English Teacher

Acorn Care and Education; Backworth; On-site; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent special school is seeking an English Teacher to lead the curriculum and support students with emotional and behavioral needs. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on pupils’ lives, providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate should have UK QTS and a relevant English qualification, along with strong classroom and behavior management skills.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Qualifications

• Engaging practitioner who can support every pupil to achieve their potential.
• Educated to Qualified Teacher Status.
• Calm, resilient, and motivated to make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop English across the school.
• Ensure pupil welfare in line with statutory requirements.
• Support colleagues in English school improvement priorities.

Skills

Classroom management skills

Behaviour management skills

Creative curriculum design

Passion for pupil development

Education

UK QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

Relevant English qualification

Job description

Overview

Job title: English Teacher

Location: Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB

Salary: £44,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday 08:30–16:00

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: October 2025

We are part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay. Some schools have already implemented 4DWW; others are preparing to roll it out. This is a real opportunity to join the team at OFG.

We are recruiting for an English Teacher to join our close-knit Parkside House School team due to continued growth in service.

About the Role

We are seeking an innovative and reflective English Teacher who can make a significant contribution to our school community. The ideal candidate will:

• Be an engaging practitioner with excellent classroom and behaviour management skills.
• Have high expectations and a passion for supporting every pupil to achieve their potential.
• Bring creativity to curriculum design and embrace opportunities for learning both in the classroom and in the wider outdoor environment.
• Take the lead for English across the school, ensuring high-quality teaching, effective use of resources, and the ongoing development of policy and practice.
• Help deliver an outstanding curriculum, support whole-school improvement, and contribute to the wider development of pupils’ education and wellbeing.

This is a rewarding role for someone who is calm, resilient, and motivated to make a difference. Educated to Qualified Teacher Status, you will help us deliver an outstanding curriculum and contribute to the wellbeing of our pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop English across the school, setting clear targets and success criteria.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils in line with statutory and school requirements.
• Support colleagues in delivering school improvement priorities related to English.
• Monitor and report on pupil progress, ensuring parents/carers are fully informed.
• Set appropriate and achievable expectations for pupils and ensure teaching supports their individual needs.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Strong understanding of the English curriculum and statutory assessment requirements.
• Awareness of high-quality teaching strategies and how to sustain high standards of achievement.
• Understanding of the Code of Practice for SEND and its impact on teaching and learning.
• Commitment to the school’s vision, aims, and priorities.

Requirements

• UK QTS (or equivalent).
• Relevant English qualification.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

About Us

Parkside House School is an Independent Special School. Our school provides a high-quality education package to pupils who have difficulties relating to education or others within a mainstream setting. The school is registered to accommodate 35 pupils aged 10–18 years; we specialise in teaching pupils with Emotional, Social and Behavioural needs, and other associated learning and cognitive difficulties.

The aim is to provide support to unlock each pupil’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment, supported by a dedicated team of professionals.

Acorn Education is part of Outcomes First Group, and is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education and care for vulnerable pupils. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education? We place the outcomes of our pupils and vulnerable young people at the heart of everything we do, so your role will have a significant positive impact on their lives. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS check for successful applicants.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – access to mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) with a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits; 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – enhanced maternity/paternity leave, paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time for personal priorities. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.