Head of Individual Needs

Wesley College Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesley College Melbourne seeks a collaborative Head of Individual Needs for Prep to Year 9 at the Elsternwick campus. You will lead and develop inclusive programs, teach in the Primary Independent Needs program, and build strong partnerships with families and staff to empower every learner.

The role is fixed-term for six months (Terms 1–2), 0.8–1.0 FTE, commencing 21 January 2027, with a focus on strategic direction and hands-on teaching.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in school settings or equivalent
• Strong collaboration with families, teachers and specialists
• Experience in inclusive education and student wellbeing

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Individual Needs programs from Prep to Year 9
• Teach in the Primary Individual Needs program and stay connected with classroom learning
• Set strategic direction for student support, integration and access from ECLC to Year 9
• Mentor and inspire a team of educators and support staff
• Build partnerships with families, teachers and specialists and champion school values

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Primary teaching

Education

Inclusive Education

Learning Support

Job description

Wesley College Melbourne – Elsternwick VIC

Head of Individual Needs (Prep to Year 9)
Wesley College Melbourne | Elsternwick campus

Help every child belong, learn and thrive, from their very first year.

Wesley College is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking leader to guide our Individual Needs programs from Prep to Year 9.

About the role

As Head of Individual Needs, you will lead and develop the programs that support, include and empower our youngest learners. You will:

• Set the strategic direction for student support, integration and access from ECLC to Year 9
• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of dedicated educators and support staff
• Teach in the Individual Needs Primary Program, staying connected to students and classroom learning
• Build strong partnerships with families, teachers and specialists
• Champion the College's Vision and Values, including our belief that every student can achieve

This is a fixed-term position for six months (Terms 1 and 2), commencing 21 January 2027. Qualifications in Inclusive Education or Learning Support are a requirement and the role is 0.8 to 1.0 FTE, depending on the preference of the successful candidate. There will be a combination of teaching in the Primary years and a time allowance for the Position of Responsibility.

Why Wesley?

Founded in 1866 and proudly part of the Uniting Church, Wesley is one of Australia's most respected co-educational independent schools. Across our three Melbourne campuses (St Kilda Road, Glen Waverley and Elsternwick), students enjoy a rich learning environment that extends well beyond the classroom, including outdoor education at Chum Creek, Mallana and Lochend, and our Year 9 residential campus at Clunes.

You will join a community that values innovation, wellbeing and high expectations for every learner, with the chance to make a lasting difference to a child's educational journey.

About you

You will be an engaging, innovative leader with a deep commitment to inclusive education and the experience to turn that commitment into everyday practice. You will bring:

• Experience in learning support, inclusion or student wellbeing, ideally in a leadership capacity
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, relational approach

Applications close at 5:00pm on 12 November 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received, and interviews may begin before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply early.

Wesley College is a child safe employer and is committed to the welfare and protection of children. All potential employees and volunteers must comply with the College's Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct. Applicants will be required to undergo police and background checks in accordance with this policy.