At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver engaging lessons while adapting to individual student needs.
- Company: Harbour School Dorset, a supportive and dynamic educational environment.
- Benefits: Main Pay Scale plus SEN allowance, full-time permanent role.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to personal development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by fostering confidence and resilience.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status (QTS) and experience with SEMH or autism preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Main Pay Scale plus SEN allowance
Full time, Permanent
We are recruiting for two roles – one of which includes additional responsibility for leading our PSHE curriculum. If you have a passion for supporting personal development, wellbeing and life skills, this could be an opportunity to shape and develop this area across the school.
Do you believe that even the most challenging days can hold the most meaningful moments? At Harbour School Dorset, no two days are ever the same. You may begin the morning with a carefully planned lesson, only to realise that your pupils need something entirely different when they arrive. You’ll adapt, reset, take a breath… and begin again. And within that unpredictability, you’ll experience moments that stay with you. A pupil managing their emotions when yesterday they couldn’t. A young person taking a step back into learning after weeks of disengagement. A small breakthrough in trust, communication or confidence that changes everything. These are not always big, visible milestones. They are steady, hard‑earned steps forward – and they matter. That is what teaching here feels like.
If you are a teacher who values connection over perfection, who understands that progress is individual, and who finds purpose in supporting young people to rebuild confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging, you may feel right at home with us.
What you’ll be doing:
- Plan and deliver engaging, personalised lessons that meet a wide range of needs
- Adapt your teaching to meet a wide range of individual needs, including pupils with SEMH and autism, guided by EHCPs and therapeutic approaches.
- Set high yet compassionate expectations, helping pupils to re‑engage with learning and experience success.
- Assess, monitor and record progress carefully, using this to inform your teaching and ensure meaningful outcomes.
- Provide targeted interventions and prepare pupils for external assessments and qualifications.
- Act as a tutor or mentor, building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and working closely with families and carers.
- Create a safe, calm and predictable learning environment where pupils feel secure, understood and ready to learn.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to ensure joined‑up support for every young person.
Who we’re looking for:
- A qualified teacher (QTS) with successful teaching experience
- Experience of working with pupils with SEMH and/or autism is valuable (or a strong willingness to learn)
- A calm, resilient and emotionally intelligent practitioner who can remain steady in challenging moments
- Someone who leads with kindness and puts relationships at the centre of their practice
- Adaptable and creative, able to respond flexibly when plans need to change
- A strong team player who communicates openly and works collaboratively with others
Class Teacher employer: Harbour School Dorset
At Harbour School Dorset, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the unique contributions of each team member. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering opportunities for teachers to lead initiatives like our PSHE curriculum while working in a dynamic environment that prioritises student wellbeing and development. With a focus on meaningful connections and a commitment to nurturing resilience in both staff and students, we create a fulfilling workplace where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Class Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow teachers, join education forums, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for an informal chat! Many schools, including us at StudySmarter, appreciate a friendly conversation over a formal interview. Prepare to share your teaching philosophy and how you connect with students.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your adaptability! In your discussions, highlight examples of how you've adjusted your teaching methods to meet diverse needs. This is key for roles like the Class Teacher position at Harbour School Dorset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Class Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for teaching and supporting personal development. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives, especially those with SEMH or autism. This will help us understand your connection to our values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to know how you can adapt your teaching style to meet the diverse needs of our pupils, so be specific about your approach.
Be Authentic:We value connection over perfection, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share your teaching philosophy and how you build relationships with students. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us get to know you.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour School Dorset
✨Know Your Students
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific needs of the pupils at Harbour School Dorset. Familiarise yourself with SEMH and autism strategies, as well as the EHCP process. This will show your commitment to understanding and supporting individual learning journeys.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you’ve adapted your teaching methods in the past. Share specific examples where you’ve had to pivot your lesson plans based on student needs. This aligns perfectly with the unpredictable nature of teaching at Harbour School, so highlight your flexibility and creativity.
✨Build Relationships
Prepare to talk about your approach to building strong relationships with students and their families. Think of examples where you’ve successfully fostered trust and communication. This is key for a role that values connection over perfection, so make it a focal point in your responses.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Wellbeing
If you're applying for the role with additional responsibility for leading the PSHE curriculum, be sure to express your passion for personal development and wellbeing. Share ideas on how you would implement engaging lessons that promote life skills and emotional resilience among students.
