Acorn Care and Education • Guildford

SEN Teacher

About this role

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title

SEN Teacher

Location

Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4DU

Hours

40 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8am - 4pm

Salary

Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start

September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Options Autism is proud to be opening Castle Gate School in Guildford, a specialist provision for pupils with autism, learning difficulties, and complex needs. We are seeking a committed and skilled SEN Teacher to join the school from its inception and contribute to shaping this exciting new provision.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a start-up school, working in an environment where high-quality teaching, consistency, and compassionate practice are central to everything we do.

As an SEN Teacher, you will design and deliver personalised, engaging learning experiences tailored to the individual needs of pupils. Working collaboratively with teaching assistants, therapists, families, and external professionals, you will contribute to a holistic approach that supports pupils’ academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and personal development.

You will also play a key role in establishing the school’s culture, routines, and expectations, helping to create a nurturing, inclusive environment built on safety, respect, and consistency.

What you will be doing

Plan, deliver, and assess differentiated lessons that meet individual learning needs

Create a structured and inclusive classroom environment that promotes engagement and positive behaviour

Monitor and record pupil progress, supporting both academic and personal development

Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and external professionals

Contribute to the development of a positive school culture and consistent routines

Uphold high standards of safeguarding, wellbeing, and professional practice

What you will bring

QTS or equivalent required

Educated to degree level

Experience working with pupils with autism and/or complex needs

Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach

Commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding

At Castle Gate School, you will be part of a supportive and dedicated team where professional expertise, innovation, and reflective practice are valued. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in pupils’ lives while helping shape a new specialist school from the ground up.

About Us

Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including

Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits

Hundreds of UK and international discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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