At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support learning for students with additional needs at Dalkeith High School.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council, a progressive education provider in a diverse community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time position, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching career.
- Qualifications: Must be GTCS registered and have experience in supporting diverse learners.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for eligible candidates; apply online by 17th December 2025.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 74000 £ per year.
Overview
Principal Teacher (Support for Learning) - subject to job sizing PT5 - £66,894 Permanent Full Time. Currently, Midlothian has 6 secondary schools, 32 primary schools (19 of which have nurseries) and 2 standalone nursery schools. Saltersgate is Midlothian’s school which provides support for children with a range of complex additional support needs. The schools range in size from our smallest primary school with around 20 children to our largest secondary with over 1200 pupils. We have a diverse range of school catchments, from rural to urban settings. We are fortunate to have a growing number of new build schools, with 15 of our primary schools and 1 secondary having been built within the last 10 years and several new builds planned.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 7th January 2026.
Requirements
Pre Employment Checks/Requirements for Teaching Positions: If you are successful, our offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements, such as medical screening, two written references, one which must be from your most recent/current employer, verification of your original qualifications and your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. Registration with the General Teaching Council and a satisfactory PVG check for Regulated Work with Children will also be essential.
General Teaching Council Scotland: Teachers applying for permanent posts should be fully registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS). For further information on registration please visit: www.gtcs.org.uk.
Regulated Work with Children: This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require a PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 6 consecutive pay periods. The fee for a PVG Scheme Record Update is £18. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 2 consecutive pay periods. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
In your application we ask for information under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We ask you to disclose any unspent convictions. Disclosures should be made by writing to or emailing the Employment and Reward Manager, in confidence, giving details of the offence(s), penalty and date(s) of conviction. Applicants should note that failure to disclose a conviction which is subsequently advised through a Disclosure Scotland check may result in the withdrawal of any offer of appointment. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar an applicant from working with Midlothian. Decisions regarding suitability for positions of trust which are subject to vetting will be dependent on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of the offence(s). For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
How to Apply: Please apply on-line. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Midlothian. If you have difficulty applying for this post or in accessing the attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please call 0131 271 3063 to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Closing Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025.
Principal Teacher (Support for Learning) - Dalkeith High School - MID07209 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher (Support for Learning) - Dalkeith High School - MID07209
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dalkeith High School and its values. Understanding their approach to support for learning will help you tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported students with additional needs in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher (Support for Learning) - Dalkeith High School - MID07209
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Principal Teacher (Support for Learning). We want to see how you can contribute to our diverse school community!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children with additional needs shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in students' lives!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate their ideas effectively and succinctly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Principal Teacher role, especially regarding support for learning. Familiarise yourself with the challenges and needs of students with complex additional support needs, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in teaching and how they relate to the role. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to support diverse learners and how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet individual needs.
✨Understand the School's Environment
Research Dalkeith High School and its community. Knowing about the school's ethos, recent developments, and the demographics of its students can help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
✨Prepare for the PVG Discussion
Since this role involves working with children, be ready to discuss the PVG requirements. Understand the process and be honest about your background if necessary. This transparency will build trust with the interviewers.