Deputy Director of Academic Support at Bedford School

Bedford School strives to create an environment in which pupils who have additional learning needs, are neurodivergent or for whom English is an additional language can flourish, as well as fostering a community that celebrates inclusivity and diversity.

The school seeks to appoint an enthusiastic and well-qualified professional to be Deputy Director of Academic Support from September 2026. This is a new post, created to provide additional capacity to the school's support for pupils with additional needs, in the context of recent changes to the requirements for access arrangements for examinations.

The Deputy Director of Academic Support will have lead responsibility for ensuring that the School's assessment processes, record-keeping and practice are fully compliant with exam board and JCQ regulations. The post holder will report to the Director of Academic Support and work closely with them to lead a large, experienced and well-resourced team of colleagues providing support to pupils with identified SEND in the Prep and Upper phases of Bedford School.

The role also requires effective collaboration with both pastoral and academic leaders to co-ordinate support for pupils in response to progress data as well as the ability to work and communicate effectively with teaching staff and parents.

The Deputy Director of Academic Support will have lead responsibility for the department's work with colleagues across the school to identify learners requiring access arrangements. They will work closely with specialist administrative support to ensure the school maintains effective systems so that pupils who qualify for access arrangements receive the support they need, thereby enabling them to succeed on their main programmes of study.

This will include being the school's resident expert on the requirements of external bodies and examination boards, sharing information with colleagues as appropriate to ensure the school fulfils its statutory responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of fundamental skills required for the delivery of a curriculum adapted to meet the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They will be able to demonstrate an outstanding track record of classroom teaching in a subject offered by the school, giving them the credibility to provide appropriate support to boys, families and colleagues.

Given the role's remit in relation to access arrangements for external GCSE and A Level examinations, it is essential that the successful post holder has experience in working with secondary-aged pupils, including those preparing for external examinations. It is desirable, although not essential, for the candidate to be comfortable working with boys across the age range of our 7-18 school.

They will be a passionate and committed advocate for children with additional learning needs, able to demonstrate a proven track record of collaborating successfully with families, teaching staff and external specialists to provide effective support for pupils. They will be expert in ensuring an individual pupil's voice is heard appropriately in any decision about the support they are offered.

They will be committed to improving educational outcomes for all pupils with special educational needs, able to lead professional development through example and support, and to work with the Director of Academic Support to co-ordinate the provision of high-quality professional development.

Experience of the independent sector and/or a boarding environment is not essential; each year, Bedford School welcomes teachers from the state and independent sectors in England, and from some of the world's best international schools, and we value the experience that they bring. What is essential, however, is an enthusiasm to build on the many strengths of our unique school community to create an environment that enables all pupils to flourish.

Deputy Head Academic (Luke Rogers) would be happy to talk to prospective applicants and can be contacted through the main school reception on 01234 362200 or by email gelsby@bedfordschool.org.uk. Applications will be assessed as they are received, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview accordingly before the closing date. Bedford School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance.