Director of Individual Needs in Leeds

• Full time, permanent

• Salary £58,000-£63,500 per annum dependent on experience

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Director of Individual Needs (SENCO) to provide strategic leadership for individual needs across the whole school. The appointee can commence the role from 6 January 2027, or 12 April 2027. The successful candidate will lead and develop our Individual Needs provision from Early Years through to Sixth Form, ensuring that practice is inclusive, evidence-informed and focused on enabling every pupil to thrive. Leading the Individual Needs Department and working closely with colleagues, pupils, parents and external professionals, the Director will lead a skilled and committed team and play an important role in the wider academic, pastoral and strategic life of GSAL.

The successful candidate will be an approachable, reflective and highly organised leader, with the ability to inspire and support colleagues and to lead the department through ongoing development and change. You will be committed to removing barriers to learning, promoting independence and ensuring that all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported to achieve their potential. In return, this is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop Individual Needs provision within a thriving 3–18 school, while making a significant contribution to the wider life and ethos of GSAL.

About GSAL

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is a thriving, academically selective independent school that is socially inclusive and proudly multicultural. We are committed to helping every pupil realise their potential and develop into confident, curious and well-rounded young people.

Awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent School of the Decade in 2021, GSAL offers a friendly, supportive environment with high expectations and a strong focus on both academic excellence and wellbeing. GSAL has also recently been named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the Big Organisation category.

Located on a purpose-built 140-acre campus at Alwoodley Gates in north Leeds, GSAL educates around 2,100 pupils aged 2–18.

The school operates a diamond model of teaching, with co-education to age 11, single-sex teaching in Years 7–11, and mixed sixth form classes, alongside a rich co-curricular programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. The maximum class size for year 7 and 8 is 24, smaller for practical subjects and decreases at KS4 and 5.

GSAL’s success is driven by committed, professional colleagues who are passionate about excellence in the classroom and contributing to the wider life of the school. In return, we offer a high degree of professional autonomy, excellent resources and a supportive environment, alongside a strong benefits package and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

We value our colleagues and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks)

• Significant discount on school fees (for contracts of 12 months+)

• Enhanced, generous PPA time, with most meetings held within the school day

• Small class sizes with Y7 average being 24 and is even smaller as pupils move through the school

• Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3–11)

• Defined Contribution pension scheme through Aviva (0% employee contribution, 21% employer contribution, plus 4x salary life insurance)

• Training and CPD, including 5+ INSET days

• Three-course colleague lunches for £2.40, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate

• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health Hero

• Employee Assistance Programme through Perkbox, including counselling, legal and financial advice

• Discounts through Perkbox, teacher discounts and Extras

• Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site

• Onsite gym and swimming pool, plus fitness classes (Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps)

• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

• Free onsite parking

• Access to the school’s extensive library facilities

• Generous leave of absence scheme

• Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives and community events

How to apply

If you are passionate about maths and keen to contribute to a thriving academic community, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the online application form available on our website.

Further information about the role and responsibilities can be found in the recruitment pack attached to the website advert. Due to the volume of interest, we are unable to offer tours prior to shortlisting; however, a virtual tour is available on our jobs page, and a full tour is provided during the interview process.

For any queries, please contact vacancies@gsal.org.uk.

Closing date: 10:00 Monday 5 October 2026

Interview date: Longlist interviews Friday 9 October, shortlist interviews Wednesday 14 October

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