Job Description

SEN Teacher

Location: SEN School & College 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 Class Teacher Maternity Cover (Fixed-term for 1 year).

Closing Date: 4th June, 2026 at 9am

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

We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to making a real difference.

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.

Application packs and online applications are available via the website. We review applications as they are received and reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Please note we are unable to sponsor applicants relocating from overseas or convert graduate visas for this role.

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