Director of Academic Support

Director of Academic Support

For April or September 2025 (with the possibility for an earlier start date if notice allows)

Bedford School strives to create an environment in which pupils who are neurodiverse 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 Director of Academic Support. The vacancy arises following the internal promotion of the postholder to the role of Deputy Head (Pastoral). The successful candidate will be the school’s SENCo and lead a large, experienced and well-resourced team of colleagues providing support to pupils with identified SEND and for whom English is an additional language.

We would be keen to hear from candidates with experience in either the state or independent sectors. The successful candidate’s background may include primary or secondary education; whatever their specialism, it is essential the candidate is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work across both Prep and Upper phases of our school.

It may also suit an experienced teacher with qualified teacher status, who has not yet acted as a SENCo, but can point to a track record of excellent classroom teaching and is seeking to broaden their experience. The school is well placed to support our new Director of Academic Support, including by supporting them to undertake the new National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in SEND provision. Existing experience as a SENCo is therefore not essential; what is essential, however, is a personal capacity to provide brilliant teaching and the ability to support colleagues across the school to develop their teaching practice.

We aspire to attract new colleagues to reflect the socially and culturally diverse Bedford community, and welcome applications from all specialists from all backgrounds.

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. Short-listed candidates will be invited to the school for interview on the advertised date.

The selection process will involve interviews, tasks and a tour of the school. The Deputy Head Academic Mr 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 lrogers@bedfordschool.org.uk

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Bedford School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

Closing date: Friday 29 November

Interview date: Thursday 5 December

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.