Teacher - New Therapeutic SEMH School

Location: Maidstone, Kent

Contract: Permanent, Term Time

Start Date: November 2026 or January 2027

Hours: Monday–Friday | Full-time

Salary: £36,000 - £52,000pa, dependent on experience

LTE Search is supporting an established specialist education group with the opening of a brand-new therapeutic school in Maidstone, opening in January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to join the school at the start of its journey, with teachers joining from November or January, and the opportunity to help shape a completely new provision.

The school will support pupils from primary through to KS3, with complex SEMH, trauma and associated SEND needs. Pupils are grouped by academic stage rather than simply age, with a highly individualised approach to teaching, behaviour and wellbeing. This is not a traditional classroom environment. The focus is on relationships, emotional regulation and re-engaging pupils who have struggled within mainstream education.

The Role

This is an opportunity to join a school where teaching is built around the individual pupil, not the other way around. With smaller groups, a therapeutic approach and pupils grouped by academic stage rather than simply age, teachers have the time and flexibility to build genuine relationships, understand what sits behind behaviour and find the approaches that help each young person engage and progress.

You'll teach across at least two curriculum areas from English, Maths, Science, Humanities, ICT, PE, Art, DT, PSHE or SMSC, with the freedom to adapt content and delivery to the needs of your pupils. You'll work closely with therapeutic and support staff, contributing to a wider approach that puts education, emotional wellbeing and personal development alongside one another.

As part of a brand-new school, November starters will help shape the curriculum and provision ahead of opening, while January starters will join the teaching team as the school opens.

About You

We're looking for teachers who have experience of, or a genuine interest in, working with pupils with SEMH, SEND and complex behavioural needs. Experience in specialist education, alternative provision, PRUs or therapeutic settings would be highly desirable, as would a background or strong interest in psychology, mental health, behaviour or trauma-informed practice.

You'll need:

• QTS or an equivalent teaching qualification.
• Confidence delivering at least two curriculum areas.
• Strong teaching and differentiation skills.
• A calm, consistent approach to behaviour.
• The ability to build meaningful relationships with young people.
• Patience, resilience and emotional intelligence.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to help build a school from the ground up rather than simply join an established provision. You'll be part of a new team, helping shape the curriculum, culture and learning environment for pupils who need a different approach to education.

If you're an experienced teacher looking to move into specialist education — or already working in SEND/SEMH and want to be part of something new — we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now

If you're looking for a teaching role where you can make a genuine difference and help shape something from the beginning, apply now with your CV and a member of the LTE Search team will be in touch to discuss the role and next steps.

NB. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. This role is unable to offer sponsorship.