At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in supporting students with additional needs for inclusive education.
- Company: Join Loretto School, a top independent school near Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, family-friendly policies, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping inclusive teaching strategies.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification and experience in secondary education with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Loretto School is one of Britain’s leading independent boarding and day schools located on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our team as Head of Support for Learning from August 2026.
Main Purpose of the Role
You will provide strategic leadership and professional guidance in the area of ASN, ensuring high-quality, inclusive teaching and the effective use of resources to secure strong outcomes for all pupils. The role centres on developing and implementing a cohesive, whole-school approach that balances universal classroom provision with targeted interventions. A key responsibility is the identification, profiling, tracking, and monitoring of pupils with additional support needs, ensuring that provision is responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with pupils’ evolving needs. You will lead on screening, diagnostic assessment, and the management of examination access arrangements, ensuring compliance with current regulations and best practice. You will also work closely with the Admissions Team to ensure that prospective and new pupils are assessed carefully and compassionately, with decisions grounded in appropriate evidence.
This is a full-time permanent term post, working term time. Loretto has its own salary scale and salary will be determined by experience and aptitude for the role.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
You will have a recognised teaching qualification and be registered with the GTCS or in the process of achieving this. You will also have the following skills and experience:
- Experience in secondary teaching and leadership.
- Proven experience of supporting pupils with additional support needs.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- High emotional intelligence and resilience.
- Up-to-date knowledge of statutory requirements.
- Suitably qualified, or willing to work towards qualifications, to carry out screening and diagnostic assessments.
If you think this is the right opportunity for you, please apply through the School Talent website. You will be asked to submit a CV and supporting statement as part of the application process. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact jobs@loretto.com. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this post.
Closing Date: Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11:59pm.
Benefits
- Family friendly policies
- Free lunches during term time
- School Fees Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee Assistance programme
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
The School is committed to equal opportunities for all its pupils and staff. Loretto is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Loretto meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme checks before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The cost of this application will be met by the School. Annually, every member of staff at the School is required to undergo, complete, and sign to confirm that they have received child protection training and will uphold it.
Head of Support for Learning employer: Teacheroo
Loretto School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment on the picturesque outskirts of Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to professional development, staff benefit from tailored training opportunities, family-friendly policies, and a vibrant school community that values collaboration and innovation in education. The unique location not only enhances the educational experience but also provides a fulfilling lifestyle for employees, making it an ideal place for those passionate about supporting learning and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Support for Learning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Loretto School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Loretto School's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for our school culture. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience with additional support needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and inclusive teaching strategies. We want to see how you think on your feet, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our School Talent website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Loretto.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Support for Learning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your teaching qualifications and any leadership roles you've had, especially those related to supporting pupils with additional needs.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Use your supporting statement to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Support for Learning role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully supported students in the past and how you plan to implement a cohesive approach at Loretto.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and well-structured. Use concise language and avoid jargon to ensure your points come across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through the School Talent website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re following our process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your ASN Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Additional Support Needs (ASN) before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current regulations and best practices, as well as any recent developments in inclusive teaching strategies. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about supporting all pupils.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in a secondary teaching context. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to provide strategic leadership and guidance in the role.
✨Communicate with Clarity and Empathy
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically, especially when discussing sensitive topics like pupil assessments. Consider role-playing with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as approachable and understanding.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to ASN and how they envision the Head of Support for Learning contributing to their goals. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
