Class Teacher

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS or TPS

Salary Sacrifice

Wellbeing & Leave

Discounts

Season Ticket Loan

Referral Scheme

Career Progression

Job summary

Nightingale Community Academy, part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, is seeking an inspiring Class Teacher to support pupils with SEMH/ASD. This role contributes to both academic and emotional development within a caring, inclusive setting.

You will plan differentiated lessons, work with therapists and teaching assistants, monitor progress, and contribute to the wider life of the school in a positive, trauma-informed environment.

Qualifications

• QTS with experience in primary, secondary or special education.
• Passion for supporting SEMH/ASD pupils and building trust.
• Excellent classroom management and nurturing approach.
• Able to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary team.
• Committed to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons for SEMH/ASD learners.
• Create a positive, safe, structured classroom environment.
• Collaborate with teaching assistants and therapists.
• Monitor pupil progress and contribute to EHCP reviews.
• Support enrichment activities and school ethos.

Skills

QTS

SEND experience

Classroom management

Collaborative work

Professional development

Education

QTS

Job description

Salary: OHC&AT Inner London Teachers Main Pay Scale/Upper Pay Scale + SEN 1 Allowance

Location: Nightingale Community Academy, Beechcroft road, London, SW17 7DF

Start Date: ASAP

Nightingale Community Academy is a special school in Wandsworth, providing education for boys aged between 5 to 19 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Our primary pupils benefit from a purpose-built classroom hub, an outdoor adventure playground, weekly music lessons, and a comprehensive therapy service. Secondary and post-16 students have access to a broad curriculum, including vocational courses such as motor vehicle studies, construction, horticulture, and hospitality. All pupils also enjoy regular animal therapy sessions at Tom’s Farm, located on our expansive school grounds.

Staff at Nightingale Community Academy take pride in the development of young people in a safe and stimulating environment and are offered a rewarding and varied career in return.

We are looking for an inspiring, resilient, and compassionate Class Teacher to join our team. The successful candidate will be passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with SEMH/ASD needs, creative in their approach to teaching and learning, and committed to supporting pupils to achieve their full potential, both academically and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons that meet the diverse needs of pupils with SEMH/ASD and associated learning needs.
• Create a positive, safe, and structured classroom environment that promotes emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence.
• Work closely with teaching assistants, therapists, and wider staff to provide a holistic and personalised approach to learning.
• Monitor and assess pupil progress, maintaining accurate records and contributing to EHCP reviews and reports.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting enrichment activities and promoting the school’s values and ethos.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in primary, secondary, or special education settings.
• A genuine passion for supporting pupils with SEMH needs and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships.
• Excellent classroom management skills and a nurturing, trauma-informed approach.
• The ability to work flexibly as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating empathy, patience, and resilience.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and a strong belief that every child can achieve and succeed.

OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:

Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Nightingale Community Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

Closing Date: Thursday 19th November 2026

Interviews will take place on: The week commencing 23rd November 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for a