LEAD TEACHER – Cognition and Learning Base

Join a thriving, ambitious academy and help us to make a difference to the lives of the people in our community.

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated teaching professional to lead the teaching in our cognition and learning base.

At this time the base caters for students identified by the school as either needing intensive support to enable them to access mainstream learning environments or to access more bespoke qualifications suited to their learning needs.

This is a really exciting phase in our Academy’s inclusive development, we have been developing Restorative Practice for some time and have an excellent reputation for support with our SEND students. In addition to the cognition and learning base we also have a dedicated Internal Alternative Provision facility, which supports students with SEMH and other SEND needs. Twinned with this provision we believe we have “wrap-around” support for our students, to ensure that gaps in learning, numeracy and literacy are addressed as soon as possible, upon arrival to the Academy, so that we can look to support the transition from primary to secondary school, and to provide appropriate qualifications to progress to post 16 studies.

You will be working alongside teachers and support staff in our Academy, including working alongside an Assistant Principal for inclusion and SENDCo. Joseph Leckie Academy is a fully inclusive school and enjoys the challenge of meeting the needs of every child in a unique way, as can be seen from our progress for our students whatever their starting points.

If you are an energetic, enthusiastic and outstanding teacher of SEND with the ability to inspire our children, ensuring they make good progress and enjoy learning, we would ask that you consider this exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the young people we work with.

The successful candidate may be asked to work with students across different years/ages and support them with varied behaviour strategies, support them in their learning or work within other areas as needed by the Academy.

You will have/show:

• Practical skills and expertise as outlined in the Job description

• A passion and vision for SEND and SEMH and the links between academic and pastoral success for students.

• SEND qualification, or working towards completion (desirable).

• A commitment and dedication to support students in order to excel, regardless of need.

• The desire to create a positive learning experience for every single child.

• Be an innovative teacher who is not afraid to try something new and learn from mistakes.

• Experience of working with SEND students at KS2 or KS3.

• Ability to teach a specialist subject and PSHE, and to contribute to appropriate qualifications for SEND students.

• Professional curiosity; gathering appropriate evidence to support diagnoses for students.

• High expectations of students and your team.

• The determination to support in raising student achievement within the classroom and beyond.

• The passion to enrich the lives of our students and contribute to the development of Cultural Capital to enhance the life opportunities for our students.

• Team - working skills as well as the ability to work independently and pro-actively.

• A clear understanding of the importance of Safeguarding.

Our most recent Ofsted inspection (February 2026) recognised the strength of our provision, noting:

• “Every pupil who walks through the door of Joseph Leckie Academy is treated as an individual with potential.”
• “Leaders are ambitious for all pupils and are relentless in their drive to ensure that their needs are met.”
• “School leaders are passionate about improving pupils' life chances.”
• “Inclusion sits at the heart of daily practice. Pupils with SEND, those new to English and others who need additional help, are valued and celebrated as individuals.”

Why join Joseph Leckie Academy?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a school with strong standards and a culture built on high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement.

You will be part of a school where:

• Inclusion is a genuine strength — “leaders work closely with families… to support pupils to thrive both academically and socially”.
• Staff are well supported and part of a skilled and collaborative team.
• Students are engaged, respectful and proud of their school.
• There is a clear commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
• Staff across the Academy are friendly and support.
• High levels of staff retention.
• A high focus on staff well-being with staff social events, gym access, school counsellor, well-being coordinator for staff and an employee assistance programme.
• A large Academy with high standards and an ambitious desire to better the lives of our students and impact further on our wider community.

Application process:

Please see the attached job description and person specification. When completing their application through My New Term, applicants should address how their experience to date has led them to apply for this post and how they meet the person specification.

Joseph Leckie Academy is an equal opportunities employer and fully committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students and candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date for applications: 9.00am on Monday 19th October 2026

Interviews: Week Commencing Monday 19th October 2026