About This Role
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position
We are a small independent special needs secondary school for children aged 11–16 — with a very big heart.
Our community is creative, compassionate and deeply connected. Our pupils experience the world in beautifully unique ways, and our mission is to help them navigate a society that isn’t always built with them in mind — with empathy, respect and unwavering belief in their potential.
We know our children well and care about them deeply. With small class sizes, a nurturing environment and a personalised approach, we take time to listen, adapt and respond to each individual. Every child’s interests, strengths and needs shape their journey with us. We believe in hands‑on, holistic learning that is practical, therapeutic and creative.
Our students are fun, complex and endlessly inspiring. We want them to leave school feeling empowered, valued and confident — ready for adulthood, proud of who they are, and certain that they can make a difference in the world.
SEN Teacher – Purpose of the Role The teacher will: Fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document Meet the expectations set out in the Teachers’ Standards Although we are a secondary provision, our pupils are working at a wide range of levels — from EYFS and early primary, through to KS2 and KS3. You may be teaching at any of these levels depending on pupil need. We follow a thematic curriculum, which means you will teach all subjects within the theme — including science, geography, history, maths, reading, writing and more, very similar to a primary setting. This requires flexibility, creativity and a willingness to learn alongside your pupils. Our approach is deeply neurodiversity‑affirming and trauma‑informed. We see behaviour as communication, not defiance. We prioritise co‑regulation, emotional coaching and relational safety. You will be part of a team that works together, reflects together and supports one another every step of the way. Plan and teach well‑structured lessons across a variety of subjects, following the school’s thematic curriculum Teach pupils working from EYFS level through to KS3, adapting content to meet individual needs Assess, monitor, record and report on learning needs and progress Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths, needs and interests of pupils Set high expectations that inspire, motivate and challenge Promote good progress and positive outcomes Demonstrate strong subject knowledge across the thematic curriculum Prepare pupils for external tests where appropriate Contribute to the development and evaluation of school policies and practices Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school Work collaboratively with colleagues to secure coordinated, consistent provision There is scope within the role to develop subject leadership across the school. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Experience working in SEN and SEMH settings Substantial teaching experience Skill in emotional coaching, co‑regulation and restorative conversations Calmness, patience and attunement to non‑verbal communication and sensory needs A strong understanding of how trauma impacts learning and behaviour All staff at New Horizon Academy share a deep commitment to securing the best outcomes for our pupils and promoting the values and ethos of the school. We are looking for someone who: Is child‑centred, reflective and compassionate Can stay calm under pressure and maintain safe, nurturing boundaries Sees behaviour as communication and responds with curiosity, not punishment Can problem‑solve creatively and adapt in the moment Values teamwork, collaboration and shared responsibility Brings warmth, humour and humanity to their practice Informal enquiries can be made to:What Teaching Looks Like at New Horizon Academy
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate
Personal Qualities
We Welcome You In
Jennie Marinho, Head Teacher
jennie@newhorizon-academy.co.uk
0121 448 3737
We warmly welcome visitors — if you’d like to come and see our school in action before applying, we would be delighted to show you around.
At New Horizon Academy, we value the strength that comes from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all communities and walks of life.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position