At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach KS3 Functional Skills in English and Maths to small classes, focusing on engagement and support.
- Company: Join a specialist SEMH setting in Preston dedicated to nurturing students' confidence and skills.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment and the potential for a permanent role after a temporary contract.
- Other info: Free child protection training provided; enhanced DBS check required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a calm, therapeutic classroom atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience with SEMH pupils at KS3 level.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 34800 £ per year.
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Contract: Full-time (Term-time only)
Salary: £31,650 - £43,606 per annum, depending on experience
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and resilient Qualified Teacher (KS3 Functional Skills – English & Maths) to join a specialist SEMH setting in Preston. You’ll work with small classes (maximum 8 pupils) in foundation-level English and Maths across Years 7–9. This rewarding position involves delivering engaging, bespoke lessons in a calm, therapeutic classroom environment aimed at rebuilding students’ confidence, social skills, and learning resilience.
What you’ll do
- Plan and teach targeted foundation-level English and Maths lessons (Functional Skills / KS3).
- Manage and support social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs in small groups.
- Implement effective behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
- Monitor progress, adapt planning, and provide timely feedback.
- Collaborate with teaching assistants, care staff, and external professionals.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, fostering a supportive classroom ethos.
What we’re looking for
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) plus PGCE or equivalent.
- Proven experience teaching English and Maths at KS3/foundation level.
- Previous experience working with SEMH pupils and challenging behaviour across small group settings.
- Strong behaviour management skills, patience, and emotional resilience.
- Excellent communication abilities and ability to work collaboratively.
- Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Why work here
- Join a small, nurturing SEMH provision with personalised attention.
- Supportive teams including teaching assistants, keyworkers, and care staff.
- An environment committed to pupil safety and positive relationships, supported by strong Ofsted outcomes.
If you are interested in this position, please click apply now and we will be in contact within the next 48 hours to discuss next steps.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.
KS3 Functional Skills Teacher in Preston employer: Teaching Personnel
Join our dedicated team at a nurturing SEMH provision in Preston, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture, offering personalised attention to both staff and pupils, and providing ongoing professional development opportunities to help you grow in your teaching career. With small class sizes and a collaborative environment, you will be empowered to deliver engaging lessons that rebuild confidence and resilience in our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS3 Functional Skills Teacher in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of SEMH pupils. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other professionals in the field. Attend local education events or join online forums related to SEMH teaching. This can provide valuable insights and connections that may lead to recommendations or job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your behaviour management strategies in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed challenging behaviour in the classroom, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the school’s ethos and values. Understanding their approach to education and pupil welfare will allow you to tailor your conversation during the interview, showing that you align with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace KS3 Functional Skills Teacher in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and any relevant experience teaching English and Maths at KS3 level. Emphasise your work with SEMH pupils and any specific strategies you've used to manage challenging behaviour.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for teaching and your understanding of the SEMH environment. Mention specific examples of how you've supported students' social and emotional needs in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, focus on your strong behaviour management skills, patience, and emotional resilience. Provide examples of how you've successfully built trusting relationships with pupils in the past.
Prepare for the Interview:If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you would implement effective behaviour management strategies in a calm, therapeutic classroom environment. Think about scenarios where you've adapted your planning based on student progress.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Show Your Passion for Teaching
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching and working with KS3 pupils, especially those with SEMH needs. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment.
✨Demonstrate Behaviour Management Strategies
Be prepared to discuss specific behaviour management techniques you have successfully implemented in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt these strategies to meet the unique needs of each pupil, particularly in small group settings.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Talk about your experience working with teaching assistants and other professionals. Showcase your ability to build strong relationships within a team to create a cohesive support system for students.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific classroom situations, especially related to SEMH challenges. Practising your responses can help you articulate your approach clearly and confidently during the interview.
