Generalist ASC Teacher (KS3/4), Shaftesbury

Are you finding that managing a class of 30 students is stretching you to the limit? Tired of the never-ending marking endless books? Struggling to meet the diverse needs of all learners – from the most able to those needing the most support – while being measured against national data? If so, we understand – and we’re here to offer a refreshing alternative.

We are seeking a proactive, resourceful, and energetic ASC Teacher to lead and teach across KS3 and KS4, supported by specialist teachers. You should be self‑motivated with a creative approach to curriculum delivery and have the skills to continuously improve the learning experience for our pupils. You should have experience of working with young people with Autism and complex needs and understand what approaches work well and how building positive relationships are key.

Do you want to work in an environment where the focus is on educating the whole child? Are you passionate about supporting and empowering some of the most inspiring and unique young people in Dorset? Would you enjoy teaching a small class of no more than 8 students, supported by at least one additional adult? How about having access to a dedicated on‑site team – including a speech and language therapist, an educational psychologist, an occupational therapist, and pastoral support workers who are all there to help you achieve the best outcomes for the children in your class?

The school has had significant growth over the last 3 years, creating further opportunities for pupils to thrive and succeed. The position of ASC Teacher (KS3/4) has been created to support the growth of the school and the needs of our pupils, it is a great opportunity to be part of a team providing the very best possible educational opportunities for our pupils within a nurturing and supportive setting.

Coombe House School is an independent special school for pupils aged 5–19 with SEMH, ASD, and complex needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship‑based approach where behaviour is understood as communication. As an ASC Teacher (KS3/4), you will work in an immensely rewarding, although often challenging environment, contributing to supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and truly making a difference in the lives of pupils.

In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils we endeavour to take a holistic approach to their education. Very often this will mean thinking beyond the conventional educational experiences. This ensures that pupils are in the best possible position to lead successful adult lives beyond school. All staff at Coombe House School demonstrate compassion, understanding and flexibility in their approach ensuring progression is central to all lessons whilst giving our pupils the confidence to grow as they progress.

We believe passionately in supporting and nurturing our pupils as well as aspiring to provide them with outstanding and creative learning opportunities. If you are ready to shape outstanding ASC provision through creative teaching, we invite you to apply.

What Coombe House School can offer you:

• Continuous professional development and training.
• Health Care Plan after probation period – claim back costs towards dental check‑ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
• Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.
• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
• Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specific times.
• Highly supportive leadership team, colleagues and working alongside a multi‑disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• Class sizes up to 8 pupils.
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the next phase of the schools’ unique journey.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 14 December 2025. Interviews: ongoing, don’t delay in applying. We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only.

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent qualification essential
• Qualified Teacher Status essential

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrate Compassion and Understanding of our young people essential

Regulated Activity - all positions in schools which amount to regulated activity with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). Schools are therefore entitled to ask about and take into account spent convictions when making appointment decisions, other than those which have been designated as 'protected' under the DBS filtering rules. The Company applies for an enhanced disclosure from the DBS and a check of the Children's Barred List (now known as an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity) in respect of all positions at the Company which amount to "regulated activity" as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended).