At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a class of students with complex needs and deliver a personalised curriculum.
- Company: Join St Joseph's Specialist Trust, an outstanding specialist setting for SEND education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, retention bonus, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Supportive community with excellent career growth and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your teaching expertise.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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. This role is subject to an enhanced child and adult workforce DBS check.
Application:
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. 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 Class Teacher: Inspire Specialized Learning employer: St Joseph's Specialist Trust
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is an outstanding employer dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for young people with complex needs. With a beautiful 23-acre site in Surrey, a strong focus on employee wellbeing, and a commitment to professional development, we foster a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students. Join us to be part of a passionate team where your skills and compassion can truly shine.
Contact Details:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Class Teacher: Inspire Specialized Learning
✨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 us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common SEN teaching scenarios. Think about how you would handle specific challenges with students who have complex needs. We want to see your passion and problem-solving skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! During the interview, let your compassion and empathy come through. Share personal stories that highlight your experience with SEND education and how you’ve made a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Class Teacher: Inspire Specialized Learning
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 an SEN Class Teacher. We love seeing how your background fits into our mission at St Joseph's!
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 for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at St Joseph's.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Specialist Trust
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by students with complex learning disabilities and autism. Familiarise yourself with relevant teaching strategies and frameworks, as this will show your commitment to providing tailored support.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your excellent communication skills by engaging clearly and confidently with the panel. Be prepared to discuss how you would effectively communicate with students, families, and colleagues, especially in a setting that requires patience and empathy.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Since you'll be working closely with a skilled classroom team, share examples of your past teamwork experiences. Talk about how you've collaborated with others to create a supportive learning environment, and how you can contribute to the integrated therapy team at St Joseph's.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think about how you would approach supporting a student who is anxious or frustrated, and be ready to explain your thought process and strategies for maintaining a calm and safe environment.
