At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead literacy and communication strategies for students with complex needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Well-established special school in Uxbridge with a Good Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free on-site parking, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative teaching methods and student progress.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with learning difficulties and autism.
- Qualifications: QTS or QTLS required; experience with SLD, PMLD, or complex communication needs essential.
The predicted salary is between 44183 - 70261 £ per year.
Location: Uxbridge, UB8 (free on-site parking)
Hours: Full time, term time
Contract: Permanent
Start: September 2026 / ASAP
Salary: £44,183 - £70,261 depending on experience and qualifications
The package is made up of three elements:
- Main Pay Scale / Upper Pay Scale (Outer London) — £37,870 to £56,154
- SEN Allowance — £2,786 to £5,496
- TLR2 — £3,527 to £8,611
For an experienced subject leader with a strong background in complex needs, we would expect the total package to sit in the region of £55,000 to £68,000. Candidates at the top of the Upper Pay Scale can reach the full £70,261.
About the role:
We are recruiting a Literacy Subject Lead for a well-established non-maintained special school in Uxbridge. The school supports around 98 day and residential students aged 7 to 19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties, autism and complex communication needs, and was rated Good by Ofsted. Reporting to the Associate Principal, you will lead the whole-school literacy and communication strategy across all key stages. This is a genuine leadership post with a TLR2 attached, not an intervention role. You will work in close partnership with the in-house Speech and Language Therapy team to develop an approach that meets the needs of learners across the full ability range, from pre-verbal and symbol users through to those working towards accredited qualifications.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Setting the direction for literacy and communication across the school
- Monitoring standards and pupil progress
- Developing schemes of work and resources
- Leading staff training and CPD
- Supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality literacy teaching in every classroom
What we are looking for:
- QTS or QTLS is essential.
- Direct hands-on teaching experience with pupils with SLD, PMLD or complex communication needs.
- Training in communication approaches used in specialist settings, for example Makaton, Signalong, PECS, Colourful Semantics, Blank's Levels, Intensive Interaction or InPrint.
- Experience of behaviour support in a complex setting, with relevant training such as Team Teach, MAPA or PBS.
- Evidence of leadership, whether a subject lead, curriculum lead, phase lead or equivalent.
- A literacy or English specialism is highly desirable, whether through a degree, a specialist literacy qualification such as AMBDA or a Level 7 SpLD award, or NPQLL.
- An enhanced DBS is required.
The school has a strong Christian ethos and applicants of all faiths and none are welcome, but you should be comfortable working within it.
SEN Literacy Lead employer: Harris Lee
Harris Lee in Edgware is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where teachers can thrive. With small class sizes and a focus on both Jewish and secular studies, educators have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities within a vibrant community.
