For students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), the right support can be transformative. Traditionally, tutoring has been the go-to option for parents looking to boost academic performance. And in many cases, targeted subject tutoring can indeed help a student keep pace with the curriculum, prepare for assessments, and build specific knowledge. But when it comes to addressing the wider needs of a child - particularly those who are navigating the international school system, perhaps moving between countries and adapting to different curricula - a coaching approach can be far more impactful.
The Limits of “Curriculum-Only” Support
Tutoring is valuable for reinforcing learning, closing knowledge gaps, and supporting progress in a particular subject. However, if a student is also managing challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety, academic tutoring alone may not address the underlying barriers to learning. This is where coaching becomes not just helpful - but essential.
Coaching: Skills for Life, Not Just the Next Test
Coaching focuses on developing the personal and executive skills that enable students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Skills such as:
- Resilience – managing setbacks and staying motivated
- Self-belief – recognising strengths and building confidence
- Reflection – evaluating what works and what can be improved
- Organisation & Time Management – creating routines, prioritising, and meeting deadlines
- Problem-Solving – thinking flexibly and finding solutions when challenges arise
These are not just “school skills” - they are life skills, helping students adapt to new environments, cope with transitions between schools and countries, and prepare for the demands of adulthood.
Why This Matters in the International School Context
Students in international schools often face unique pressures: adapting to unfamiliar education systems, learning in a second (or third) language, and building new peer relationships while maintaining academic progress. For students with SEND, this transition can feel even more daunting. Coaching helps them develop the adaptability, independence, and confidence to navigate these changes successfully.
The Balanced Approach
At iSEND Consultancy, we value the role of both tutoring and coaching. Tutoring has its place in boosting specific subject knowledge, especially when exams are looming. But coaching digs deeper - equipping young people with the transferable skills and mindset they need to flourish in any educational setting, and in life beyond the classroom.
If you are a parent of a student with SEND in an international school, and you want to explore how coaching can empower your child to succeed now and in the future, iSEND Consultancy can help.
Get in touch today to find out how our personalised coaching programmes can support your child’s growth, resilience, and independence; wherever in the world their learning journey takes them.
Ian Edwards
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