At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and inspire students with diverse learning needs in a creative classroom environment.
- Company: The Beacon, a supportive school dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities.
- Benefits: Professional development, collaborative culture, and a focus on student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Special Educational Needs and a passion for creative teaching.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to continuous improvement and student achievement.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Classroom Teacher (SEN) – Full-time
The Beacon, Folkestone
Advert
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed teacher to work with our pupils with a range of learning needs. The roles would suit an energetic and passionate practitioner who can engage with young people and continually focus on the functionality of skills to enable our pupils to thrive. Due to the needs of the pupils, this role would suit an individual who has the qualities and skills to deliver a creative approach to learning for secondary phase pupils, that follow a primary curriculum in a nurture-based environment.
The Beacon provides a supportive and collaborative environment, that is constantly seeking to develop and enhance the best learning opportunities for our pupils. This is achieved through a dedicated peer-to-peer coaching programme, self-reflection and an ethos and culture where everyone is committed to school improvement. In addition, we place a high priority on professional and career development.
We welcome candidates with some experience of teaching pupils with Special Educational Needs and a comprehensive knowledge of the primary curriculum. They will have a commitment to sustain progress from pupils\’ individual starting points and will enjoy celebrating these achievements. The pupils within the will have a range of needs so an ability to respond to different learning styles is essential, together with a commitment to actively engage pupils within lessons. Successful candidates will have high expectations for the pupils they teach.
We are proud of our pupils\’ accelerated progress, development of independence and the success of our onward routes into further education, employment and training, but don\’t just take our word for it – have a read of what Ofsted said about us.
The Beacon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Please note that this position is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and two satisfactory references.
If you are interested in the position, then we would really welcome a conversation and a visit to the school where a member of the Senior Leadership Team would be pleased to spend some time with you. Please contact Katie Lonergan, HR Manager on 01303 847555.
Please note, we will shortlist for this role on an ongoing basis and subject to volume of applicants, we reserve the right to close the advert sooner than advertised.
Information about the school
The Beacon is a multi-site, all-age school (4-19 years) offering 480 pupils with complex needs, profound and severe learning difficulties and physical and sensory impairments a wide range of educational experiences. The main site is Park Farm Road, Folkestone and the final stage of our newest provision in Walmer has opened as of September 2025. We also have a small 10 place satellite provision hosted by Castle Hill Primary School; in addition, Beacon Plus which is a collaborative partner of The Beacon School.
The Beacon has a strong cooperative ethos and culture, building on personalised learning to ensure all students thrive within school and beyond. Learning at The Beacon offers a child-centred needs-led curriculum, which incorporates elements of the EY Foundation Stage, National Curriculum and external accreditation as appropriate, including Life Skills and Social Skills.
We will also continue to provide training and support for mainstream schools through the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service team managed by the school. This team offers support, training, outreach advice and guidance to our mainstream colleagues. In addition, the Beacon has both conference and meeting facilities and regularly hosts nationally renowned speakers on its courses.
The Beacon also hosts a Multi-Agency Support Hub. This is one of four centres across the County that brings NHS colleagues, paediatricians, speech and occupational therapists, and nursing services, alongside children\’s social services and portage colleagues into one cohesive centre. We are proud of the strong partnerships this brings to benefit the children and families of Shepway.
At The Beacon, we are driven by our shared moral purpose to do all that we can to improve educational outcomes and life chances for all our young people. We believe strongly that the best way to do this is through the partnership, collaboration and a commitment to work together to achieve excellence in all we do. Nothing says this more than our peer-to-peer reflection and coaching groups that exist throughout the school. This total collaboration and investment from staff drives our teaching and learning to be the best it can be. As we have outlined at the beginning of this narrative, we expect the highest possible standards of ourselves and all stakeholders, believing that in this way we can maximise learning and develop a truly reflective learning community.
If this sounds like the kind of environment in which you would thrive, then we look forward to hearing from you.
Job Contact Information
- Name: Katie Lonergan
- Address: Park Farm Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5DN
- Telephone: 01303 847555
- Email: hr@thebeacon.kent.sch.uk
Documents
- Job Description and Person Specification
- Candidate Pack
Apply for this Role Today
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you have read all the relevant information and documents provided by the school. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Overview / Additional Details
Posted: 16/09/2025 | App Close Date: 01/10/2025 at 08:00 | Start Date: TBC | Pay: MPS/UPS plus SENA | Interviews: w/c 6 October 2025 | Ref: KCC886-7043-436T
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Classroom Teacher (SEN) - Full-time employer: Beacon
Contact Detail:
Beacon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Classroom Teacher (SEN) - Full-time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a moment to research The Beacon. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values, especially around supporting pupils with SEN. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your creative teaching methods. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to engage pupils with different learning styles and celebrate their achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The Beacon community. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Classroom Teacher (SEN) - Full-time
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 making a difference in the lives of pupils with SEN. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific needs and values of The Beacon. Mention how your skills align with our creative approach to learning and how you can contribute to our supportive environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience working with pupils with Special Educational Needs, don’t hold back! We want to know about your successes and how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Use clear language and structure your application well. And don’t forget, applying through our website is the best way to get your foot in the door!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beacon
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs. Familiarise yourself with different learning styles and how to adapt your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of pupils. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role requires a creative approach to learning, think of specific examples where you've used innovative methods in your teaching. Be ready to discuss how you can engage pupils in a nurture-based environment and make learning fun and effective.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The Beacon values teamwork and collaboration, so highlight any experiences you've had working with colleagues or other professionals. Discuss how you’ve contributed to a supportive environment and how you plan to continue this ethos in your new role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to SEN, their coaching programme, and how they support professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.