Head of Learning Support (SENCO)

Ipswich School Enterprises Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United Kingdom seeks a full-time teacher to support pupils with additional learning needs starting September 2026. This role involves teaching within the Learning Support Department, assessing students for exam access arrangements, and collaborating with other staff to deliver effective educational support. Ideal candidates will have a pro-active approach, experience with special educational needs, and a strong commitment to improving students' learning outcomes. Join a team that values high standards and cooperation in education.

Benefits

Generous fee remission for staff children

Access to swimming pool and fitness gym

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Qualifications

• Understanding of assessment for access arrangements
• Experience in maintaining a database of pupils with SEND
• Knowledge of JCQ examination regulations

Responsibilities

• Teach pupils in the Learning Support Department
• Assess for access arrangements
• Liaise with external professionals to support pupils

Skills

Pro-active attitude

Experience with specific learning needs

Strong teamwork

Education

Teaching qualification

Job description

Full time, permanent, required from September 2026

We seek a pro-active and talented teacher who has a passion for supporting pupils of all abilities to fulfil their learning potential, and who has experience of teaching children with specific learning needs. The successful candidate will have an understanding of assessment for access arrangements.

THE ROLE

The Learning Support department is based in the Senior School where there are some 780 pupils aged between 11 and 18. The department works to ensure that appropriate provision is in place for all pupils with additional learning needs, including those with formally diagnosed Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). A key responsibility is the identification and assessment of pupils for exam access arrangements and to be responsible for the paperwork attached to this.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Learning Support department comprises two members of staff: the Head of Learning Support and a Part-Time teacher. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, mutual support, and the sharing of teaching and learning opportunities. The department works closely with teachers, students, Exams Office, Pastoral support and parents to ensure that there is excellent SEND support and provision. This is a genuine team effort, and the Learning Support department is fully integrated into school life. Ipswich School teachers have readily taken on board the advice provided to them by the department and routinely incorporate this advice into their everyday teaching of SEND pupils.

Pupils come to us from a range of schools, including our feeder Prep School.

The Head of Learning Support is responsible to the Assistant-Head (Academic and Co-curricular).

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach pupils who are referred to the Learning Support Department
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of pupils with SEND
• Prepare information, guidance, and training to teachers on how to support pupils with SEND
• Assess for access arrangements
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of JCQ examination regulations
• Keep abreast of developments in all areas of school Learning Support
• Liaise with the Examinations’ Officer and Heads of Department in relation to access arrangements for internal and external examinations
• Make referrals to and liaise with external professionals to support individual pupils’ SEND needs
• Attend termly Heads of Department meetings and meet regularly with the Assistant-Head (Academic and Co-curricular)
• Manage the department budget
• Follow Ipswich School policies and procedures and keep departmental policies up to date
• Monitor the quality of departmental teaching and learning
• Assist the Head of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in aiding the learning of EAL students, although this will form a minor part of your role

This list is not exhaustive and duties may be changed or added to as determined from time to time.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• Co-operative, positive nature of our relationships with pupils
• ‘Can do’ feel of a school that has high standards and feels that it is moving forward with confidence
• Academic calibre of our pupils and the intellectual stimulus of working with them
• Possibility of enjoying and sharing our interests with pupils by offering sport, music, drama and a whole range of activities
• Pleasure that comes from knowing that you have really ‘made a difference’ through your work as a pastoral tutor or in helping the pupils’ personal development

GENERAL INFORMATION

As the latest report by ISI Inspectors confirmed, Ipswich School has a fine record of academic success, which is placed within the context of an extensive range of activities outside the classroom. The School operates a five-day week, with representative sports on Saturdays. Games, CCF, Community Service and a variety of other activities take place on Thursday afternoons. All who teach at the School make some contribution to school life outside their own specialisation as well to our programme of pastoral support.

The School is fully co-educational and, with its own Preparatory School and Day Nursery, caters for pupils from 3 months to 18 years.

The School takes seriously its responsibility to provide opportunities for continued professional development. The Government-accredited Induction Scheme for Early Career Teachers is available in independent schools and at Ipswich School we have a very well structured programme of support and guidance. All new teachers receive induction and guidance from the Senior Deputy Head and other senior colleagues, in particular Heads of Department.

In addition to internally organised staff training, teachers at Ipswich School are encouraged to attend courses and conferences which will further their expertise and career.

There is currently generous fee remission of fees for children (aged 5 and above) of teaching staff, providing there are vacancies and the children fulfil the usual entry requirements. Free lunch is provided in the School Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation, and staff are able to use the School’s swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations).

All Teachers are eligible to join a pension scheme with Royal London, with an employer contribution of 15%. The Scheme also provides critical illness cover, income protection and death in service cover.

Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk, with about 150,000 inhabitants. The town has a lively theatre, a renowned football club, a multiplex cinema and a film theatre, a strong musical life, and clubs and societies catering for many sporting and cultural interests. In the summer the Aldeburgh Festival enriches the musical life of the area. Road and rail links to London, Cambridge, the Midlands and the North are excellent, with Liverpool Street being just over an hour away. Also within easy reach are many attractive and historic small towns and villages. The coastline is a special feature, offering large unspoilt areas of beach and estuary for recreation.

CLOSING DATE AND INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS

We would encourage you to download an application form and a full job description for this role from our website: https://www.ipswich.school/vacancies or contact the HR team on 01473 408300 or [e-mail]

Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format please contact us.

Completed application forms should be returned by noon on Thursday 29 January 2026 to: the Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or email [e-mail]. Interviews will take place in the week commencing Monday 02 February.

PLEASE NOTE

• Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. The Ipswich School Policy on the recruitment of ex offenders and the Code of Practice relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service are available on request.
• Ipswich School’s employees are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people they are responsible for, or come into contact with. The post holder must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Children Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out his/her duties, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School he/she must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Applicants are asked to state if they have a D1 entitlement to drive a minibus, or be willing to take a D1 minibus test if required.
• Applicants are advised that in the interests of the health and safety of all its pupils and employees, Ipswich School operates a No Smoking Policy which prohibits smoking in any area of the School site.