Birchwood Community High School currently has a 16-place provision for students with a diagnosis of autism. We are now growing our SEND provisions and are opening a new SEMH provision in September, supporting secondary-aged pupils who are unable to access mainstream education. We work with young people who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who have a either a diagnosis of autism and/or who often present with social, emotional and mental health needs, behavioural challenges, anxiety, low confidence and a history of negative experiences in education.
Our approach is relationship-led, trauma-informed, and built around small group teaching, strong routines and consistently high expectations. We provide a calm, structured environment where pupils can engage with learning, build confidence and achieve meaningful outcomes.
We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic English Teacher to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a teacher who wants to make a genuine impact in a small setting, with significantly smaller class sizes (8-10 students) and a strong pastoral team around you.
You will be responsible for delivering engaging, accessible and high-quality Key Stage 4 English lessons to small groups of pupils across both provisions, developing confidence and positive attitudes towards learning. You will also be responsible for delivering some other vocational style lessons such as ASDAN and PSHE. This role is suitable for an experienced, qualified teacher.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging English lessons to small groups of pupils
• Teach KS4 English in an accessible, motivating and well-scaffolded way
• Support pupils to build literacy skills, confidence and resilience
• Prepare pupils for qualifications where appropriate (Functional Skills / Entry Level / GCSE)
• Adapt teaching to meet social communication/ SEMH needs and a range of learning gaps
• Support positive behaviour through consistent routines and relational practice
• Track progress and contribute to reporting and pupil support planning
• Work closely with colleagues, families and external professionals when required
* Maintain high standards of behaviour, safeguarding and wellbeing
• Attend staff briefings and relevant training as required
The ideal candidate
You will:
• Hold QTS (or an equivalent teaching qualification)
• Have experience teaching English at KS3 and/or KS4
• Be calm, consistent and confident working with SEND and behaviour that can present challenges
• Be passionate about supporting pupils to re-engage and succeed
• Be organised, reflective and committed to high standards
• Want to work in a small, supportive, fast-growing specialist setting
Specific SEND/SEMH experience is highly desirable, but not essential for the right candidate.
What we offer
• Small group teaching (no mainstream class sizes)
• Supportive team and strong pastoral systems
• Calm, structured setting with clear routines
• Opportunity to shape curriculum and provision
• Meaningful work with strong professional development opportunities
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Further details can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs. This position is subject to a disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
If, prior to submitting an application, you would like to see for yourself why we believe this is such a fabulous school in which to work, then do not hesitate to contact us to arrange a visit.
Closing date for application: 9am Wednesday 6th May. Interview date: Week commencing 11th May 2026.