Complex Needs Teacher (Post-16 Education)

Expanse Learning Leigh College; Orrell; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

47 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Expanse Learning Leigh College in Leigh/Wigan is seeking a Complex Needs Teacher (Post-16) to inspire students aged 16–24 with SEND/SEMH. We offer a supportive, values‑driven team dedicated to meaningful learning and futures.

You will lead high‑quality teaching, plan personalised programmes, align delivery with EHCP outcomes and support students to achieve qualifications and life skills through 1:1, small groups and Functional Skills. The role is full‑time.

Qualifications

• PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Experience teaching Post-16 students with complex SEND.
• Ability to lead classroom teams and work to EHCP outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver personalised programmes of learning.
• Lead high-quality teaching and learning.
• Develop Schemes of Work, lesson plans and assessments.
• Support students to achieve qualifications and personal development goals.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive learning culture.

Skills

Post-16 complex SEND experience

Education

PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification

Job description

Are you a compassionate, dedicated teacher ready to shape the lives of students with complex needs? We are seeking an exceptional complex needs teacher to join our dedicated college in Leigh or Orrell, Wigan, where every day offers a chance to make a real difference. This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a highly motivated and supportive team, delivering meaningful learning experiences for students with complex needs.

Position: Complex Needs Teacher (Post-16)

Location: Expanse Leigh College, Leigh Sports Stadium, Sale Way, Leigh, WN7 4JY. / Expanse Orrell College, Orrell Road, Wigan, WN5 8HJ.

Salary: £30,000 - £41,333 (Qualified Scale)

Work Pattern: 8:30-16:30 Mon-Fri (Full-time, 37.5 hrs)

Responsible to: Head of College

Commencement: As soon as possible.

About Us

Established in 2010, Expanse Learning is a specialist education provider supporting young people with additional needs to achieve meaningful and fulfilling futures. At our colleges, we provide personalised pathways for students aged 16 to 24 with a range of SEND and/or SEMH needs. Our approach blends education, independence, and employability into programmes that build confidence, resilience and real-world readiness. Working at Expanse means being part of something genuinely impactful. Staff here don’t just teach, they unlock futures. We are seeking a committed and skilled complex needs teacher who shares our belief that every student deserves opportunity, dignity and high expectations.

Job Description Statement

This job description provides an outline of the duties and responsibilities of the role, and the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform them as at the date it was created. By applying for this role, the candidate accepts that over time this job description may be subject to change as the candidate's duties and job evolves or as any changes to the school arise, this will be in consultation and discussion with the candidate. It will periodically be reviewed as part of ongoing continuing professional and school development. In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with you.

Safeguarding Statement

Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment.

It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS.

Equality Statement

We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work.

Employees will be recruited based on their qualifications and experience to do the work to be performed, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, political opinion, age, pregnancy & maternity, disability or trade union membership status.

Health and Safety

All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others when carrying out their duties and must help us to apply our general statement of health and safety policy.

Role Purpose

The Complex Needs Teacher will play a central role in delivering personalised education programmes to post-16 students with complex needs.

The post holder will:

Lead high quality teaching and learning Deliver programmes aligned to EHCP outcomes Support students to achieve qualifications and personal development goals Contribute to a positive, inclusive and ambitious learning culture with teaching delivered through:

• Total Communication
• Small group sessions
• 1:1 learning
• Functional Skills and Vocational learning
• Personal development

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

Plan and deliver personalised programmes of learning Develop Schemes of Work, lesson plans and assessment strategies Deliver engaging and differentiated sessions that meet a wide range of learning needs Integrate Functional Skills within curriculum delivery Support students to develop independence and life skills Establish clear learning goals aligned to EHCP outcomes Use adaptive teaching approaches suitable for SEND students

Progress & Achievement

Monitor student progress using appropriate assessment tools Support achievement of RARPA targets and/or academic qualifications Maintain ambitious expectations for attendance, engagement and achievement Contribute to Annual Reviews and progress reporting Ensure learning leads to meaningful next step or destination

Classroom Leadership

Lead and direct classroom support staff Create structured, nurturing, safe and purposeful learning environment Use positive behaviour approaches to support engagement Implement targeted interventions where required Promote student voice and confidence

Quality & Compliance

Use Databridge Management Information System to record student progress and outcome data Maintain accurate student records Adhere to internal and external quality assurance standards Contribute to Quality Improvement process Support preparation for and participate within Ofsted inspection

Safeguarding & Inclusion

Safeguard and promote student welfare Work within KCSIE and SEND Code of Practice Promote equality, dignity and inclusion Work collaboratively with families and professionals

Wider Contribution

Participate in college development activities Support cross-site collaboration Engage in CPD Contribute to a positive staff culture

Person Specification

Essential

PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification Post-16 complex SEND experience Knowledge of Ofsted Report Card Ability to lead a classroom team Strong organisational skills Commitment to inclusive practice

Benefits

At Expanse Learning, we recognise that great teaching happens when staff feel valued, supported and inspired. We are proud to offer a working environment that prioritises both professional growth and personal wellbeing.

Professional Development

Regular CPD tailored to your development needs Access to funded training and educational sponsorship (subject to application) Clear opportunities for progression across departments and sites Support to develop specialist complex SEND practice Opportunities to contribute to wider curriculum and organisational development

Financial

Competitive salary with pay progression linked to performance Access to salary sacrifice pension scheme Enhanced sick pay linked to length of service

Wellbeing

47 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) Christmas and New Year shutdown period Access to Mental Health First Aiders 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme Access to private medical insurance Personal resilience and wellbeing support programme Organisation-wide wellbeing initiatives and campaign including annual health and wellbeing day.

Working Environment

Modern, well-equipped facilities Free on-site parking Positive and supportive staff culture.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

If you require any aids or adaptations to either our workplace or policies and practices that may assist or enable you to successfully carry out this role, please inform us. This job description is subject to annual review in accordance with the changing nature of students and institutional need.

Safer Recruitment

Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All roles are subject to pre-employment checks:

• Verification of the applicant's identity (where that has not previously been verified).
• The receipt of two references (one of which must be from the applicant's most recent employer) which Expanse considers as satisfactory.
• Where the position amounts to "regulated activity" the receipt of an enhanced disclosure from the DBS which Expanse considers to be satisfactory.
• Where the position amounts to "regulated activity" confirmation that the applicant is not named on the Children's Barred List/Vulnerable Adult Barred List.
• Verification of the applicant's medical fitness for the role.
• Verification of the applicant's right to work in the UK.
• Prohibition from teaching checks.
• Section 128 provisions check (prohibited from managing, if applicable).
• Any further checks which are necessary as a result of the applicant having lived or worked outside of the UK; and
• Verification of professional qualifications which Expanse Group deems a requirement for the post, or which the applicant otherwise cites in support of their application (where they have not been previously verified).
• Online searches.