Healthiness (PE) Lead

Prior's Court Foundation; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A residential special school in Thatcham is seeking a qualified teacher to lead the PE department and oversee PSHE/RSE. This position involves developing a curriculum that promotes health and wellbeing, including outdoor and community-based learning. Applicants must hold QTS and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of autistic children aged 5–25. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Teachers pension

Employee Recognition Schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits package including health insurance

Commitment to CPD and career growth

Qualifications

• Experience in leading dynamic and functional curriculums.
• Ability to foster wellbeing through community engagement.
• Working collaboratively in a team of educators and therapists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the PE curriculum focused on healthiness.
• Oversee PSHE/RSE area of learning.
• Manage a team of instructors delivering various learning activities.

Skills

Passion for improving health and wellbeing

Organizational skills

Leadership

Creativity

Experience in special and/or mainstream education

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

Ready for your first leadership role? Or are you an experienced teacher looking to make a bigger impact on young people’s lives?

At Prior’s Court, an Ofsted 'Outstanding' residential special school, we’re offering an exciting opportunity for a qualified teacher to lead (PE) and oversee our (PSHE/RSE) area of learning – a core part of our support for autistic children and young people with complex needs aged 5–25.

• “Pupils flourish at this remarkable school. Teachers precisely match the knowledge outcomes from the curriculum to every activity that pupils complete. This includes trips and other extra-curricular activities.” (Ofsted, February 2025)

Please note: A full UK driving licence is required due to our location.

Key information:

• Salary: from £40,000 per annum
• Hours: Full-time - 37.5 hours per week, 40 weeks per year including 10 days CPD
• Contract type: Permanent

The role of Healthiness Lead

This is not your typical PE role.

You’ll teach and lead a broad, dynamic, and functional curriculum that goes beyond sport – developing physical skills, building healthy routines, and fostering wellbeing through real-life experiences and community engagement. Learning happens everywhere here.

The role also offers the opportunity to oversee (PSHE/RSE), working collaboratively with a team of experienced teachers and instructors who deliver learning and develop the curriculum in this area. This area of learning is integral to supporting our young people across different age groups and throughout their Extended Day. The role includes line management responsibilities.

We are a well-resourced and well-equipped school, set in beautiful grounds in Hermitage. Our vision is for our young people to achieve healthiness, happiness, independence, and work skills at a level relevant to the individual.

Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time or looking for a rewarding new challenge, this role offers the chance to shape and lead meaningful learning that enhances the lives of young people through physical development and community engagement.

Please read the full job description for further information.

You will have access to:

• An extensive outdoor space with a track, outdoor gym, and dedicated sports areas.
• An indoor gym, exercise studio, and swimming pool.
• Bikes, minibuses, and regular community-based learning.
• A specialist, collaborative team including teachers, therapists, and care professionals.

Qualifications and traits

• A qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent)
• A passion for improving health, wellbeing, and inclusion for autistic young people
• Experience in special and/or mainstream education
• An inspiring, organized, and creative leader

Benefits

We aim to make all staff feel valued and supported with training and a competitive salary, along with the knowledge and skills needed to do a great job.

• 33 days annual leave, including Bank Holidays
• Teachers pension
• Employee Recognition Schemes, including an annual staff awards program and Long Service Awards
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our full Flexible Benefits package including dental insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness, increased life insurance, partner life insurance, self-funded health cash plan, and many others
• A commitment to your CPD and career growth

How to apply

We're excited about the possibility of you joining the team at Prior's Court! To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the young people we support, all offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks, including references, DBS check, proof of right to work in the UK, and other relevant clearances. Once all checks are complete, we will issue your start date and contract.

Read through the application documents below, then someone from the recruitment team will be in touch within three working days.

Application links:

Policies:

Contact us about this role

t: 01635 247202

e: [email address]

All positions are subject to satisfactory checks, references, and the right to work documentation. Prior’s Court Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Prior’s Court is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, embracing differences in thinking, experience, ethnicity, age, gender, faith, personalities, and styles.

The diverse backgrounds of our employees create a workforce as unique as the young people we support and make Prior’s Court a special place to work.

We strive for an inclusive environment where employees feel safe, engaged, and supported to make a difference.

Published: 4th July, 2024

Updated: 17th July, 2025

Author: Dan Whiteway