Head of Learning Support; SENCO

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 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 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).

• 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.

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 as 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.

Th…