Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Our Learning Skills department leads our provision for boys who have thinking and learning differences and other additional needs. Gemma Cole, our Head of Learning Skills and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo), heads our team of specialists teachers and other professionals who support boys identified as having additional SEND requirements.

The Learning Skills department works in tandem with House Masters, Masters and the rest of the School community to ensure that boys' strengths and needs are understood and met during their time at Harrow. Working in partnership with both parents and boys is integral to this process and we warmly welcome and encourage their views.

Harrow is an inclusive school and the Learning Skills team supports boys with profiles which include dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and difficulties with attention. Provision is carefully considered on a case-by-case basis for each boy and, where appropriate, a bespoke plan of support is established. This may include individual or group lessons, tailored differentiation in the form room, additional help with prep or study skills and sometimes also external specialist support from allied professionals.

Although some boys transfer to the School with existing assessments, boys can also be referred to the Learning Skills team at any point during their time at Harrow. Through referral from a House Master, Master, Tutor, parent – or indeed boy themselves - we can help identify how the boy may learn best and how to address any areas of need. Sometimes this is through a formal assessment but, in other cases, it is through enabling strategies, support and understanding.

The provision of access arrangements for examinations is also co-ordinated by the Head of Learning Skills and determined by the School’s Access Arrangements Board.

Parents considering Harrow for a boy who has additional needs and requirements are encouraged to discuss their son’s needs with the Registrar.