PE Teacher

Acorn Care and Education; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational institution in Milton Keynes seeks a dedicated PE Teacher to develop a creative, inclusive curriculum for pupils with SEMH needs. The role involves planning high-quality PE lessons, leading the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, and working collaboratively to enhance student wellbeing. The ideal candidate will have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a strong passion for promoting physical health and personal development in a supportive environment. This position offers competitive salary and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Schemes

Qualifications

• Be passionate about physical health and personal development.
• Have a willingness to learn about SEMH needs.
• Demonstrate a trauma-informed approach.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging PE lessons.
• Promote physical activity for mental health.
• Lead the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience working with SEMH needs

Behaviour management skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: PE Teacher

Location: Willow Park School, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LJ

Salary: £39,000 – £42,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: February 2026

UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

About the School

Willow Park School is a brand‑new specialist school in Milton Keynes for young people aged 9–16 with a range of complex needs. The school uses a therapeutic educational approach, supported by specialist facilities and an experienced team, to help students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication and interaction differences, and associated challenging behaviours to flourish in a safe and nurturing environment.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and resilient PE Teacher who is passionate about promoting physical health, wellbeing, and personal development in pupils with SEMH needs. You will deliver a creative and inclusive PE curriculum that inspires engagement, builds confidence, and supports emotional regulation.

Your work will also involve collaborating closely with the therapeutic team to integrate physical activity into wider behaviour and wellbeing strategies, leading enrichment activities, outdoor learning, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high‑quality, individualised PE lessons aligned to EHCP targets and pupil needs.
• Adapt lessons to ensure measurable outcomes for pupils with diverse learning profiles.
• Promote physical activity as a tool for improving mental health, emotional regulation, and confidence.
• Develop innovative approaches to engage pupils who may have experienced trauma or disrupted education.
• Lead and deliver the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, supporting pupils to achieve their awards.
• Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and therapeutic teams to enhance pupil wellbeing.
• Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and school standards are consistently met.
• Contribute to whole‑school initiatives, enrichment activities, and outdoor learning opportunities.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a specialisation in Physical Education.
• Experience working with pupils with SEMH needs or in alternative provision (or a strong willingness to learn).
• Excellent behaviour management skills and a trauma‑informed approach.
• Ability to adapt lessons to meet individual needs and deliver positive outcomes.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Desirable

• Experience delivering the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.
• Knowledge of therapeutic approaches.
• Experience in outdoor education or sports coaching beyond traditional PE.
• First Aid qualification.

Benefits

• Health and wellbeing: 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) – a market‑leading benefit package that includes:
  • A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits.
  • 100+ discount options in the UK and abroad.
  • Cycle to Work Schemes.
  • Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
  • Critical illness cover.
  • Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with 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 to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.