SEN Teacher

Acorn Care and Education; Guildford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of specialist education in Guildford is seeking an SEN Teacher to join a new school opening in November 2026. The role includes planning engaging lessons for pupils with complex needs and collaborating with other professionals to create a supportive environment. Benefits include access to mental health services and a pension scheme. Applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status and relevant experience.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible benefits package

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent is essential.
• Strong understanding of autism and/or complex needs.
• Experience working in an SEN or specialist school is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver differentiated lessons tailored to individual learning needs.
• Monitor, assess, and record pupil progress — academically and personally.
• Collaborate with teaching assistants, therapists, and other specialists.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Strong understanding of autism and/or complex needs

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment

Team-focused attitude

Education

Educated to degree level

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job details

Job Title: SEN Teacher
Location: Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4DU
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum dependent on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: November 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

About the Role

As an SEN Teacher, you will have the opportunity to design and deliver personalised, engaging learning experiences that meet the needs of every pupil. You’ll work closely with teaching assistants, therapists, and families to create a holistic, supportive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and able to succeed. You will also be instrumental in building the school’s culture and routines, helping establish a nurturing, inclusive environment from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new school while making a direct, lasting impact on pupils’ lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver differentiated lessons tailored to individual learning needs
• Inspire curiosity and engagement using innovative teaching methods
• Support pupils’ social, emotional, and behavioural development
• Monitor, assess, and record pupil progress — academically and personally
• Collaborate with teaching assistants, therapists, and other specialists
• Work with families and external professionals to develop holistic support plans
• Contribute to a positive school culture built on mutual respect, safety, and inclusion

Who we are looking for

We want someone with a genuine passion for SEN education who thrives in a dynamic, pupil-focused environment and is excited by the challenge of building something new. You’ll be a reflective practitioner, flexible in approach, and ready to support pupils who learn differently with patience, creativity, and care.

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Educated to degree level
• Strong understanding of autism and/or complex needs
• Ability to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A proactive, team-focused attitude

Desirable

• Experience working in an SEN or specialist school
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or therapeutic approaches
• Experience with alternative communication strategies

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
  • A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
  • 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
  • Cycle to Work Schemes
  • Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

About Us

Opening in September 2026, this brand‑new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education for individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.