Birchwood Community High School is opening a specialist SEMH alternative provision supporting secondary-aged pupils who are unable to access mainstream education. We work with young people who often present with social, emotional and mental health needs, behavioural challenges, school refusal, 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 re-engage with learning, build confidence and achieve meaningful outcomes.
We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic KS3 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 than mainstream and a strong pastoral team around you.
You will be responsible for delivering engaging, accessible and high-quality education to small groups of pupils with SEMH needs, supporting them to develop skills, confidence and positive attitudes towards learning. This role is suitable for a qualified teacher, experienced tutor or AP practitioner.
Key Responsibilities
• Deliver engaging and inclusive sessions to small SEMH groups
• Plan, teach and assess across KS3
• Adapt teaching to meet a wide range of needs
• Use practical, visual and supportive approaches to promote engagement
• Track and record pupil progress in both academic and personal development
• Work closely with support staff to deliver personalised learning
• Support pupils to build confidence, resilience and a positive relationship
• Contribute to reports, reviews and pupil support plans where required
• Maintain high standards of behaviour, safeguarding and wellbeing
• Attend staff briefings and relevant training during the placement
The ideal candidate
You will:
• Hold QTS (or an equivalent teaching qualification)
* Experience of teaching within either SEMH special school, Alternative provision or primary colleagues who have
experience supporting children with challenging behaviour and cooccurring diagnosis such as autism and SADHD
• Have experience teaching at KS3 or within the primary sector
• Be calm, consistent and confident working with 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 SEMH setting
AP/SEMH experience is 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 2026. Interview date: Week commencing 11th May 2026.