Head of Learning Support

GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust); Bath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Bath is seeking a Head of Learning Support, responsible for overseeing the SEND department and leading educational strategies for students with additional needs. The ideal candidate will possess SENDCo qualifications and leadership experience, contributing to high-quality, inclusive education. This full-time, term-time position offers competitive salary and benefits, including professional development opportunities and child fee discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and pay progression

Access to extensive professional development opportunities

GDST pension schemes

Free life assurance benefit

Discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

Free lunches during term time

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of SEND and ability to lead a team.
• Experience in delivering training and working across age ranges.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Learning Support department.
• Oversee curriculum support, manage staffing, budgets, and resources.
• Teach SEN lessons one-to-one or in small groups.

Skills

SENDCo qualifications

Experience leading a team

Delivering training

Knowledge of SEND legislation

Education

Qualified SENDCo status (e.g., NASENCO, NPQ SEND)

Level 7 SpLD Diploma

Job description

Job Details

Employer: Royal High School Bath – GDST

Location: Bath, Somerset

Contract type: Permanent

Contract length: Permanent

Hours: Full time, term time

Salary: GDST Pay Band ML2 SP10-21, £40,434 – £56,781 per annum

Start date: 1st September 2026

Job ID: 1532968

Job reference: SENCO2026

The role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with strong knowledge of SEND to join a collaborative and forward‑thinking school community and make a meaningful contribution to the academic and personal success of our students.

Royal High Bath’s Learning Support department assists students with Additional Educational Needs, most commonly Specific Learning Difficulties, and is staffed by a highly skilled team of specialists and teachers. As Head of Learning Support (SENDCo), you will collaborate closely with colleagues, parents, and external professionals to deliver high‑quality, inclusive education, promoting a culture of high expectations where every pupil is supported to reach their potential.

Drawing on your extensive management experience, you will provide strategic leadership to our Learning Support department, overseeing curriculum support, managing staffing, budgets, and resources, and ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning. You will lead the school’s SEND policy and provision, ensuring it is effective, reflects the latest research, and is fully compliant with all statutory requirements. In addition to your leadership responsibilities, you will teach SEN lessons to students either on a one‑to‑one or small groups basis.

About You

We welcome applications from those with qualified SENDCo status, such as NASENCO, NPQ SEND, or specialist SEN qualifications. Experience of leading a team, delivering training, and working across a broad age range is essential, while a Level 7 SpLD Diploma in Assessing and Teaching, IPSEA SEND Law or an equivalent qualification would be advantageous.

About Royal High Bath

Royal High Bath is a day and boarding school with a reputation for providing a pioneering education for girls. We offer a highly rewarding place to work as part of the national network of GDST schools dedicated to leadership in girls’ education. We have excellent facilities and resources and a warm, friendly and supportive working environment.

Join us to develop your career in a creative and innovative environment with a generous salary and benefits package. Be part of the national network of GDST schools dedicated to leadership in girls’ education.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• GDST pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free lunches during term time
• Access to our free Employee Assistance programme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

Safeguarding Statement

The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.