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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to transform education for students with special needs.
- Company: Join GUST, a vibrant school dedicated to personalised education.
- Benefits: Enjoy small class sizes, term-time work, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while fostering creativity and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, leadership skills, and a passion for teaching.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a strong community ethos.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join Our Team
GUST Independent School are seeking a dynamic Secondary Lead who is passionate about transforming the educational experience for young people with special educational needs. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our secondary provision, champion progressive teaching and make a lasting impact in a forward‑thinking, supportive environment where every day is different.
About GUST
GUST is a vibrant special educational needs school and registered charity based in Ashington, Northumberland. We are a dedicated team offering a truly personalised approach to education. Our learners pursue a diverse curriculum including vocational qualifications, English and Maths GCSEs & functional skills, and ASDAN accredited courses in ICT, Science, Geography and History. We pride ourselves on our nurturing ethos, close‑knit community and unwavering commitment to helping every student thrive – academically, socially and emotionally.
The Role
As Secondary Lead, you will be at the heart of our mission to deliver outstanding, individualised education for every learner. You will drive innovation, lead the secondary team and ensure our secondary students are empowered to achieve their very best – both in and out of the classroom.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion high‑quality teaching and learning by mentoring staff, modelling engaging lessons and fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
- Use assessment data to monitor progress, identify those who need extra support and coordinate targeted interventions that unlock their potential.
- Design, implement and oversee Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
- Share and embed strategies for differentiation, classroom management and student engagement across the team.
- Lead initiatives that build a vibrant, positive learning culture, organising enrichment across the team.
- Set and uphold the highest standards for behaviour, attendance and punctuality, supporting staff to apply our behaviour policy with consistent compassion.
- Run behavioural interventions and restorative practices, tailoring support to meet individual needs and fostering resilience and respect.
- Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies to address the social, emotional and behavioural needs of our learners.
- Safeguard every student by ensuring robust practices, managing concerns and maintaining up‑to‑date risk assessments for those with additional needs.
- Prepare reports on student progress, behaviour and wellbeing, contributing to multi‑agency meetings and whole‑school strategy.
- Coordinate and lead off‑site educational visits, including PE and enrichment activities, ensuring safety and compliance at every stage.
- Orchestrate group events, trips and enrichment opportunities.
- Report to SLT on all aspects of secondary provision, including safeguarding, risk and student outcomes.
- Be a role model for professionalism, respect and the GUST ethos, fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.
- Drive whole‑school initiatives to advance teaching, learning, behaviour and safeguarding.
The Person
We are looking for an ambitious, innovative leader who thrives on challenges and is committed to making a real difference in the lives of young people with SEN. We’re looking for:
- Proven experience supporting children and young people with SEN, particularly those with behavioural challenges.
- Confident team leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and unite teachers, tutors and teaching assistants.
- Agility and creativity – comfortable thinking on your feet and adapting the school day to meet evolving needs of our learners.
- QTS or QTLS, with a passion for delivering high‑impact teaching.
- Commitment to safeguarding and child protection with a clear enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).
- A proactive, hands‑on approach – ready to lead by example and be a visible, positive presence through the school.
- Determination to make the secondary provision your own, setting the standards for excellence and inclusion.
- A genuine role model for staff and students.
Desirable
- Additional training to further enhance our offers i.e. Forest School Leader, Bikeability instructor, Thrive Practitioner etc or a willingness to identify other opportunities and go through training.
- Ability to drive a 17‑seater school bus.
What We Offer
At GUST, you’ll find a supportive, innovative environment where your ideas are valued, and your professional growth is championed. We believe in investing in our people as much as our pupils.
Benefits of joining our team
- Small class sizes (typically 3-5 students), allowing for truly personalised teaching and meaningful relationships.
- A term‑time plus 5 working patterns, supporting a healthy work‑life balance.
- School lunches available for just ÂŁ1 per day.
- Regular school trips and days out, bringing learning to life beyond the classroom.
- 20% pension contribution.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Company sick days.
To Apply
Please complete an application form and send this to info@gustschool.com
Secondary Lead - Teacher in Ashington employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Secondary Lead - Teacher in Ashington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research GUST Independent School and its ethos. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at educational events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Secondary Lead.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to support students with SEN. Be ready to discuss how you would implement innovative teaching strategies!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at GUST.
We think you need these skills to ace Secondary Lead - Teacher in Ashington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for transforming education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs. We want to see your enthusiasm and commitment!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and qualities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in mentoring staff and leading teams, as well as any innovative teaching methods you've implemented. This will show us that you’re the perfect fit for our vibrant community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance!
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at GUST!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by students. Be ready to discuss how you've supported learners with behavioural challenges in the past, and think of examples that showcase your innovative approaches.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Secondary Lead, you'll need to inspire and motivate your team. Prepare to share your experiences in leading teams, mentoring staff, and fostering a positive learning culture. Think about specific initiatives you've led that improved teaching and learning outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
GUST is all about transforming education for young people. Be prepared to talk about why you're passionate about teaching and how you plan to make a difference in the lives of students with SEN. Share your vision for creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions around behaviour management and restorative practices. Have examples ready of how you've successfully handled challenging situations in the classroom. Show that you can tailor your approach to meet individual needs while maintaining high standards.
