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

The Parkside School, Norwich; Norwich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding school with Pathways team

Collaborative senior leadership team

Tailored CPD and leadership training

Direct support from senior leaders

Job summary

The Parkside School in Norwich is seeking a Senior Teacher to lead the Pathways Post-16 provision. This key leadership role centers on readying young people with complex needs for adulthood through life skills and practical self-regulation.

You will oversee curriculum design, EHCP processes, and line-manage Pathways staff, with safeguarding and community engagement as core priorities. Salary is MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance + TLR2, negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• QTS with proven experience teaching students with special educational needs, ideally within a Post-16 or transition-focused setting.
• Compassionate, reliable leader with a strong sense of humor and dedication to improving life outcomes for vulnerable young adults.
• Enjoy the challenge of supporting young people with complex needs, including challenging behaviours.
• Strong leadership to coach, manage and inspire a dedicated Pathways team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the curriculum and pedagogical approach across Pathways to build life skills, promote self-regulation, enhance communication, and foster independence for young adults.
• Research and implement innovative best practices for Post-16 special education, vocational pathways, and life-skills learning.
• Oversee, deliver, and chair Annual Reviews for EHCP outcomes, ensuring targets support employment, independent living and community inclusion.
• Line manage teaching and support staff within the Pathways team, driving high standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral support.
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensure strong pastoral provision across the Post-16 setting.
• Lead parental and community engagement, building connections with families and transition partners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Post-16 experience

Special school experience

Curriculum development

Education

QTS or equivalent

Job description

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Head Teacher: Mr C Ellis-Gage

• Salary: MPS / UPS + SEN Allowance + TLR2 (Negotiable based on experience)
• Permanent
• Full Time
• Required ASAP

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.

For an informal discussion about the role or to find out more about Pathways, please contact Mrs Ellis-Gage or Mr Habershon on 01603 441126.

Closing Date: 15 October 2026

Interview Date: 19 October 2026

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 likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.