Austin Friars is a non-selective school and to enable all pupils to reach their full potential we have a specialist Learning Support department in the school.

Learning Support is available to all pupils to meet individual needs, to ensure that the opportunity for independent learning extends to all pupils.

Learning Support is offered for a range of needs including dyslexia, dyscalculia, pupils on the autistic spectrum and more able pupils.

All pupils are screened to identify any learning difficulties during the Summer Term in Preparatory (Year 2), the Michaelmas Term in 1st Form and all new entrants from Junior 1 (Year 3) upwards.

Parental concerns about support during Entrance Assessment should be addressed to the admissions officer.
Learning Support is offered at a variety of levels, in well-equipped Learning Support classrooms, with specialist staff to give help and support. There is a charge for different levels of support.

Support is offered as:

• Watching brief where class teachers are made aware of difficulties
• Differentiated work in class
• In-class support from a learning support assistant
• Small group work withdrawn from class
• 1:1 withdrawn from class
• Drop-in sessions at lunchtime and afterschool available for Senior School pupils.
• Support from external agencies

Pupils receiving formal Learning Support may have an Individual Provision Map which contains targets written by the pupil, class teachers, SENCO and Learning support staff. The IPMs are updated regularly with the pupil’s progress and new targets.

For pupils identified with some forms of learning difficulty, reasonable adjustments may be made to avoid them being at a disadvantage in both internal and external exams and assessments. This can include extra time, a prompt, and use of a reader and/or scribe. 

For further information see the Learning Support Policy on the Policies and Procedures page.