Learning Support

We view the students who have support in the LSC as individuals who have learning differences not difficulties. Students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN) from Year 9 right up to Upper Sixth can receive support from our team of experienced and well qualified LSC teachers. We have six full time staff, three part-time staff, a Speech and Language Therapist, eight peripatetic staff and two visiting Educational Psychologists. We are based at the heart of the school within a main teaching block alongside the English, History and Religious Studies Departments.

Some students arrive at Millfield with learning differences that have already been diagnosed such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. Other students are identified through our extensive screening processes and are subsequently assessed by a specialist teacher or an Education Psychologist. We aim to ensure that students with learning differences are identified as early as possible in their Millfield career to ensure that the most appropriate support is put in place as quickly as possible. This allows our students to develop appropriate learning strategies that will allow them to achieve in line with their potential.

Sixth Form LSC Support

In the Sixth Form we continue to support AEN pupils in small groups; these sessions are timetabled in a student's private study periods. Identified students will attend the LSC at least once a week and receive information and advice on topics such as study skills and an introduction to the assistive technologies which are available in school for their use, to aid independent study. Students will have access to software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read and Write 11 and Inspiration Mind mapping.

For those AEN students who may only need occasional access to the LSC to seek guidance and support we have lunchtime workshops, which are staffed by LSC Study Support staff.

Exam Access Arrangements

For those students who meet the examination boards’ criteria we can provide a range of exam access arrangements including additional time, readers, scribes and the use of laptops. We have a team of experienced external invigilators who help to provide this service for end of year exams, Controlled Assessments, rehearsal exams and external GCSE and A level exams.

Individual Support

For those students who would like more specialist support, we are able to provide 1:1 lessons with either a Speech and Language Therapist or a peripatetic teacher. There is an additional charge for these 1:1 sessions, please see Millfield Fees Sheet for more details.

Building self-esteem, easing the journey

The LSC aims to encourage students, build their self-esteem and set them on the road to independent learning. By having high expectations and developing positive working relationships we aim to maximise opportunities and success for our AEN students.

"The teachers go out of their way to support you. The department has given me the confidence to be comfortable being myself and with my dyslexia. They have also helped put me forward for activities such as speaking on webinars about my personal experience as a dyslexic, to suggesting to take the BTEC Art and Design course at Sixth Form. I have loved every minute of it."

Ella - Old Millfieldian