting improved outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping our local inclusion strategy, strengthening partnerships, and promoting early intervention to prevent exclusions and reduce barriers to learning.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide strategic leadership on inclusion and alternative provision for secondary aged pupils across the local area.
• Support schools and academies to develop inclusive practices and reduce suspensions and exclusions.
• Work collaboratively with headteachers, SENCOs, and multi agency partners to promote high expectations for all learners.
• Analyse data and trends to inform targeted support and drive improvement in inclusive education.
• Lead projects that enhance engagement, attendance, and achievement for vulnerable learners, including those with SEND or at risk of exclusions.

About You: 

• You will be an experienced education professional with a strong understanding of inclusion, behaviour, and SEND in secondary settings.
• You’ll combine strategic insight with hands on experience of improving outcomes for young people.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 5th January 2026 

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

Bedford Borough Council is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant, Care Leavers Covenant and is a Disability Confident Employer. For more information please visit https://www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/why-work-us/working-culture-and-commitments

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Enhanced DBS Post

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).