At Strangford College, we are proud to be an all-ability school where every student is valued and supported to reach their full potential. Our Learning Support Department is led by Mr N. Forbes, Learning Support Co-Ordinator and Mrs J. Lindores Assistant Learning Support Co-Ordinator. The Learning Support department work collaboratively across all subjects to ensure that students receive the tailored support they need.

The department liaises closely with Teaching and Learning Assistants, external support agencies, and—most importantly—parents and carers. Learning Support encompasses a range of provision including:

· Whole class support

· In-class assistance

· Withdrawal sessions for Literacy, Numeracy, and Newcomer students

Withdrawal sessions are designed to provide focused, small-group or individual support in key areas of development:

· Literacy: Students work on enhancing their reading comprehension skills, developing grammar and punctuation accuracy, and using assistive technology to support independent learning and access to the curriculum.

· Numeracy: These sessions concentrate on strengthening core number skills, building confidence in mathematical thinking, and applying strategies that help students engage more effectively with numeracy across subjects.

· Social Skills: Delivered in small groups, these sessions address everyday challenges such as managing exam stress, navigating transitions (e.g., moving between key stages), and promoting social wellbeing within the school environment.

We also work in partnership with a number of external agencies to provide specialist input where needed. Our aim is to help every student experience success in all aspects of school life—academic, social, and emotional.