Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support students with special educational needs in a nurturing classroom.
- Company: Join a growing charity dedicated to empowering students with autism.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, career development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape a new class and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status and experience with learners aged 14-19.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Due to very exciting expansion plans for September 2026, we are thrilled to be recruiting for a full time Secondary Class Teacher to join us in the new academic year.
The role involves supporting students with special educational needs, particularly those with autism, in a nurturing and inclusive environment where every learner is understood and valued. You will plan and deliver a broad, engaging range of sessions throughout the week, helping students develop their academic learning alongside essential life and independence skills. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a brand-new class as part of Portfield School’s continued growth.
You will work closely with a skilled therapy team, creating a collaborative approach that weaves therapeutic support and enriching experiences into everyday learning. Together, you will help build students’ confidence, support their personal development, and empower them to achieve their full potential.
Our secondary students are developing important preparation-for-adulthood skills, including pathways toward further education such as sixth form. An understanding of how to guide students towards nationally recognised qualifications would be highly valued. This role will be based at our dedicated Sixth Form site, located separately from the main Portfield campus while remaining within Christchurch.
In this role, you will also lead a team of dedicated teaching assistants, fostering a positive, supportive classroom environment where everyone can thrive. We are looking for applicants who have functional skills expertise, a background of working with learners aged 14 - 19, and preparation for adulthood experience along with a flexible attitude to supporting our students.
About You
- Expertise in teaching and qualified teacher status
- Ability to plan and deliver effective lessons to inspire, engage and motivate pupils
- A positive attitude remaining calm even under pressure
- Experience of teaching students with Autism is desirable
- Clear and effective communication
- Ability to manage a team of teaching assistants effectively
- Willingness to support with all aspects of students' day including personal care
- A strong creative approach to teaching and learning
Closing date: 15th May 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 18th May 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Why join us?
See how we take care of our team - explore our great benefits online!
Background
As a Teacher with us, you will embark on our 12 week onboarding programme completing a variety of in-house training and development courses to allow you to learn about each student and how you can best support them. You will also have the opportunity to continuously gain new skills during your career with us, whether this is learning sign language, becoming a training tutor yourself or completing NVQ qualifications to allow you to progress within the charity.
Due to safer recruitment checks we will request references prior to interview. Please inform us if you do not want us to request a reference from your current employer. Only application forms can be accepted.
If you have any questions and would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call the Talent Team on 01202 084834. Carly will be happy to help!
Our commitment
We welcome applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this. Anyone with any form of disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in order to participate in the job application or interview process. As part of our commitment to providing reasonable adjustments, please let us know if you require support to complete your application.
Autism Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Any vacancy we have will be filled based on qualifications and best fit without any reference to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. All successful candidates will be subject to disclosure and barring checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Class Teacher in Christchurch employer: Autism Unlimited
Contact Detail:
Autism Unlimited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Class Teacher in Christchurch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Portfield School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current teachers or staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with students who have special educational needs, especially autism. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to our exciting expansion plans.
We think you need these skills to ace Class Teacher in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through! We want to see how much you care about supporting students with special educational needs, especially those with autism. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Class Teacher role. We’re looking for expertise in teaching and experience with learners aged 14-19, so be sure to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re after.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right away!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our fantastic benefits and team culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Unlimited
✨Know Your Students
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific needs of students with autism and special educational needs. Familiarise yourself with effective teaching strategies that cater to these learners, as this will show your commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
✨Showcase Your Planning Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would plan and deliver engaging lessons. Bring examples of lesson plans or activities that demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate students, especially those aged 14-19. This will highlight your expertise in functional skills and preparation for adulthood.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since you'll be leading a team of teaching assistants, emphasise your experience in managing teams effectively. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive classroom environment and collaborated with others to support student learning. This will showcase your leadership skills.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to remain calm and composed. Practice answering common interview questions related to teaching under pressure, and think about how you would handle challenging situations in the classroom. This will demonstrate your resilience and adaptability.