Senior Teacher

The Parkside School, Norwich; Norwich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Parkside School, an Outstanding 7-18 complex needs school in Norwich, hosts the Pathways College providing a Post-16 environment designed as a stepping stone to adulthood. We seek an inspirational Senior Teacher to lead within Pathways, focusing on developing life skills and independent living for our young adults.

The successful candidate will hold QTS (or equivalent) with SEN experience and demonstrate compassionate leadership, safeguarding commitment, and the ability to coach a dedicated

Qualifications

• QTS (or equivalent) with proven experience teaching students with SEN in Post-16/6th Form.
• Strong leadership with ability to coach and manage staff.
• Commitment to safeguarding and safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Pathways to promote independence and outcomes across Post-16.
• Research and implement innovative best practices for Post-16 SEN education.
• Oversee EHCP annual reviews and prepare students for adulthood.
• Line manage Pathways teaching and support staff.
• Act as safeguarding lead and ensure strong pastoral provision.
• Engage and build partnerships with families and local community.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum planning

Pastoral care

Communication

Education

QTS (or equivalent)

Job description

Senior Teacher - Pathways (Post-16 / Sixth Form)

Salary: MPS / UPS + SEN Point + Negotiable TLR2 (We welcome applications from those currently leading Post-16 / College education)

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

About the Role

Parkside School is an Outstanding 7-18 complex needs school located in the heart of Norwich. Our Pathways College provides our oldest students with a tailored, supportive, and dynamic Post-16 environment designed as a stepping stone between school and adulthood.

We are seeking an inspirational and forward-thinking Senior Teacher to lead within our Pathways provision. This is a key leadership role focused on preparing our young people for life beyond Parkside—equipping them with the functional skills, confidence, and practical self-regulation needed to navigate the wider world as independently as possible.

Our core ethos is to ensure all young adults Learn, Grow, and Thrive. If you are passionate about preparing young people with complex needs for adulthood, work-related opportunities, and meaningful community inclusion, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Promote Independence & Outcomes: Lead the curriculum and pedagogical approach across Pathways to build life skills, promote self-regulation, enhance communication, and foster independence for young adults.

Curriculum & Innovation: Research and implement innovative best practices for Post-16 special education, vocational pathways, and life-skills learning.

EHCP Leadership: Oversee, deliver, and chair Annual Reviews for EHCP outcomes, ensuring targets are meaningful and focused on preparation for adulthood (employment, independent living, community inclusion, and health).

Leadership & Management: Line manage teaching and support staff within the Pathways team, driving high standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral support.

Safeguarding & Pastoral Care: Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensure strong pastoral provision across the Post-16 setting.

Parental & Community Engagement: Take a lead role in engaging families—including reaching ‘hard to reach’ parents—and building connections with local community and transition partners.

Who We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will:

Hold QTS (or equivalent) with proven experience teaching students with special educational needs, ideally within a Post-16 or transition-focused setting.

Be a compassionate, reliable leader with a strong sense of humor and a genuine dedication to improving life outcomes for vulnerable young adults.

Enjoy the rewarding challenge of supporting young people with complex needs, including those who may exhibit behaviors that challenge.

Possess strong leadership skills to coach, manage, and inspire a dedicated team of teachers and support staff.

Demonstrate a clear vision for how a special school sixth form can maximize independence and community participation for every student.

What We Offer

An Outstanding, forward-thinking school with a dedicated Post-16 Pathways team.

A collaborative and supportive Senior Leadership Team that actively prioritizes staff wellbeing.

Tailored CPD and professional development opportunities to further your leadership career.

Direct support from experienced senior leaders across all aspects of the role.

Closing Date: Thursday 15th October

Interview Date: Monday 19th October

Phone: [phone]

Parkside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A full DBS check will be required for the successful candidate, and all procedures in the school’s Safeguarding Children Policy will be followed. This post is subject to the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations.