At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach Functional Skills English and Mathematics to small classes of students with additional needs.
- Company: Birmingham Independent College, a specialist college for young people with Autism and learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, four-day work week, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Supportive team and small class sizes ensure personalised education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping an ambitious educational environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status and experience with SEND learners required.
The predicted salary is between 25350 - 30420 £ per year.
Birmingham Independent College is an exciting independent specialist college supporting young people aged 14–25 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), learning disabilities and complex needs. We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and highly motivated Qualified Teacher of Functional Skills English & Mathematics to join our growing team. This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape an ambitious specialist college where personalised education, high aspirations and Preparation for Adulthood are at the heart of everything we do.
Working with small classes of no more than 10 students, supported by HLTA and Specialist Support Workers, you will deliver engaging Functional Skills English and Mathematics lessons while leading on curriculum planning, assessment and student progress. You will also play a key role in developing schemes of work for our Complex Needs Curriculum, providing educational direction and quality assurance to support staff delivering personalised learning programmes.
About the Role
- Plan and deliver engaging Functional Skills English and Mathematics lessons from Entry Level to Level 2.
- Teach small classes of up to 10 students with the support of Specialist Support Workers.
- Use adaptive teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of learners with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs.
- Develop high-quality schemes of work, lesson plans and learning resources.
- Assess, monitor and record student progress against curriculum objectives and EHCP outcomes.
- Use the College's evidence for learning platform to record and demonstrate student progress.
- Contribute to Annual Reviews and multidisciplinary planning.
- Provide educational guidance to HLTA and Specialist Support Workers delivering the Complex Needs Curriculum.
- Help create a positive, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where every student can succeed.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:
- A recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, Certificate in Education, Diploma in Education or equivalent).
- Experience teaching Functional Skills English and Mathematics.
- Experience working with learners with SEND, particularly autism and learning disabilities.
- Excellent lesson planning, assessment and classroom management skills.
- A commitment to inclusive education and high expectations for every learner.
- Strong communication, organisational and teamwork skills.
Why Join Birmingham Independent College?
- Small class sizes with a maximum of 10 students.
- Specialist Support Workers in every classroom.
- The opportunity to help shape a new and ambitious specialist college.
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- High-quality Continuing Professional Development.
- Specialist SEND and autism training.
- A four-day working week (Monday to Thursday).
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with additional needs.
Safeguarding
Birmingham Independent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, verification of qualifications, employment history, references, right to work in the UK and online searches in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
How to Apply
Start the process by clicking 'apply'. Our Administrative Coordinator will email an application pack to your email address in due course. (Ensure you check your inbox and junk folder). As part of your application, you must complete a BIC Application form and provide a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages of A4) outlining your experience and strengths. The closing date for this position is Monday 7th September 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be arranged with suitable candidates before the vacancy closes. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
In line with KCSIE (Keeping children Safe in Education) we will complete online searches as part of our due diligence on all shortlisted candidates. If anything is identified as part of these checks, they will be discussed with you at interview. If any safeguarding concerns are identified, we reserve the right to withdraw your application.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. A copy of the college's Safeguarding Policy, including Child Protection Policy can be found on our website.
Birmingham Independent College requires all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK, evidence of your qualifications and suitable references.
Qualified Teacher - Functional Skills English & Mathematics (SEND) in Birmingham employer: Birmingham Independent College
Birmingham Independent College (BIC) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, BIC offers ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative leadership team that values innovative approaches to education. Working in Birmingham, you will be part of a community that prioritises the growth and well-being of young people with complex needs, making your role not just a job, but a meaningful contribution to their lives.
Contact Details:
Birmingham Independent College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Teacher - Functional Skills English & Mathematics (SEND) in Birmingham
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Birmingham Independent College just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Birmingham Independent College. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Teacher - Functional Skills English & Mathematics (SEND) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Qualified Teacher - Functional Skills English & Mathematics (SEND) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Birmingham Independent College, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Independent College
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Birmingham Independent College, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Birmingham Independent College, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
