Secondary Class Teacher

Our School

Alderman Knight Special School is an ‘Outstanding’ (2014) school catering for children between 5 and 19 who have moderate and additional complex learning needs.  This includes children with Autism, social communication, emotional and speech and language needs. A small minority have more severe learning difficulties. Pupils’ have a wide attainment range. In the primary phase the majority of the pupils are working within P levels and KS 1 expectations. However across the secondary phase attainment can range from Y1 to KS3 expectations and pupils achieve a wide range of accreditations including Entry level, level 1 and 2 qualifications and GCSEs. Some students in KS5 will study further GCSEs and level 3 qualifications with some being accessed at Tewkesbury Secondary School which is on the same site. 

Unlike the majority of special schools at KS3, 4 and 5 we offer a mainstream curriculum model with state-of-the-art specialist classrooms and specialist teachers. Our Post-16 provision is a recent addition to the school, starting in September 2016. 

What We Can Offer

The school is located just off Junction 9 of the M5. Both the main school building and the Post-16 Centre are new, attractive and spacious buildings being built in 2013 and 2017 respectively. The learning and working environments are second to none. In addition, the school can offer:

- Local authority pension

- Access to a small on-site gym

- Mentoring for new/existing teachers

- Extensive CPD opportunities

- Opportunities for development and progression

- A challenging but positive and enormously rewarding work place

What We Are Looking For

With a dynamic and varied pupil base, we are looking to add to our committed staff with an individual that can demonstrate a desire to work within SEND, and, most importantly, SEND at Alderman Knight. Although special school experience is not essential, candidates will need to persuade us why they want to work in this area. The post is likely to include teaching a range of KS3 classes Food Technology, Life skills and Personal, social development (PSD) and a range of accreditations at KS4 and Post 16 from Entry Level to Level 3. Current course include Hospitality and Catering, Health and Social Care, GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, and BTEC qualifications in these areas.

Although these are areas in which we currently require additional teaching expertise, we do ask all our staff to be flexible in their approach and where necessary and appropriate, teach additional or different subjects to meet the needs of the pupils. This helps ensure we have a team of teachers who can deliver consistently high quality lessons and a meaningful and carefully structured curriculum. Alderman Knight has a very strong and committed community with staff playing an extended role in the life of the school and contributing in many ways over and above their daily teaching commitment. All teachers are also form tutors and this pastoral role is a key role for teachers at AKS.

The Role

We are currently looking for a teacher who has experience of teaching Food Technology, Life skills and PSD. Pupils in KS3 and KS4 are grouped according to need as well as age so there are some mixed tutor groups. Pupils are then taught within their tutor groups and the majority follow a mainstream model with specialist teachers and specialist rooms. 

As a secondary teacher at Alderman Knight, you must have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum and a real passion for teaching children with special educational needs. You will also have the ability to differentiate learning experiences to match the needs of the individual and enable all pupils to enjoy their learning and make outstanding progress. You will also be a highly motivated, energetic person with a desire to become involved in all aspects of school life.

Next Steps

If you decide to apply for the post we would like you to complete the standard TES application form and Supporting Statement. Please follow the online instructions.

Please note Alderman Knight is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All posts will be subject to a DBS check, and receipt of two references prior to interview.

For further details please see school website www.aldermanknight.gloucs.sch.uk and/ or email recruitment@aldermanknight.gloucs.sch.uk