SEND TEACHER – ADVERT APRIL 2026
We are seeking to appoint a SEND Teacher to join our Autism Resource, delivering highquality, autism-informed teaching to pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This is an exciting opportunity to work within a specialist setting, supporting pupils to make meaningful progress academically, socially and emotionally, while developing independence and preparing for adulthood.
Ackworth School, a co-educational boarding and day school, was founded in 1779 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It maintains its ethos and traditions and is still governed by the Society. The school is academically non-selective and provides an excellent range of facilities and co-curricular opportunities, recently achieving fantastic feedback in the ISI inspection (January 2026). The Head is a member of both HMC and the Society of Heads.
As a non-selective school, we offer a broad education that supports all abilities. Our small class sizes mean that our teachers can dedicate more time to deliver a rich curriculum, allowing all pupils to make progress. Our pupils are one of Ackworth's USP's. Visitors to the school never fail to acknowledge how amazing they are and how positive the encounter is. This is something that makes a career at Ackworth such a rewarding one.
The Autism Resource provides small-group enhanced provision for pupils in Key Stage 3 and above with Autism Spectrum Condition. Pupils follow personalised, semi-formal learning pathways alongside targeted interventions that support communication, emotional regulation, resilience and preparation for adulthood. The provision offers a calm, structured and nurturing environment where pupils can build confidence and thrive.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, the SEND Teacher will plan and deliver highly personalised learning, adapting the curriculum to meet individual needs through smallgroup and one-to-one teaching. You will create a predictable, low-arousal learning environment and use a range of autism-informed strategies to support engagement, communication and independence.
You will work closely with Specialist Learning Mentors, therapists and external professionals, embedding approaches such as total communication, visual supports and structured teaching within your practice. The role also includes contributing to EHCP outcomes, Annual Reviews and progress monitoring, ensuring that learning is purposeful, meaningful and evidence-informed.
The successful candidate will hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have experience of teaching pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition and additional needs. You will have a strong understanding of inclusive and trauma-informed practice, alongside the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced challenges in education. Experience of working within specialist or SEND settings, and knowledge of communication strategies such as AAC, would be advantageous.
As a relatively small school, around 430 pupils in total, we enable pupils and staff to immediately become part of our community and we hope that, if this role is something that resonates with your skills and values, you will become a key part of the Ackworth School community.
The salary for this role will be in line with the Teachers’ Pay Scale and will be dependent on experience and qualifications.
In return we offer:
• a generous fee remission of 50% for the children of our staff.
• all food and refreshments during the working day.
• free on-site parking.
• flexible pension and wellbeing benefits.
• a supportive and friendly environment based on the Quaker ethos of the school.
• a beautiful working location in an ideal location within easy travelling distance of the main centres of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and York.
Completed school application forms should be submitted with a cover letter of no more than one page and should be sent by email to: jobs@ackworthschool.com
Closing Date: Friday 15 May at 9:00 a.m.
Interviews will be held w/c 18 May. We reserve the right to see candidates prior to the closing date so early application is recommended.
Applicants should read carefully the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy. Our recruitment privacy notice is also available on our website within “Working For Us”.
Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants should also be in sympathy with the School’s Quaker ethos.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Ellie Spendlove on 01977 233600 or ellie.spendlove@ackworthschool.com