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 community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification and experience in secondary education required.
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.
Find out more about the required skills and experience in the job information pack.
Application
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 in Edinburgh employer: The Independent Schools Council
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, employees benefit from tailored training opportunities, family-friendly policies, and a vibrant school community that values collaboration and innovation in education. The role of Head of Support for Learning not only allows for strategic leadership but also provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional support needs.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Support for Learning in Edinburgh
✨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 makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you would implement inclusive teaching strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Support for Learning in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Support for Learning role. Highlight your experience in supporting pupils with additional support needs and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Use your supporting statement to tell us why you're passionate about inclusive education. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in relation to ASN.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your teaching qualifications and any relevant training. If you're working towards further qualifications, let us know! It shows your commitment to professional development.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through the School Talent website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your ASN Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Additional Support Needs (ASN) and current best practices. Familiarise yourself with the latest statutory requirements and how they apply to the role. 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 educational settings. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to provide strategic leadership in a school environment.
✨Communicate with Clarity
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics like screening and diagnostic assessments. You want to convey your ideas in a way that's easy for everyone to understand.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would handle various situations involving pupils with additional support needs. Prepare to discuss your thought process and the evidence-based approaches you would take.
