Learning Support

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.

Our Approach to SEND

  • All pupils are screened on entry to identify any learning differences early.

  • Support is collaborative and tailored – pupils, teachers and families work together.

  • We help pupils understand their own learning profiles and how to advocate for themselves.

  • Support is offered 1:1, in small groups or within class as needed.

  • We also offer short blocks of 1:1 support to help with executive functioning, revision strategies and essay planning – not just for those with identified SEND.

“There is very caring, approachable and solution-focused support from everyone. Communication is excellent and the support provided is consistent and thoughtful.”

Bancroft's Parent

Day-to-Day Support

  • Study skills training is delivered to all pupils annually from Year 7 to Upper Sixth.

  • We offer weekly teacher drop-in sessions and SEND briefings.

  • Pupils benefit from the roll-out of 1-1 devices to support organisation, fine motor and processing skills.

  • A quiet space is available during morning break and lunchtime for our neurodiverse pupils to relax, play games, listen to music or be creative.

“Our daughter receives excellent support from the Learning Support Department, and this has had a positive impact on her readiness to learn.”

Bancroft's Parent

Transition Support

Supporting a smooth start is a key part of our work.

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.

“It was transformational to get the diagnosis, help and support that was needed.”

Bancroft's Parent

Identifying and Monitoring Needs

  • Year 7 pupils are assessed in the first two weeks using standardised reading and spelling tests.

  • Pupils joining in later years, including the Sixth Form, are screened using the LUCID Exact test.

  • Where further support is needed, our Educational Psychologist carries out detailed on-site assessments.

  • Every pupil with a diagnosed learning difference has an Individual Learning Support Profile (ILSP), shared with parents and teachers and reviewed termly.

  • ILSPs include strengths, needs, access arrangements and strategies to support the pupil in class and at home.

“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

Outcomes and Destinations

Our pupils with SEND go on to top universities, confident in their abilities and how to use them.

In 2024, pupils with identified learning needs secured places on a wide range of competitive university courses, including:

University Course(s) No. of Pupils
University of Birmingham International Relations & Development, Ancient History, Mechanical Engineering 3
Durham University History 1
Imperial College London Geophysics with a Year Abroad 1
Queen Mary University of London Economics 1
University of Bristol Liberal Arts with Study Abroad, Mechanical Engineering 2
University of Leeds Economics and Geography 1
University of Leicester Law with Criminology 1
University of Nottingham Veterinary Medicine, Politics, Management 3
University of Plymouth Dental Surgery, Medicine 2
University of Reading Law with Criminology 1
University of Sheffield Biomedical Engineering 1
University of Southampton Medicine 1
University of Warwick Economics, Law, History 3

 

“We couldn’t have asked for any more and are delighted with the progress made and confidence gained.”

Bancroft's Parent

Leadership and Expertise

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.

Any Questions?

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

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