[260609D] Secondary Autism SEND Teacher with SEMH

Specialist SEN teacher (Inspire Programme)

Salary: Main pay range (DOE) + SEN Allowance. £31,916 - £51,047 + £2,787

Job type: Full Time, Permanent

Apply by: Midnight on Sunday 21st June 2026

Job overview

Please note that previous applicants need not apply.

Are you finding that managing a class of 32 students is stretching you to the limit? Tired of the never-ending marking endless books? Struggling to meet the diverse needs of all learners - from the most able to those needing the most support - while being measured against national data? If so, we understand - and we’re here to offer a refreshing alternative.

Are you an outstanding Teacher (Primary or Secondary), with extensive experience of working with SEN children/young people in an education setting and a passion for inclusion (or a mainstream teacher looking for a change and educating those students who need the most), enabling all our amazing children and young adults to overcome barriers to learning?

We are seeking a proactive, resourceful, and energetic Teacher to lead and teach across Secondary Inspire, supporting students in a secondary lead environment with a duel focus on closing the gap on academic attainment and Social / emotional learning. Inspire secondary students work within a largely primary model for consistent staffing, and teachers in Inspire deliver Core subjects alongside thematic studies. Inspire students access the secondary provision for specific lessons that need specialist rooms such as Art / DT, Food Technology and Computing.

You should be self-motivated with a creative approach to curriculum delivery and have the skills to continuously improve the learning experience for our pupils. You should have experience (or be prepared to study and develop your approach) of working with young people with Autism / SEMH and complex needs and understand what approaches work well and how building positive relationships are key.

The school has had significant growth over the last 2 years, creating further opportunities for pupils to thrive and succeed. There is a very clear expectation on the use of PACE principles at work, and while students may struggle at times, we are very proud to offer a range of qualifications and fully expect all of our students to leave and go to (largely) mainstream colleges.

The position of Inspire program teacher is a great opportunity to be part of a team providing the very best possible educational opportunities for our pupils within a nurturing and supportive setting.

Our school

SAIL Academy is an academy school (Reach South Academy Trust) for pupils aged 5-19 with SEMH, ASD, and complex needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship-based approach (PACE) where behaviour is understood as communication. As a Specialist Teacher (KS3/4), you will work in an immensely rewarding, occasionally challenging environment, contributing to supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and truly making a difference in the lives of pupils.

In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils we endeavour to take a holistic approach to their education. Very often this will mean thinking beyond the conventional educational experiences. This ensures that pupils are in the best possible position to lead successful adult lives beyond school.

Having mainstream experience is no barrier to working in a specialist setting, and we would urge anyone to come and have a look at what we do on a daily basis.

About the Trust

We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond.

We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.

These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.

Next Steps

If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the positions, please come and speak to Dan Goldstraw - Headteacher.

Closing date: for applications is Midnight on Sunday 21st June 2026

Interview Date: Interviews are provisionally booked for week commencing 29th June 2026.

To apply for this opportunity please visit MyNewTerm - our online application service.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

Opportunities and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.

We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction; are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.