Head of learning support

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Middle leadership

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

3MU + 1MMA

Heretaunga College is a co-educational state secondary school in Upper Hutt, serving approximately 900 students. We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and strategic head of learning support to lead and develop our comprehensive learning support programme.

This is a key leadership role responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of support services for students with diverse learning needs across the college. The successful applicant will have significant knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) and a proven ability to implement effective, inclusive, and equitable educational practices.

In this role you will lead and manage the school's learning support department, including teacher aides specialist staff and, fostering a collaborative, high-performance team culture.

Key responsibilities include :

• Provide expert leadership to all of the learning support team
• Work alongside heads of department to ensure curriculum adaptation
• Oversee the identification, assessment and placement of students requiring learning support
• Rebuild, develop, monitor and review high-quality individual education plans (IEPs), individual behaviour plans (IBPs)
• Ensure effective management and appropriate utilisation of ORS funding and other allocated resources for learning support
• Foster strong relationships with whānau and external agencies (e.g., RTLB, MOE special education, health professionals) to ensure a cohesive network of support
• Establish robust systems for the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of all learning support interventions
• Implement specific strategies to address recommendations from the recent external self-review
• Classroom teaching of two classes.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate significant knowledge and practical experience of the New Zealand Curriculum and its application to support diverse learners in mainstream settings and have proven experience in a leadership role within an educational setting, preferably within learning support. A comprehensive understanding of best practices in inclusive education, special education needs, and neurodiversity alongside a commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice are essential.

How to apply

If you have strong interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to lead change and influence professional practice, please address your covering letter, current CV & application form to Mr John Murdoch, Principal and email to :

Physical address :

20 Ward Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt

Postal Address :

20 Ward Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt, 5018

#J-18808-Ljbffr