Class Teacher (SEND) – English Lead
Term time only (40 hrs per week)
Qualified English Teaching Lead salary range: £41,000 - £45,000 per annum
To be considered for this position please visit rmt.org/jobs to complete our online application form
Interviews will be taking place on Friday 9th October 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for a Class Teacher (SEND) – English Lead to join the team at our new Ashdown Garden School, in Forest Row.
Located near the beautiful Ashdown Forest, Ashdown Garden School provides a specialist educational environment for children and young people with Autism, SEMH needs and associated barriers to learning. Through a curriculum grounded in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, practical craft work, outdoor learning and therapeutic practice, we support pupils to develop confidence, independence and the skills needed for adulthood.
This role combines high-quality classroom teaching with strategic leadership of English, Literacy, Reading, Writing and Communication across the school. Working within our Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) approach, you will support pupils with Autism, SEMH and additional needs to engage in learning, develop confidence and achieve positive outcomes.
Alongside leading a class group, you will provide curriculum leadership for English, supporting colleagues to develop effective literacy practice, promoting reading and communication across the curriculum, and ensuring pupils can access an engaging, ambitious and appropriately adapted English curriculum
The key duties in this role will include:
· Teaching and supporting pupils with SEND through creative, experiential and therapeutic approaches to learning.
· Delivering high-quality English teaching, including accredited pathways and GCSE English where appropriate.
· Leading the development, implementation and review of the English curriculum across the school.
· Promoting reading, literacy and communication across all curriculum areas.
· Monitoring pupil attainment, progress and engagement in English and identifying opportunities for improvement.
· Undertaking quality assurance activities including learning walks, work scrutiny and curriculum reviews.
· Coaching and supporting colleagues to develop effective English, literacy and communication practice.
· Working collaboratively with therapists, teaching assistants, families and external professionals to support pupil progress.
· Contributing to Annual Reviews, EHCP outcomes, assessment processes and whole-school development priorities.
To undertake this position successfully, you will have:
· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with completed ECT
· Experience of teaching English and Literacy across Key Stages 3 and 4.
· Experience of working with children and young people with SEND, including Autism and SEMH needs.
· Experience of leading a curriculum area or subject.
· Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
· The ability to analyse pupil progress and use data to drive improvement.
· Experience of supporting, coaching or developing colleagues.
· A commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
· A willingness to undertake training in the Trust's Practical Skills Therapeutic Education methodology.
Desirable:
· Experience of developing literacy, reading or communication provision.
· Experience of preparing pupils for GCSE English qualifications.
· Knowledge of Steiner-inspired education or therapeutic educational approaches.
Working at Ruskin Mill Trust is incredibly rewarding; we offer competitive salaries and holiday allowances, an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option, a health cash plan and employee assistance programme via Medicash.
In addition, staff receive valuable training opportunities including an in-depth interactive induction to enable our new team members to experience our Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum and also opportunities for further training and academic research including our own MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.