English Teacher

Tradewind Recruitment; St Albans; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment in St Albans is seeking an English Teacher for an Alternative Provision, starting November 2026. You will join a supportive team and teach English to small groups of 2–8 students aged 11-16, with SEMH needs, in a dedicated setting.

The role requires QTS and experience with English teaching to this age range; a Psychology background or SEMH experience is advantageous, with strong behaviour management and a nurturing, patient approach.

Qualifications

• QTS with experience teaching English to 11-16-year-olds.
• Experience with pupils with SEMH or Psychology background is advantageous.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Nurturing, patient and relational approach to learners.
• Ability to differentiate lessons for pupils with low prior attainment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrates resilience and flexibility in challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Teach English to small groups of 2-8 pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build strong relationships and provide highly personalised support.
• Contribute to GCSE English Language focus and progress.
• Deliver accessible, engaging lessons and monitor progress.
• Collaborate with staff to support student re-engagement and outcomes.

Skills

QTS

11-16 English

SEMH aware

Behaviour management

Nurturing approach

Differentiation

Communication

Resilience

Education

QTS

Job description

English Teacher - Alternative Provision

St Albans | Full-Time | November 2026 Start | £35,602 - £54,328 London Fringe MPS/UPS

English Teacher - ideally with Psychology or SEMH experience

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking a nurturing, resilient and enthusiastic English Teacher to join an established Alternative Provision setting in St Albans, supporting students aged 11-16.

The role is due to start in November 2026, following the October half term, although an earlier start may be possible. This is a full-time position and would suit an experienced Secondary English Teacher, or potentially a strong Primary Teacher with QTS, excellent behaviour management and a passion for supporting pupils with additional needs.

About the Role

You will teach English to small groups of students who have experienced challenges within mainstream education. Classes are typically just 2-8 pupils, allowing you to build strong relationships and provide highly personalised support.

The students generally have low prior attainment and SEMH needs, so the successful teacher will need to be patient, adaptable and confident in using a calm, consistent and nurturing approach.

The English curriculum focuses on developing students' confidence and ability in:

• Reading, writing and spoken language
• GCSE English Language
• Vocabulary development and reading comprehension
• Creative and analytical writing
• Exploring a broad range of accessible and engaging texts
• Developing critical thinking and communication skills
• Rebuilding confidence and re-engaging students with education

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in teachers who can demonstrate:

• QTS and relevant teaching experience
• Experience teaching English to pupils aged 11-16, ideally through GCSE
• A Psychology background or experience working with SEMH pupils would be highly advantageous
• Strong behaviour management and the ability to de-escalate challenging situations
• A nurturing, patient and relational approach
• The ability to adapt lessons for pupils with low prior attainment
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Resilience, flexibility and a genuine commitment to helping young people succeed

Could a Primary Teacher Apply?

Yes. While secondary English experience is preferred, this position could suit an experienced Primary Teacher with QTS who is confident teaching English, has excellent behaviour management and enjoys working with pupils who need a more personalised and nurturing approach.

About the Setting

Our client provides an alternative to mainstream education for young people aged 11-16 who may have struggled to engage successfully within a traditional school environment.

The setting places a strong emphasis on re-engagement, relationships, confidence and individual progress. Students are taught in very small groups, enabling staff to understand each learner's needs and provide targeted support.

The English department aims to help students rediscover their confidence in reading and writing while developing the communication skills needed for academic success and future opportunities.

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive London Fringe MPS/UPS salary: £35,602 - £54,328
• Full-time, long-term opportunity
• Supportive Alternative Provision environment
• Small class sizes of 2-8 students
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
• Excellent ongoing support from your Tradewind consultant
• Access to CPD and professional development opportunities
• Tradewind's PAYE payroll - no umbrella company
• Fully compliant safeguarding and vetting procedures

Tradewind Recruitment - REC Audited Education Gold Standard. Committed to safeguarding. Proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer