Overview
Head of Learning Support Jobs in Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal at The British School of Lisbon
Title: Head of Learning Support
Company: The British School of Lisbon
Location: Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
The British School of Lisbon is a leading international school offering a high-quality British education in the heart of Lisbon. With a strong focus on academic excellence, wellbeing and global citizenship, the school provides a nurturing and ambitious learning environment for students from Early Years through to Secondary. BSL is proud of its diverse, international community and is committed to inspiring curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning in every student.
Location
The role involves working across the two British School of Lisbon (BSL) campuses:
BSL Cais do Sodré Campus – Nursery to Year 5
BSL Restelo Campus – Year 6 and above (growing annually; Year 11 launching September
2026)
Reporting to
Line managed by the Headmaster but reporting to, and working closely, with the Head of Primary
and the Head of Secondary. Also working closely with the Assistant Heads.
Line management responsibility
EAL Teacher (Cais do Sodré)
EAL Teacher (Restelo)
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Learning Support will lead and strategically develop inclusive provision across both
campuses of BSL. The role has a strong focus on EAL/ESL provision, alongside SEND support,
ensuring all pupils are able to access the curriculum and achieve their full potential.
This is a key leadership role in a growing school, requiring a balance of strategic oversight and
operational delivery.
The successful candidate will ensure a coherent, consistent approach to learning support across
both campuses while working closely with academic and pastoral leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of a whole-school Learning Support strategy
- across both campuses
- Ensure high-quality provision for students with EAL/ESL needs, SEND and other learning
- needs
- Develop, implement and regularly review policies relating to inclusion, EAL and SEND
- Contribute to whole-school development planning and academic strategy
Teaching and Learning
- Deliver targeted support (individual, small group or in-class) where required
- Support teachers in adapting curriculum delivery to meet diverse learning needs,
- particularly EAL learners
- Promote high expectations, inclusive practice and excellent behaviour for learning
- Monitor student progress and ensure effective interventions are in place
- Support staff through training and sharing of best practice in EAL and inclusive teaching
Leadership and Management
- Line manage and develop EAL T eachers across both campuses
- Support and guide all staff in meeting the needs of EAL and SEND learners
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Primary and Head of Secondary to ensure continuity
- and progression
- Contribute to staff CPD, particularly in EAL strategies and inclusive practice
- Foster a collaborative, reflective and supportive team culture
- Maintain an up to date learning support register, with relevant information about student
- needs shared with staff as appropriate
Assessment and Student Support
- Oversee identification, assessment and monitoring of students requiring additional support
- Develop and maintain Individual Support Plans (ISPs) where appropriate
- Coordinate exam access arrangements in line with relevant regulations
- Maintain accurate records of student progress, interventions and outcomes
- Ensure smooth transition between phases and campuses
Communication and Partnerships
- Build strong relationships with parents, ensuring clear communication regarding student
- progress and support, including regular review meetings about students on the learning
- support register
- Build strong relationships with other professionals in school who work to support student
- wellbeing, including (but not limited to) school nurses, wellbeing assistants, counsellors, the
- front desk team and pastoral leads
- Liaise with external professionals where appropriate (e.g. educational psychologists,
- therapists)
- Support Admissions by advising on prospective students’ needs
- Engage with external networks and schools to share and develop best practice
- Notify senior leaders and relevant staff when access arrangements are confirmed and/or
- change
Operational Responsibilities
- Contribute to timetabling and provision planning
- Monitor the impact and value for money of Learning Support provision
- Support the wider life of the school, including duties and events as required
Safeguarding and Professional Responsibilities
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all students
- Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality and integrity
- Contribute positively to the ethos and wider life of the school
- Undertake any reasonable duties as directed by the Headmaster
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Degree and recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, B.Ed, PGDE with QTS or equivalent)
- Significant experience supporting students with EAL/ESL and SEND
- Proven experience in a leadership or coordination role
- Minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience
Desirable:
- NASENCo, ISENCo or equivalent qualification
- UK trained
- At least 3 years experience of working in the UK
- Experience in an international or British curriculum school
- Experience of working in an all through school (EYs to KS5)
- Qualification in psychometric testing / exam access arrangements (e.g. CPT3A)
Knowledge and Understanding
- Strong understanding of EAL/ESL pedagogy (essential)
- Knowledge of SEND provision and inclusive education
- Familiarity with assessment, intervention and progress tracking
- Understanding of UK curriculum and progression
Skills
- Strategic thinking with the ability to prioritise
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to support, challenge and develop colleagues
- Highly organised with attention to detail and strong awareness of the bigger picture
- Ability to lead change and drive improvement
Personal Qualities
- Commitment to inclusive education and high standards
- Resilient, adaptable and solution-focused
- Collaborative and approachable leadership style
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and discretion
- Positive, proactive and reflective practitioner
Cover letter and CV should be sent to [email protected]
