Director of Individual Needs

• Full timepermanent

• Salary58000-63500 per annum dependent on experience

We areseekingan inspirational and experienced Director of Individual Needs (SENCO) to provide strategic leadership for individual needs across the whole appointeecan commence the role from 6 January 2027 or 12 April 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 playan important rolein the wider academicpastoraland strategic life of GSAL.

The successful candidate will be an approachablereflectiveand highly organised leader with the ability to inspire and support colleagues and to lead thedepartment through ongoing development and change. You will be committed to removing barriers to learning promotingindependenceand ensuring that all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported to achieve their return this is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop Individual Needs provision within a thriving 318 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 pupilrealisetheir potential and develop into confidentcuriousand well-rounded young people.

Awarded North Independent School of the Year2024 andIndependent School of the Decadein2021 GSAL offers a friendly supportive environment withhigh expectationsand a strong focus on both academic excellence and 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 2100 pupils aged 218.

The schooloperatesa diamond model of teaching with co-education to age 11 single-sex teaching in Years 711 and mixed sixth form classes alongside a rich co-curricularprogrammethat extends learning beyond the size foryear7 and 8 is24smaller for practical subjectsanddecreases at KS4 and5.

GSALs success is driven by committed professional colleagues who are passionate about excellence in the classroom and contributing to the wider life of the return we offer a high degree of professional autonomy excellentresourcesand 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

• Subsidisedchildcare during INSET days (ages 311)

• 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 teacoffeeand hot chocolate

• 24/7 online GP accessfor you and your familyvia Health Hero

• Employee AssistanceProgrammethroughPerkbox including counselling legal and financial advice

• Discounts throughPerkbox teacher discounts and Extras

• Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site

• Onsite gym and swimming pool plus fitness classes (Pilates meditation kettlebellsspinningand bootcamps)

• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

• Free onsite parking

• Access to the schools extensive library facilities

• Generous leave of absence scheme

• Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities wellbeinginitiativesand community events

How to apply

If you are passionate aboutmathsand 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.

Closing date: 10:00 Monday 5 October 2026

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

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