At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through creative Functional Skills English lessons and real-world learning experiences.
- Company: Join a mission-driven charity school focused on personalised education in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy small class sizes, professional autonomy, and a range of development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying flexibility and creativity in teaching.
- Qualifications: GCSE or Level 2 English qualification and experience working with children required.
- Other info: Opportunities for offsite learning and enrichment activities, plus a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
GUST is a registered charity independent special educational needs school based in Ashington, Northumberland. We deliver highly personalised education through very small class sizes (typically 3–5 students), enabling strong relationships and meaningful learning. Our learners follow individualised pathways including Functional Skills, GCSEs, vocational qualifications and ASDAN‑accredited courses. As a charity, we are mission‑driven and every decision is guided by what is best for our students and staff.
The Role
As a Functional Skills English Tutor, you will have the freedom and autonomy to make learning your own. Staff at GUST are trusted professionals who can respond flexibly to learner needs. Learning is not confined to the classroom. Lessons may take place offsite, for example at the beach on hot days, in the woods or park, at local museums, or through community activities such as litter picks – using one of the school buses where appropriate. This role is ideal for someone who values real‑world learning, spontaneity and creativity, and understands that engagement and wellbeing are key to progress.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver Functional Skills English lessons tailored to individual needs
- Support learners working towards Entry Level and Level 1 and 2 qualifications
- Adapt learning in response to wellbeing, engagement and emotional regulation
- Embed English skills into real‑life and experiential learning opportunities
- Contribute to Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
- Work collaboratively with teaching assistants and the wider team
- Organise and lead trips, enrichment and offsite learning
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews and reports
- Promote safeguarding and learner welfare at all times
Person Specification
Essential
- GCSE or Level 2 English qualification (minimum)
- Experience working with children
- Calm, flexible and creative approach
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- Confidence to think on your feet
- Commitment to safeguarding (enhanced DBS required or willingness to obtain)
- Willingness to engage in offsite learning and trips
Desirable
- Experience working with SEN / SEMH
- QTS or QTLS
- Exam invigilation experience
- Minibus driving qualification
Non‑qualified educators with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
Professional Development
We actively invest in staff development. Where individuals identify gaps in provision or areas of interest that would benefit learners, we are open to supporting training and qualifications, including SEN‑specific training, QTLS, therapeutic approaches, Forest School leadership, Bikeability and minibus driving.
What We Offer
- Very small class sizes (3–5 students)
- High levels of trust and professional autonomy
- Supportive, values‑driven charity environment
- Term‑time plus 5 working pattern (including early finishes on Fridays)
- Access to school buses for offsite learning
- ÂŁ1 per day school lunches and free breakfast
- Regular enrichment and real‑world learning opportunities
- 20% pension contribution
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Company sick pay
To Apply
To find out more about this role, do not hesitate to give us a call on 01670 850 943 or email us at info@gustschool.com. Once you’re ready to take the next step, please complete an application form and send this to info@gustschool.com.
Functional Skills English Tutor in Ashington employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Functional Skills English Tutor in Ashington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research GUST and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their approach to education.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at GUST and any tips they might have for your application process. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for a practical interview! Since this role involves creativity and real-world learning, be ready to showcase your teaching style. Think of engaging lesson ideas that could work offsite and be prepared to discuss them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GUST team. Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility and creativity in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Functional Skills English Tutor in Ashington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching and working with students shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Functional Skills English Tutor. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt learning to individual needs.
Be Creative: Since we value creativity and real-world learning, don’t hesitate to share any innovative ideas you have for lessons or offsite activities. This will show us that you can think outside the box and engage our learners effectively.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While it’s important to maintain a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships with students, so a personal touch can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Functional Skills curriculum and how it applies to different learners. Brush up on your knowledge of Entry Level and Level 1 and 2 qualifications, as well as any relevant SEN strategies. This will show that you’re not just passionate about teaching but also well-prepared.
✨Show Your Creative Side
Since GUST values real-world learning and creativity, think of examples where you've used innovative methods in your teaching. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt lessons to engage students outside the classroom, like using local parks or museums for experiential learning.
✨Build Relationships
Strong communication and relationship-building skills are key for this role. Prepare to share experiences where you’ve successfully built rapport with students or collaborated with colleagues. Highlight your calm and flexible approach, especially when working with children who may have special educational needs.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Engagement
GUST prioritises learner wellbeing and engagement, so be prepared to discuss how you would adapt your teaching to meet these needs. Think about strategies you’ve used in the past to support emotional regulation and keep students engaged, and be ready to share those during the interview.