English Teacher (SEMH & SEND)

Location: Colchester

Salary: Up to £45,350 per annum (Depending on Experience)

Department: Education Services

Closing Date: 24th July 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 27th July 2026

Are you a Life Changer?

Do you want to lean in and truly transform the life of a child?

At Compass Community Schools, we believe we are all primarily teachers of children before teachers of subjects. Central to this role is knowing the child, building professional, nurturing relationships, and keeping aspirations high.

Our pupils come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. Because our work is both varied and challenging, we operate as a trauma- and attachment-informed organisation, providing all staff with extensive therapeutic training and support.

The Role: What You’ll Do

We require an English specialist with the ability to plan and deliver an inspiring curriculum that spans Entry Level, Functional Skills, Key Stage 3, and GCSE. You will inspire our children, creating a sense of awe and wonder while making language and literature real, relevant, and engaging.

Your daily impact will involve:

Inspiring Literacy: Planning exciting learning opportunities that challenge students, whether they are working on the core basics or showcasing a special talent for the subject.
Therapeutic Classroom Practice: Confidently managing complex and challenging behaviours with patience, consistency, flexibility, and a deeply non-judgmental approach.
Curriculum Innovation: Actively driving school decisions, advocating for every child, and shaping both the academic curriculum and our extra-curricular offer by bringing your own passions to the table.
Triangulated Support: Collaborating within a dedicated team of education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, and local authorities to secure outstanding student outcomes.

Person Specification

Qualifications: Must hold UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Experience: Experienced SEN Teachers only, with at least 2 years of proven practice.
Skills: Excellent English subject knowledge (including SEND frameworks) and a proven track record of delivering high-quality lessons.
Traits: A passionate, positive team player with confident and strong classroom management skills.

Benefits & Rewards

We value our teachers as key decision-makers and advocates. In return for your expertise and dedication, we offer a comprehensive rewards package:

Tools for the Job: Staff laptop and mobile phone provided.
Classroom Support: Small class sizes paired with specialist Teaching Assistant support.
Professional Growth: Extensive therapeutic training, professional qualification opportunities, and regular supportive supervision.
Career Progression: The chance to grow within an expanding national organisation that recognizes skill, effort, and potential to build its own leadership teams.
Health & Wellbeing: Enhanced occupational sickness scheme, access to dedicated wellbeing services, and a flexible pension plan.
Lifestyle Perks: Employee benefit service featuring salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, and discounts on eating out and takeaways.

Safeguarding & Inclusivity

Please Note: Compass Community Schools are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff must hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check (or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that thrives on diversity, culture, and unique perspectives.