At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop specialist learning support for students with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
- Company: Highly regarded school near Rye with a collaborative, values-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence and career growth in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of learning support in a respected environment and lead a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, experience with dyslexia, and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This is a highly regarded school, located near Rye, supporting pupils with Dyslexia and co-occurring Specific Learning Difficulties. The school is known for its evidence-based approach, integrated specialist provision and strong focus on aspirational outcomes for all learners. The culture is collaborative and values-driven, with specialists trusted to lead practice, shape provision and contribute to whole-school development.
As Head of Learning Support, you will provide strategic leadership for the school's specialist learning support, therapy and intervention provision. Working closely with the Deputy Head and senior leadership team, you will oversee specialist teachers, therapists, teaching assistants and intervention teams, ensuring a cohesive and transdisciplinary approach across the school.
You will lead statutory SEND processes, including EHCP annual reviews, examination access arrangements and admissions assessments, while also contributing to teaching and learning strategy, staff development and whole-school CPD. A key part of the role includes developing advisory outreach and traded services, supporting external schools and wider partners. This is a senior, influential post combining strategic oversight with professional leadership in a specialist environment.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Qualified Teacher Status and a good honours degree
- Significant experience working with students with dyslexia and SpLDs
- Proven leadership or middle-management experience within SEND or learning support
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes, access arrangements and statutory compliance
- Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, including specialist teachers and therapists
- Excellent organisational, communication and people-management skills
- A strategic mindset combined with a hands-on, collaborative approach
- A postgraduate SEND qualification (ideally dyslexia/SpLD at Level 7) is highly desirable.
What you'll get in return:
- A senior leadership role with genuine whole-school impact
- The opportunity to shape and develop specialist provision within a respected setting
- A collaborative, specialist-led working environment
- Ongoing professional development and leadership influence
- Competitive salary aligned with experience and responsibility
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Learning in Rye employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Learning in Rye
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Since this role is all about collaboration and leadership, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead teams and drive positive outcomes for students.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Learning in Rye
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Learning role. Highlight your experience with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties, as well as any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting students with SEND and how your strategic mindset can benefit our school. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. We want to see how you can inspire and lead others in a collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based approaches and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, especially in SEND or learning support. Think about times when you've led a team or influenced change, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the EHCP Process
Since this role involves leading statutory SEND processes, ensure you have a solid grasp of EHCPs, access arrangements, and compliance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these processes and how you've navigated challenges in the past.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This position requires working closely with multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight your experience in collaboration and how you've successfully worked with specialists, teachers, and therapists to achieve common goals.