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 beautiful rural setting with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Qualified teachers and Early Career Teachers are welcome to apply.
The predicted salary is between 33086 - 46838 € per year.
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
Teachers in an Outstanding SEN School & College
Location: 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 permanent class teacher and 1x class teacher maternity cover (fixed-term for 1 year).
Closing date: 14th May, 2026 at 4pm with interviews anticipated week commencing 18th May, 2026.
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:
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. 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
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 offering competitive salaries and benefits such as free healthy lunches and a retention bonus. Join our passionate team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students in a nurturing environment that values compassion and collaboration.
Contact Detail:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust Recruiting 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 us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common SEN teaching scenarios. Think about how you’d handle specific situations 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 patience and resilience in challenging situations – it’ll make you memorable!
✨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 that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Sen Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Class Teacher at St Joseph’s. We want to see your passion for SEND education shine through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate how you effectively engage with students, colleagues, and families. Share examples that reflect your ability to connect with others.
Highlight Your Resilience:Working with young people who have complex needs can be challenging. We’d love to hear about times when you've shown patience and resilience in tough situations. This will show us you're ready for the role!
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 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 the latest strategies and approaches in SEND education, as this will show your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively engaged with students, families, or colleagues. Be ready to discuss how you adapt your communication style to meet the needs of different individuals, especially those who may be anxious or frustrated.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in an educational setting. Discuss your experience working alongside teaching assistants or therapy teams, and how you’ve contributed to creating a supportive environment for students.
✨Emphasise Patience and Resilience
Be ready to share stories that highlight your patience and resilience when working with young people who have complex needs. Think about specific situations where you remained calm and supportive, and how you adapted your approach to help students thrive despite challenges.
