Director of Academic Support

Summary:

Director of Academic Support job opportunity with a focus on SEND and Learning Support.

About the School:

A school committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and academically driven community that values both academic excellence and personal development. It offers a unique environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential across a wide range of opportunities.

The Opportunity:

As the Director of Academic Support, you will provide visionary leadership for inclusive academic practice across all age groups, from Early Years through to Upper 6th. This role is central to shaping and delivering sector-leading support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring that every student can achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for SEND and Learning Support across the school, ensuring high-quality provision for pupils aged 3–18.
• Set and quality-assure the vision, direction, and standards of SEND provision across the institution.
• Ensure policies, systems, and expectations are coherent, consistent, and ambitious throughout the school.
• Work closely with senior colleagues to develop an effective academic support leadership model.
• Lead and manage the Academic Support team, ensuring strong leadership and continuity of provision across all phases.
• Deliver evidence-informed support and appropriate adjustments to enable all pupils to make consistent academic progress.
• Shape and implement strategies that align with the school’s values of Belonging, Scholarship, and Character.
• Collaborate with external agencies and stakeholders to support pupils with complex needs.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven experience in leading SEND and Learning Support provision in an educational setting.
• Strong leadership and management experience, ideally in a senior academic or pastoral role.
• In-depth knowledge of inclusive education, special educational needs, and disability legislation.
• Experience working in an all-through (3–18) school environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, and parents.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Preferred

• Background in either primary or secondary education.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic academic support frameworks.
• Experience with whole-school SENDCo responsibilities.
• Knowledge of curriculum development and support strategies for pupils with a wide range of needs.
• Experience in shaping and leading academic support leadership models.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.