At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and teach PE to students with diverse needs, fostering their growth and confidence.
- Company: Join Downland School, a caring community dedicated to supporting young people with SEND.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, SEND allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and a positive school culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified PE teacher with a passion for inclusive education and proven teaching success.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: MPS plus SEND Allowance (£2,787)
Hours of work: 32.5
Contract type: Permanent
A bit about us: Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives. We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity. Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.
All about the role: We wish to appoint a dynamic, ambitious, and well-qualified teacher of PE who has a proven record in raising achievement. This is an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and professional team and to teach pupils from year 7 to year 11. You will have a passion for your subject, a track record of outstanding teaching and the ability to teach pupils with SEND. You will fully participate in developing PE and games across the school and in initiatives to secure outstanding teaching and learning in all aspects of school life. You will have a strong commitment to the wider pastoral role and wish to make a significant positive impact on our young people’s lives, securing the very best outcomes. Can you raise aspiration and rise to the challenge?
Key areas of work will include:
- Continuing to/participating in, driving up the quality of PE provision at Downland School
- Inspiring the quality of teaching and learning within PE and games
- Delivering consistently good or outstanding lessons
- Focusing, strongly, on raising levels of progress and attainment
- Focusing on developing the needs of the whole child
- Teaching mixed ability class groups of pupils with complex SEND
- Participating fully in all aspects of pastoral care and wider school life
- Using adaptive practice and trauma-informed techniques
Enthusiasm and commitment to working with and raising achievement for pupils with SEND is paramount to us; you will be expected to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’.
Find out more and apply: To apply, you should submit a letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.
Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, Bursar.
We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.
Closing date (and time): 9.00am Tuesday 12th May 2026
Interview date: Within a week (tbc)
Commencement date: To be confirmed
Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are not ‘protected’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.
Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CV's submitted via the apply button will not be considered.
PE Teacher employer: Wiltshire Council
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PE Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Downland School. Understand their values and how they support pupils with SEND. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teaching PE and working with SEND students. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and commitment to raising achievement.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for PE and teaching shine through. Talk about innovative ideas you have for engaging students and how you plan to inspire them to achieve their best.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace PE Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Address how your skills and experiences align with the unique needs of Downland School. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our community and how you can contribute to our mission of helping pupils thrive.
Highlight Your Experience with SEND: Since we work with pupils who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, it’s crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have in this area. Share specific examples of how you've successfully supported students with diverse needs in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured letter that addresses the key requirements outlined in the job description. Remember, we want to see your passion for PE and your commitment to raising achievement!
Follow Our Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully! Submit your application form along with your cover letter via email to Tanya Rhodes. We won’t consider applications that don’t meet these guidelines, so double-check before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Downland School and its unique approach to teaching pupils with SEND. Understanding their mission statement, 'Aspire, Achieve and Thrive', will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your commitment to their educational philosophy.
✨Showcase Your Passion for PE
Be ready to discuss your enthusiasm for physical education and how it can positively impact students' lives. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past, especially those with varying abilities, and how you plan to drive up the quality of PE provision at Downland School.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since you'll be working with mixed ability classes and pupils with complex SEND, it's crucial to showcase your adaptive teaching strategies. Prepare to discuss trauma-informed techniques and how you've successfully implemented them in your previous roles to support diverse learners.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the school's culture, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success in PE. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Downland School is the right fit for you.