Leader of Learning Support (SENCO)

Tikipunga High School; Northland; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tikipunga High School in Northland, New Zealand, seeks a passionate leader to head our Learning Support department from Term 1 2027. The role blends leadership with teaching responsibilities and focuses on accelerating progress for ākonga through targeted programmes and strong collaboration with staff, whānau and external agencies.

The successful candidate will use data analysis to identify barriers to learning, coordinate specialist services, manage learning resources and foster inclusive

Qualifications

• Demonstrates strong leadership, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in learning support or educational leadership is desirable.
• Ability to lead inclusive practices and coordinate school-wide support systems.
• Willingness to learn and develop specialist expertise in supporting ākonga.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Learning Support department and coordinate staff, kaiawhina, whānau and external agencies.
• Utilize data to identify barriers to learning and develop targeted programmes.
• Review programmes with staff, whānau and students to accelerate progress.
• Manage learning resources and systems to improve outcomes for ākonga.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Collaboration

Job description

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Middle leadership

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

2 MUs, 1 MMA

Tikipunga High School is seeking a passionate, capable and collaborative leader to lead our high-performing, well-resourced learning support department. Commencing Term 1 2027.

This position would suit an experienced learning support practitioner or an experienced educational leader with a willingness to learn and develop specialist expertise in learning how to best support our ākonga.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong leadership, organisational and relationship-building skills, working collaboratively with teaching staff, kaiawhina (learning assistants), whānau and external agencies to coordinate effective support for ākonga.

We seek a proactive, solutions-focused leader with strengths in data analysis, identifying barriers to learning and developing targeted programmes that are reviewed as a collective with staff, whānau and students regularly. These programmes aim to accelerate progress, close learning gaps and improve outcomes for and with our ākonga. The ability to lead school-wide inclusive practices, coordinate specialist services and manage learning support systems and resources is essential.

We offer a supportive, collaborative environment, established systems, excellent resources and opportunities for professional growth. This position has a teaching component, please state supporting subject strengths.

Join our kura where inclusion, relationships, cultural identity and achievement matter.