At Bancroft’s, we believe that every child deserves to thrive.
Our Learning Support Department works closely with pupils, parents and teachers to ensure each learner is understood, supported and empowered. We take a proactive, tailored approach to supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), from Year 7 through to the Sixth Form and beyond.
At Bancroft’s, every pupil is screened on entry so that we can understand their individual learning profile from the start. Our approach to SEND is rooted in collaboration: pupils, teachers and families work closely together to ensure support is both effective and personal.
We aim to help pupils recognise how they learn best and to give them the confidence to advocate for their own needs. Support may take place one-to-one, in small groups or within the classroom, depending on what works best.
Alongside this, we offer short, focused sessions to strengthen skills such as organisation, revision and essay planning – open not only to those with identified SEND but to any pupil who might benefit from a little extra guidance.
“The support at Bancroft’s, not just through SEND but also from teachers, tutors, sports and mental health staff, has been exceptional.”
Bancroft's Parent
Study skills training is a core part of life at Bancroft’s, delivered to every pupil each year from Year 7 through to the Upper Sixth.
Our teachers run weekly drop-in sessions and SEND briefings to share strategies and ensure consistent support across the school. Pupils also benefit from the use of one-to-one devices, which help with organisation, fine motor development and processing skills.
For our neurodiverse pupils, a calm and welcoming space is available at morning break and lunchtime – a place to unwind, play games, listen to music or simply be creative.
In Year 7, all pupils complete standardised reading and spelling assessments within their first two weeks to help us understand their learning needs from the outset.
Those joining later, including in the Sixth Form, are screened using the LUCID Exact test.
When additional insight is needed, our Educational Psychologist carries out detailed on-site assessments to ensure we can provide the right level of support.
Every pupil with a diagnosed learning difference has an Individual Learning Support Profile (ILSP), which is shared with parents and teachers and reviewed each term. Each ILSP outlines a pupil’s strengths, areas of need, recommended access arrangements and practical strategies to help them thrive both in class and at home.
Before pupils join us, the Director of Learning Strategy and SENCo, along with her Deputy, visit pupils in their primary schools.
They speak with current teachers and SENCos, meet with parents and ensure every child’s needs are understood. Pupils moving from the Bancroft’s Prep also benefit from regular coordination meetings between the Prep and Senior School Learning Support teams.
“We couldn’t have asked for any more and are delighted with the progress made and confidence gained.”
Bancroft's Parent
Our Learning Support Department is led by the Director of Learning Strategy and SENCo, a member of the extended Senior Leadership Team.
She works closely with the Director of Teaching and Learning to ensure inclusive classroom practice and specialist support are embedded in the school culture. The team delivers:
Regular staff training
Departmental input on subject-specific strategies
Study skills and revision workshops for pupils
Webinars and support materials for parents
We also maintain strong local and national networks through HMC and regular collaboration with nearby independent schools.
If you would like to find out more about our Learning Support Department and the support we offer, please contact our Director of Learning Support, Antonia Fryer-Green: afg@bancrofts.org
