Primary Teacher

Teaching Vacancies; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-site school organization in Portsmouth is seeking a dedicated Primary Teacher to support students with complex SEMH needs. You will create a nurturing classroom environment, plan engaging lessons tailored to individual needs, and utilize trauma-informed practices. A passion for education and QTS are essential. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives within a supportive and caring team environment, celebrating every step of progress in learning.

Benefits

Training and CPD opportunities

Supportive team environment

Career growth within the Southern Education Trust

Qualifications

• Holds QTS and has a passion for teaching primary-aged pupils.
• Strong knowledge of the primary curriculum and can adapt teaching to meet diverse needs.
• Reflective, resilient, and not shaken by unpredictable moments.

Responsibilities

• Creating a safe, nurturing classroom environment.
• Planning and delivering engaging lessons to meet individual needs.
• Using trauma-informed approaches to support pupils.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Consistency

Creativity

Curiosity

Education

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Do you want to be the person who helps a child feel safe, seen, and proud of what they can achieve?

At The Bay Campus, many of our pupils have experienced learning as something overwhelming, frustrating, or out of reach. They need someone who notices their strengths, celebrates the tiny steps forward, and believes in them wholeheartedly – even on the days when they don’t believe in themselves.

We’re looking for an exceptional Primary Teacher who can be the calm in the storm, the encourager, the guide, and the steady voice that says, “You can do this.” Someone who understands that progress isn’t always linear… but every spark of curiosity, every brave attempt, every “I tried my best today” is worth celebrating.

Because here, every victory matters – and as part of our team, you’ll see them happen right in front of you.

You’ll be:

• Creating a safe, nurturing and predictable classroom where pupils feel valued and ready to learn.
• Planning and delivering engaging lessons that are responsive to individual needs, including those with SEND and SEMH.
• Using assessment thoughtfully to understand where a child is, what they need, and how you can help them grow.
• Supporting pupils socially, emotionally and academically, and celebrating even the smallest progress with genuine joy.
• Using trauma‑informed, relational and restorative approaches that help pupils feel safe, calm and understood.
• Working closely with colleagues, families and external partners to make sure each child has the support they deserve.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds QTS and brings a passion for teaching primary‑aged pupils.
• Understands the power of patience, empathy and consistency in helping children thrive.
• Has strong knowledge of, and experience teaching, the primary curriculum and can adapt teaching to meet diverse needs.
• Can bring high expectations and high nurture into the same room.
• Is reflective, resilient and not shaken by the unpredictable moments that come with SEMH needs.
• Works collaboratively, communicates openly, and believes no child is “too hard to reach.”
• Brings creativity, curiosity and a sense of possibility into each day — because our pupils deserve nothing less.

What the school offers its staff

Why Join Us?

• Be a part of a school that truly believes in educational equity for all learners.
• A supportive team that genuinely cares about the students and each other.
• Training, CPD opportunities, and the chance to grow in your role.
• The opportunity to transform the educational journey of vulnerable young people.
• Build a career within the Southern Education Trust – where we believe in “making lives better”.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same (predictability is overrated, anyway!) seeing students succeed against the odds.

About Us:

The Harbour School is a multi-site organisation, with campuses at Bay Campus (including Primary at The Bay), The Bridge Campus, The Lighthouse Campus, and the Vista Campus (including The Horizon Service), all based within the city of Portsmouth. We also have an Outreach Support Team and a Hospital tuition service at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

Primary at The Bay is a full‑time specialist and Alternative Provision for pupils in Years 5 and 6 with complex SEMH needs, including those with EHCPs, those unable to attend mainstream school, and children who have experienced exclusion or changes in care placements. We provide a nurturing, relationship‑centred environment built on the belief that every child has the potential to grow and succeed.

This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to ignite passion, inspire growth, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

Further details about the role

Become part of our journey, by completing our Teacher & Leadership Application Form and returning it to [e-mail] if you would like to apply. See our Primary Teacher Job Description for further details on the role as well as our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

Closing date: 22nd February 2026

Interview date: 5th March 2026

Commitment to safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.