Teacher (SEMH) in Carlisle

Teacher – Alternative Provision / SEND & SEMH

Location: Carlisle, Cumbria

Salary: £30,900 – £41,200 per annum

Contract: Permanent | Full-Time

School Rating: Ofsted Good

Age Range: 13–16 years (Key Stage 4)

Class Sizes: Small groups of up to 8 pupils

Make a Real Difference. Teach Smaller Classes. Help Young People Succeed.

Are you a passionate Teacher looking for a role where you can genuinely make a difference in young people's lives? We are particularly interested in hearing from teachers who can confidently deliver at least one core GCSE subject – English, Maths or Science.

Would you enjoy teaching smaller classes, building meaningful relationships with your pupils and having the time to provide the individual support they need to succeed?

Simply Education is recruiting a dedicated and enthusiastic Teacher to join an Ofsted-rated Good independent Alternative Provision school in Carlisle.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a secondary teacher looking for a rewarding new challenge, whether you already have experience in Alternative Provision or are considering moving into specialist education.

With small class sizes, a supportive team and a personalised approach to learning, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on every pupil you teach.

About the School

The school is a welcoming and supportive independent Alternative Provision setting, providing education for young people aged 13–16 (Key Stage 4) who may have experienced difficulties within mainstream education.

Key information about the school:

• Ofsted Rating: Good
• Age Range: 13–16 years (Key Stage 4)
• School Capacity: Up to 40 pupils
• Class Sizes: Small teaching groups of no more than 8 pupils
• Curriculum: Core GCSE subjects including English, Maths and Science
• Setting: Independent Alternative Provision supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH and additional learning needs

Pupils may have a range of additional needs, including:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Autism and communication differences.
• Social, emotional or behavioural challenges.
• Disrupted educational experiences or difficulties accessing mainstream education.

The school places a strong emphasis on positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and personalised learning.

With a maximum capacity of just 40 pupils and classes of up to eight students, teachers have the opportunity to get to know their pupils individually, adapt lessons to their needs and help them achieve meaningful progress.

The school's aim is simple: to give every young person the support, confidence and education they need to achieve their potential.

What Will You Be Doing?

As a Teacher, you'll play a key role in delivering engaging, supportive and personalised education to Key Stage 4 pupils.

The school enters pupils for core GCSE qualifications in English, Maths and Science, so we're looking for someone who can confidently teach at least one of these subjects.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and delivering engaging lessons in English, Maths and/or Science at Key Stage 4.
• Supporting pupils working towards their GCSE qualifications.
• Teaching small groups of up to eight pupils, allowing for a more personalised approach.
• Adapting lessons and teaching strategies to meet individual learning needs and abilities.
• Supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH and additional barriers to education.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people who may have previously disengaged from learning.
• Encouraging confidence, resilience, positive behaviour and academic achievement.
• Monitoring pupil progress and celebrating individual successes.
• Taking on Form Tutor responsibilities, providing pastoral support and maintaining positive relationships with families.
• Working closely with teaching assistants, school leaders and other professionals.
• Promoting safeguarding, inclusion and emotional wellbeing throughout the school.

Above all, you'll be helping young people rediscover their confidence in education and recognise what they're capable of achieving.

What Are We Looking For?

We're looking for a passionate, patient and resilient Teacher who enjoys making learning accessible, engaging and meaningful.

Essential or preferred experience and qualifications:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS), or a willingness to work towards a recognised teaching qualification.
• The ability to teach at least one of the core GCSE subjects: English, Maths or Science.
• Previous teaching experience within a school environment, ideally at secondary level.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• The ability to adapt teaching methods to support different learning needs.
• A nurturing, flexible and positive approach to teaching.
• GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade 4/C or above.
• A genuine commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for young people.

Desirable, but not essential:

• Previous experience within Alternative Provision, SEND or SEMH settings.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour or emotional needs.
• A degree in a relevant subject.
• Specialist SEND teaching qualifications.

Don't have Alternative Provision experience?

That's absolutely fine!

If you're an experienced secondary teacher who can deliver English, Maths or Science and you're passionate about supporting young people who need a different approach to education, we'd still love to hear from you.

What's in It for You?

You'll be joining an organisation that genuinely values its staff and recognises the importance of professional development, wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance.

Alongside the opportunity to teach smaller classes and make a meaningful difference, you'll have access to a fantastic benefits package.

Professional Development & Career Progression

• Fully supported professional development and funded qualifications.
• Access to high-quality in-house training.
• Significant investment in staff development, with approximately £3,500 invested per colleague in the previous year.
• Opportunities to develop your skills within specialist education.

Health & Wellbeing

• Access to discounted gym memberships.
• Free wellbeing app offering fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources.
• Dedicated counselling and emotional wellbeing support.
• Medicash healthcare cashback scheme for you and your dependants, with eligible benefits of up to £900 annually.
• A commitment to reducing unnecessary administration and supporting work-life balance.

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Death in Service Insurance worth four times your annual salary.
• £500 employee referral bonus.
• Exclusive discounts and rewards through MiRewards.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Additional leave provisions for foster carers.
• Flexible working arrangements wherever possible.

Recognition & Support

• Monthly, quarterly and annual employee recognition awards.
• Regular opportunities to connect with senior leadership.
• Annual group conferences and opportunities to share best practice.
• A welcoming, collaborative team where your ideas and contributions are valued.

Why Should You Apply?

Teaching within Alternative Provision is about so much more than delivering lessons.

It's about helping young people overcome challenges, rebuilding their confidence and giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Here's what makes this opportunity stand out:

• Smaller Classes: Teach groups of up to eight pupils, allowing you to provide more individual attention.
• Ofsted Good School: Join an established setting with a positive inspection rating.
• GCSE Teaching: Use your subject knowledge in English, Maths or Science to help young people work towards recognised qualifications.
• Personalised Education: Adapt your teaching to suit individual pupils rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Rewarding Environment: See the difference your support makes to pupils who may have struggled in mainstream education.
• Career Development: Benefit from ongoing training, funded qualifications and opportunities to progress.

If you're looking for a teaching position where you can build stronger relationships with your pupils, enjoy smaller class sizes and make a genuine difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Whether you're actively looking for a new role or simply curious about what Alternative Provision could offer you, I'd be happy to have an informal, confidential conversation.

Don't miss the opportunity to join a supportive school in Carlisle where your teaching can genuinely change young people's lives.

Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.