At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a class of students with complex needs and deliver a personalised curriculum.
- Company: Join St Joseph’s, an outstanding specialist school dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, retention bonus, free lunches, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive community and beautiful surroundings in Surrey.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your expertise in SEND education.
- Qualifications: Qualified teachers and early career teachers are welcome to apply.
The predicted salary is between 33086 - 46838 £ per year.
Location: SEN School & College Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary: £33,086-£46,838 (qualified) + St Joseph’s allowance of £2,787 with an additional £1,000 Retention Bonus
Vacancy Type: 1x Class Teacher Maternity Cover (Fixed-term for 1 year).
Closing Date: 4th June, 2026 at 9am
Join an outstanding specialist setting. St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is seeking a passionate and dynamic Class Teacher to join our dedicated team. Following our most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2023, we are proud to be rated Outstanding. We are also accredited by the National Autistic Society and hold the Autism Education Trust Schools Licence for Surrey, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional education and support for young people with complex needs.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop specialist expertise in SEND education within a supportive and collaborative environment.
About The Role
As a Class Teacher, you will lead a class of up to 14 students aged 5-19 with complex learning disabilities, autism and social communication needs. You will work closely with our integrated therapy team and be supported by a skilled classroom team including Higher Level Teaching Assistants and Teaching Assistants. Together, you will deliver a therapy-informed, personalised curriculum that enables students to engage, achieve and thrive. Teachers with QTS may also have the opportunity to lead a subject area, depending on experience and interests.
We Welcome Applications From
- Qualified teachers
- Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
- Teachers interested in developing expertise in specialist SEND education
About St Joseph’s
St Joseph Specialist Trust is a registered charitable trust providing education, care and support for vulnerable children and young people with complex needs.
Our Provision Includes
- A specialist school and college
- A registered children’s home
- Supported living houses for young adults
Across our services, we support over 84 young people aged 5-19, many of whom have autism, complex learning disabilities and behavioural needs.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to making a real difference.
- Common sense and teamwork – You will work closely with colleagues and confidently risk-assess situations to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
- Excellent communication skills – You will engage students effectively and communicate clearly with colleagues, families and external professionals.
- Patience and resilience – You will adapt to each student’s pace of learning and remain calm when supporting young people who may be anxious, emotional or frustrated.
- Essential qualities – Compassion, empathy and mental, physical and emotional resilience are essential qualities for all staff at St Joseph’s.
Why Join St Joseph’s
Working here means becoming part of a supportive and highly skilled community.
We Offer
- A beautiful 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills, one mile from Cranleigh village
- Free healthy hot lunches during term time
- £1,000 retention bonus - £250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year and £500 after 18 months
- Medical cash plan (after qualifying period)
- Free on-site parking
- Employee assistance programme with confidential 24/7 wellbeing and counselling support for you and your family
- On-site mental health first aiders
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Team Teach positive behaviour support training delivered on site and refreshed every year
- Ongoing CPD and professional development opportunities
- Consistent 1:1 line management support
Location
Due to our rural location, access to your own transport is desirable. However, St Joseph’s is only a 20-minute walk from bus routes serving Horsham and Guildford. All staff working in education at St Joseph’s are considered key workers.
Safeguarding and Training
All successful candidates must complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of their induction before starting employment. St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Application packs and online applications are available via the website. We review applications as they are received and reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
Please Note
We are unable to sponsor applicants relocating from overseas or convert graduate visas for this role. This role is subject to an enhanced child and adult workforce DBS check.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, please do not hesitate to apply.
SEN Teacher employer: St Joseph's Specialist Trust Cranleigh
St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is an outstanding employer dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for young people with complex needs. Located in the picturesque Surrey Hills, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in benefits such as free healthy lunches, a retention bonus, and access to mental health support. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment where your expertise in SEND education will be valued and nurtured.
Contact Details:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust Cranleigh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at St Joseph’s Specialist Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest in SEND education. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference and that you understand the unique challenges faced by students with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since excellent communication is key in this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at St Joseph’s.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with students with complex needs shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Class Teacher at St Joseph’s. We love seeing how your background fits into our mission of providing exceptional education.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can review your application as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Specialist Trust Cranleigh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of students with complex learning disabilities and autism. Familiarise yourself with the latest SEND education practices and be ready to discuss how you can apply them in the classroom.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young people with complex needs shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Teamwork is Key
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and support staff. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with the integrated therapy team and contribute to a supportive classroom environment.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle challenging situations in the classroom. Think of examples where you've demonstrated patience and resilience, and be ready to explain your approach to managing behaviour and supporting emotional needs.
