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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire students with special needs in a supportive, innovative environment.
- Company: Join Sunningdale School, a leading specialist setting for children with learning difficulties.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of an outstanding team dedicated to helping students thrive and 'be more'.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in a specialist teaching setting.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and working across multiple campuses.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
The school regularly hosts visitors from the Department for Education and was the only specialist school in the country to host official ministerial visits in 2024-25. The school has been repeatedly visited by the Secretary of State for Education and the Early Years Minister. In 2025 the school opened a specialist Early Years provision based in Ryhope, Sunderland. The role may involve working at or across any of our campuses (Doxford Park or Ryhope). The school is consistently growing in size and remit. Leaders expect to develop further middle leadership structures during the course of the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years.
The role may involve working at or across any of our campuses (Doxford Park or Ryhope).
Responsibilities
We are looking for a highly skilled practitioner with experience of teaching within a specialist setting. The role will involve working as part of a multi-professional team on a daily basis. Effective classroom management is key to the role.
The successful candidate should have qualified teacher status (QTS) and be an excellent classroom practitioner, with knowledge and an understanding of pupils with SLD/PMLD/Autism; have experience of using a range of teaching methods and communication strategies; have excellent communication skills and have the capacity to inspire and motivate children within an innovative and research driven curriculum model. Successful applicants will be reflective practitioners who are able to develop and adapt their practice to meet the individualised needs of pupils within the context of the school\\\’s strong ethos of preparation for adulthood, life and the wider world.
About the School
From the moment pupils start at Sunningdale school, they receive the highest levels of care, support and learning to enable them to be their best selves; as the school motto says, to \”be more\”. Ofsted, 2023.
This is a unique opportunity to join the outstanding teaching team at Sunningdale School. Sunningdale School is a consistently outstanding specialist setting that offers a child centred curriculum for pupils with Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (including those with Autism).
Leaders have developed an inspirational curriculum that ensures that learning is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils. Because of this, pupils display exceptionally high levels of engagement in learning. They make rapid progress from their starting points. Ofsted, 2023.
Sunningdale Special School in Sunderland is looking for outstanding practitioners to join our growing staff team. We would invite applications from Teachers interested in working within any of the school\\\’s curriculum pathways: Pre-formal, Informal, Semi-formal or Formal Pathways.
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Sunningdale School- Teacher employer: Sunderland City Council
Contact Detail:
Sunderland City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunningdale School- Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sunningdale School through LinkedIn or social media. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's ethos and curriculum. Show us how your teaching style aligns with their innovative approach, especially in supporting pupils with SLD/PMLD/Autism.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your classroom management strategies! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've engaged and motivated students in previous roles. We want to see your passion in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Sunningdale School.
We think you need these skills to ace Sunningdale School- Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for teaching shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of pupils with SLD/PMLD/Autism. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to this unique role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands our ethos and can adapt their teaching methods to meet individual needs, so be sure to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Be Reflective: We value reflective practitioners, so don’t hesitate to discuss how you’ve adapted your teaching in the past. Share examples of how you’ve responded to challenges or feedback to improve your practice. This shows us you’re committed to continuous growth!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Sunningdale School. We can’t wait to see what you bring to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Sunningdale School's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their motto, 'be more', and think about how your teaching philosophy aligns with this. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to their mission will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past teaching experiences that highlight your skills in managing classrooms and working with pupils with SLD/PMLD/Autism. Think about different teaching methods you've used and how they’ve positively impacted your students. This will demonstrate your capability as a reflective practitioner.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the various curriculum pathways offered at Sunningdale School. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt your teaching strategies to fit within the Pre-formal, Informal, Semi-formal, or Formal Pathways. Showing that you can tailor your approach to meet individualised needs will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during your interview. Inquire about the multi-professional team dynamics or how the school measures progress for its pupils. This not only shows your interest but also your commitment to being an active part of their innovative and research-driven curriculum model.
