At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and engage students through creative Art and Design lessons tailored for SEND needs.
- Company: Join Lift Wishmore, a supportive school dedicated to nurturing creativity in students with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, well-being cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives by fostering their creativity and confidence.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND/SEMH and a passion for delivering engaging art education.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Salary: MPR + SEN Allowance + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Part Time / Full Time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: September 2026
Are you a creative Art and Design teacher with a strong background in SEND, looking to make a meaningful difference in a supportive and inclusive setting? Lift Wishmore is seeking a dedicated and creative teacher to join our team. As a specialist school for boys aged 7-16 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, we provide a nurturing, personalised learning environment where creativity plays a vital role in student development.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspiring practitioner who can use Art and Design to engage, motivate, and support students with additional needs, helping them to express themselves and build confidence.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience in SEND/SEMH and understands how to support complex learning and emotional needs
- Is an energetic Art and Design specialist and can deliver engaging, creative, and accessible lessons
- Champions inclusion and creates a strong sense of belonging for every student
- Holds high expectations and supports every learner to achieve their full potential
In return, you'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, with access to specialist resources, therapeutic approaches, and excellent opportunities for professional development.
If you're committed to transforming lives through creativity and education, and have the expertise to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you!
About Lift Wishmore: Lift Wishmore is a nurturing and ambitious school for students aged 7-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including Autism and ADHD. Currently serving 90 boys, we are excited to become a co-educational school from September 2025, with plans to expand our junior provision and grow to 120 pupils over the next four years.
Our vibrant, purpose-built campus including a new junior building offers a visually inspiring and inclusive learning environment. We deliver a tailored curriculum designed to meet diverse needs, with a strong focus on reading, core academic subjects, and engaging GCSE options such as Business & Enterprise, Food & Nutrition, and Art.
Therapeutic support is central to our approach. Working in partnership with Surrey County Council, the National Autistic Society, and using the Thrive Approach, we prioritise emotional well-being and holistic development. Beyond the classroom, students can access enriching activities including Forest School, theatre trips, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
We are deeply committed to community engagement, regularly hosting parent events, supporting charities, and working closely with local primary schools and organisations. At Lift Wishmore, we empower every student to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially and to build a positive and successful future.
Who is Lift Schools? We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.
We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
The role is due to commence September 2026. This is a part time / full time permanent position.
Closing date: 6 May 2026
Interviews: W/b 11 May 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Art & Design Teacher in Reading employer: Lift Wishmore
Contact Detail:
Lift Wishmore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Art & Design Teacher in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local art events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work and any innovative projects you've done with students. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your teaching style.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common questions your way, especially around SEND and SEMH. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Lift Wishmore.
We think you need these skills to ace Art & Design Teacher in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art and Design: Let your love for Art and Design shine through in your application! Share specific examples of how you've used creativity to engage students, especially those with SEND/SEMH needs. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Lift Wishmore. Highlight your experience with SEND and how you can contribute to our inclusive environment. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We love a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Wishmore
✨Know Your SEND and SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with complex needs. This will show that you understand the unique challenges they face and how to engage them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of your creative lesson plans or projects that have successfully engaged students. Think about how you can use Art and Design to motivate and inspire students with additional needs. Bring along a portfolio if you have one, as it can really help illustrate your teaching style.
✨Emphasise Inclusion
Lift Wishmore values inclusion, so be ready to talk about how you've created a sense of belonging in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you've adapted lessons to ensure all students feel included and valued, highlighting your commitment to championing diversity in the classroom.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to teaching and supporting students with SEMH needs. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Lift Wishmore is the right fit for you.