Teacher of English

The Oaks Secondary School is a large, vibrant special school for pupils aged 11–19 with a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been judged Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four inspections and is proud of its strong, supportive, and nurturing ethos.

The Governors wish to appoint a committed, enthusiastic English Teacher to join our team. This role is ideal for teachers passionate about English, creativity, and supporting learners with a wide range of SEND needs. The successful candidate will teach English across Key Stages 3–5, including pupils working below age‑related expectations and will contribute to Communication, Language and Literacy development throughout the curriculum, ensuring EHCP outcomes are implemented effectively.

The post also includes planning and delivering 6 weekly lessons of inclusive Art, monitoring pupil progress, contributing to assessment and reporting, and working as part of a multi‑professional team.

The successful candidate will:

• Teach English to a range of learners across the school
• Deliver 6 weekly lessons of Art
• Meet the diverse needs of pupils with SEND
• Contribute to Communication, Language and Literacy development school‑wide
• Implement EHCP outcomes effectively
• Work effectively with a skilled team of support staff and multi‑professional colleagues
• Build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues
• Contribute to the wider life of the school

Essential qualities include strong communication skills, flexibility, enthusiasm, resilience, and the ability to work effectively with pupils with diverse SEND needs. Experience or interest in Art, literacy interventions, communication approaches (such as Makaton or communication aids), or wider SEND practice is desirable.

We welcome applications from both experienced teachers and Early Career Teachers with a passion for working with young people with SEND.

How to Apply

Application forms and an information pack are available from and returnable to:

Sarah Labron, School Business Manager The Oaks Secondary School, Rock Road, Spennymoor, DL16 7DB Email: s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk

Completed applications should be returned by Monday 4th May 2026.

Potential candidates are encouraged to visit the school prior to interview.

In line with the County Council’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note we are unable to accept CVs. Any information provided on CV’s will not be considered for shortlisting purposes.

The Oaks Secondary School is maintained by Durham County Council which is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are welcome from applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.

The Oaks Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks. In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

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Source: UK Teaching Vacancies Service (teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.