Sen Teacher in Guildford

Options Autism is proud to be opening Castle Gate School in Guildford, a cutting-edge specialist school for pupils with autism, learning difficulties, and complex needs. We’re looking for an exceptional, passionate SEN Teacher to join our team from day one and play a key role in shaping this exciting new provision. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a setting where creativity, compassion, and flexibility are valued, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

About the Role

As an SEN Teacher, you will have the opportunity to design and deliver personalised, engaging learning experiences that meet the needs of every pupil. You’ll work closely with teaching assistants, therapists, and families to create a holistic, supportive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and able to succeed. You will also be instrumental in building the school’s culture and routines, helping establish a nurturing, inclusive environment from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new school while making a direct, lasting impact on pupils’ lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver differentiated lessons tailored to individual learning needs
• Inspire curiosity and engagement using innovative teaching methods
• Support pupils’ social, emotional, and behavioural development
• Monitor, assess, and record pupil progress — academically and personally
• Collaborate with teaching assistants, therapists, and other specialists
• Work with families and external professionals to develop holistic support plans
• Contribute to a positive school culture built on mutual respect, safety, and inclusion

Who we are looking for

We want someone with a genuine passion for SEN education who thrives in a dynamic, pupil-focused environment and is excited by the challenge of building something new. You’ll be a reflective practitioner, flexible in approach, and ready to support pupils who learn differently with patience, creativity, and care.

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Educated to degree level
• Strong understanding of autism and / or complex needs
• Ability to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A proactive, team-focused attitude

Desirable

• Experience working in an SEN or specialist school
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or therapeutic approaches
• Experience with alternative communication strategies

At Castle Gate School, you’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive team where your ideas, creativity, and expertise are valued. Every day brings the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people, while helping shape a school culture built on inclusion, respect, and innovation.

About Us

Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs. Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided support and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.