English Teacher/Head of Subject

What skills and experience we're looking for

• Is a qualified English teacher (QTS or equivalent) with experience of contributing to the development of an English curriculum with a strong interest or experience in SEMH and ASD education
• Has a calm, compassionate and consistent approach to managing behaviour
• Is reflective, adaptable and motivated to make a difference
• Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Values professional development and is keen to grow within a forward-thinking setting

What the school offers its staff

• A brand-new school with excellent facilities and small class sizes
• A supportive, experienced leadership team and committed colleagues
• Regular professional development and coaching opportunities
• A relational, inclusive ethos where staff wellbeing is valued
• The opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious, growing school.

Further details about the role

Acer Academy is a new specialist SEMH and ASD school (opened September 2025) with outstanding facilities and a strong commitment to inclusive, relational education. Acer Academy is currently in a growth phase – where the school’s cohort increases each year during the first three years of opening. As part of the school’s growth, we are seeking a passionate, reflective and resilient head of subject for English to join our team and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a nurturing environment where relationships, structure and consistency underpin every aspect of learning. Our teachers deliver a broad and balanced curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of our learners, helping them to achieve academically, socially and emotionally.

Key responsibilities

• Take a strategic approach to the development of the English curriculum to produce schemes of learning and lesson resources (for non-subject specialists)
• Plan and deliver creative, differentiated lessons that meet the diverse needs of learners with SEMH and ASD
• Create structured, predictable classroom environments where pupils feel safe, respected and ready to learn
• Implement relational and trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation and engagement
• Maintain high expectations for learning, behaviour and personal growth
• Use assessment to track progress, identify gaps and inform future teaching
• Utilise assessment data to inform curriculum planning and appropriate subject interventions
• Promote the A.C.E.R. values - Always try your best, Care for yourself and others, Emotional regulation, Ready to learn
• Work closely with pastoral, inclusion and therapeutic staff to ensure joined-up support for every pupil
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers, building positive home-school relationships
• Contribute to the wider life of the school through enrichment, celebration and teamwork

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical, online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.