Job Description
MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance, with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.
This appointment is for September 2026, however an earlier start date may be possible.
Leigh Academy Snowfields has an exciting opportunity to appoint a Teacher for Post 16 to join our Pathfinder College and be part of our academy, starting from September 2026. This is a rare chance to join an academy that is still in the beginning of its journey and to play a pivotal role in its success and development, laying the path for future years. You will join our 6th form in its early years and have the opportunity to help shape and grow this exciting provision. Working with the Director for Post 16, you will be responsible for delivering an exceptional Post 16 offer for students who require a specialist setting.
Our teaching staff at Leigh Academy Snowfields will provide outstanding educational opportunities for all of our pupils in order to ensure every student reaches their full potential. We are looking for outstanding practitioners who are creative and imaginative teachers with the ability to plan highly effective learning opportunities that meet the needs of all students. Excellent classroom management skills and high expectations of all pupils are essential as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum and a new assessment framework. As a specialist ASD provision we will be looking for teachers who have a real passion for meeting the complex and holistic needs of young people with ASD.
We offer an exceptional learning environment designed and resourced to meet the needs of our learners who all have an EHCP with ASD as their primary need. Our bespoke Sixth Form Suite boasts an amazing collection of specialist teaching rooms in which our Teachers deliver a range of vocational subjects. You would work alongside the Director of Post 16 and a supportive and inspiring Pastoral and Learning Lead, both of whom have been part of the inception of the Sixth Form and share a vision for building a productive learning environment that equips young people to enter the workforce. Students choose from a range of level 2 qualifications, alongside opportunities to continue to study English and Maths and take part in Arts Awards, The Duke of Edinburgh programme and Work Experience.
We are looking for teachers who:
You will be a creative teacher, capable of delivering a range of subjects at a vocational level - specialist training and support can be given. You will have experience delivering a range of qualifications such as Entry Level 1,2 and 3, and Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills to ensure our students are able to access a variety of options. Due to the needs of our students this will not include an A level offer.
- Are graduates with QTS
- You will have worked within an SEN setting
- Have experience of delivering Entry Level to Level 2 qualifications
- Have experience of teaching students in KS4/sixth form
- Have experience of supporting/leading work experience
- Have experience of leading vocational opportunities eg DofE
- Have experience of a broad enrichment programmes to prepare students with key skills for life
- Have experience of Careers and the Gatsby Benchmarks
- Have experience of working in dynamic teams and collaborating with external agencies
- Have the highest expectations of students and themselves with a desire to professionally develop
- Are enthusiastic, flexible, imaginative and forward thinking
- Are willing to support a range of Learning Outside of the Classroom activities and would be able to drive a minibus or large car to enable students to reach these activities.
- Have the ability to nurture, inspire, motivate and engage students with ASD to achieve and succeed, in and beyond education
- Are able to form positive relationships with students, staff, parents and governor
- Possess excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
- Are able to prepare learners for adult life and to live well with their autism
In return, our successful candidates will receive:
- The opportunity to help shape our future by joining a LAT academy
- A school community committed to nurturing young people with ASD alongside raising achievement and attainment
- A stunning environment with modern building, excellent resources and facilities, purpose built for students with ASD
- A strong commitment to support professional development opportunities
- A supportive Governing Body and Leadership Team dedicated to exceptional outcomes within a happy environment which nurtures and supports all staff and students
This is a permanent opportunity offering MPS/UPS commensurate with experience + SEN Allowance. Please note we may be able to consider applicants looking for part-time work.
Working with us at Leigh Academy Snowfields
Leigh Academy Snowfields opened in September 2020 in Bearsted as a new secondary provision for students with ASD. In September 2022 we opened an additional Campus at Cranbrook. When full we will offer 240 places across year groups 7-13 for young people who are working at or close to age-related expectations. Class sizes are small with 12/13 in each class, supported by 2-3 teaching assistants according to need. We offer a range of GCSEs and other qualifications for young people on a blend of academic and vocational pathways. The Post 16 setting is designed to offer Functional Skills and vocational qualifications up to Level 2.
The academy benefits from being a new school with a design tailored to the students it provides for, carefully considered to make the most of both its inside and outside environments in order to enhance the learning of its students. The environment supports specialisms in Hair and Beauty, Childcare, Retail and eSports. We work closely with local businesses to offer an outstanding range of work experience opportunities and supported internships.
At Leigh Academy Snowfields we:
- Inspire and engage our children so they develop a lifelong love of learning
- Deliver a quality, inclusive education so all children are able to achieve to their full potential
- Create a learning environment where barriers to learning are overcome and students feel safe and happy and are ready to learn
- Ensure that all children feel valued and celebrate their individuality and success at every opportunity
- Always work within a multi-disciplinary framework alongside families and other professionals
- Use personalised approaches to manage behaviour and reduce anxieties
- Ensure safeguarding, pastoral support and embedding British Values are at the heart of all we do
- Create a culture where staff work collaboratively as part of the wider team, sharing ideas and good practice and offering support to each other.
Leigh Academy Snowfields Student & Staff Charter:
- Work Hard
- Be Kind
- Communicate
- Stay Safe
- Be Happy
Come and help shape the future of SEN education. To find out more about Leigh Academy Snowfields, please click here.
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor): amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 205.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about it on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.