At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and inspire students with learning difficulties in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of schools dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values every voice and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Passion for SEND education; qualified or unqualified teachers welcome.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 51048 € per year.
We are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed teachers to join our dedicated team from September 2026 on a one-year fixed-term contract.
Our school supports children and young people with learning difficulties and additional needs, providing a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every pupil can thrive.
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified Teachers (QTS)
- Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
- Unqualified Teachers with relevant experience, passion, and commitment to SEND education
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Be passionate about supporting pupils with learning difficulties and additional needs
- Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Be patient, adaptable, and resilient
- Be committed to creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences
- Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
St Andrew's is a day special school for pupils with severe learning difficulties and ASD aged 11 -19 years. Our Special settings cater for children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs from children with profound medical needs and life limiting conditions, those with severe, moderate and sensory needs through to young people with social emotional and mental health needs that require support and understanding to help them to navigate their world.
All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying skills and experience for this position.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values - opportunity, integrity, community, and equity - guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning." We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.
Together, let's make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.
At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.
The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff)/Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free Discount For Teachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
St Andrews Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust's commitment to safer recruitment.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.
We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.
Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.
SEN Teachers employer: St Andrew's Academy
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a generous benefits package including a Local Government Pension Scheme and wellness initiatives. Located in Derby, our special school community thrives on collaboration and shared expertise, making it a rewarding place to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teachers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former teachers at the school you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the school's values and mission. Think about how your passion for supporting pupils with learning difficulties aligns with their goals. Bring examples of your experience to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During interviews, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through. Share stories that highlight your adaptability and resilience in the classroom. Remember, they want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age of teaching. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teachers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with learning difficulties shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is specific to this role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our values of opportunity, integrity, community, and equity.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to express your ideas, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's Academy
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by pupils with learning difficulties. Familiarise yourself with different types of needs, such as ASD and emotional health issues, so you can speak confidently about how you would support these students.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching and supporting children with additional needs shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. This will help the interviewers see your genuine dedication to the role.
✨Prepare Engaging Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully created inclusive learning environments or adapted lessons for diverse learners. Be ready to discuss these scenarios in detail, showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to SEN education and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also invested in being part of a collaborative team that values professional development.