Further Information ABBEY HILL ACADEMY
Ketton Road
Stockton-on-Tees
TS19 8BU
Required for December 2025
2 x SEN Teachers (maternity cover) MPS/UPS £32,916 - £51,048 + SEN 1 £2787
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust consists of 8 Academies, Abbey Hill (including Abbey Hill Sixth Form), Westlands, Green Gates, Hollis, Archway, Woodlands, The Meadows and Mo Mowlam. The academies serve a population in excess of 1000 students aged 5 to 18 with a broad range of learning difficulties.
Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form provides for approximately 360 young people and we are at the forefront of current developments in the education of young people with special needs. We specialise in meeting the needs of students aged 11 to 18 who have a full range of learning difficulties as well as other physical and social needs.
We have two posts available to cover maternity leave:
Post 1: The post is to teach students aged 11-16 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly those with severe learning difficulties and Downs Syndrome. The post will be to deliver our semi-formal curriculum with students working at the equivalent level of the EYFS curriculum. This post will end December 2026
Post 2: The post is to teach students aged 11-16 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly those with learning disabilities and autism. The post will be to deliver our Informal curriculum model with a focus on supporting the students’ sensory and communication needs. The students are working at the equivalent level of the beginning of the EYFS curriculum. This post will end July 2026
About the job:
No two days are the same, so we are looking for Teachers who can work at pace to turn ‘can’t do’ into ‘want to’ and are motivated by working with young people with complex needs. You will be confident in your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential. The ideal candidates will enjoy working with children in a calm and engaging demeanour, whilst being resilient and using innovative styles of teaching.
We want to hear from people with drive and a willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ to improve the lives of the young people in our care. Whilst previous experience of working in a SEN environment would be desirable, excellent teaching skills and the right motivation, personal qualities and levels of resilience are just as important.
What will I be doing? Establishing and maintaining good working relationships in order to promote the development and effective delivery of the school curriculum to maximise our young people’s achievement. Teaching students according to their educational needs and acknowledging that every lesson counts. Creating a well-ordered and secure environment that will ensure the educational well-being of individual children within the group. Support students in a positive manner, through an attachment friendly ethos that fosters warmth as well as sets high boundaries so that all can achieve their potential; following agreed and consistent strategies alongside school in-house professionals and therapeutic colleagues. Ensuring careful and ongoing assessment of the students learning to inform further planning and next steps. Ensuring that tasks and activities are matched to the ability of the student - allowing them to make progress at the right pace and level. Working with school leaders to complete and teach individual pupil plans where students have specific needs. Liaising effectively with parents and a wide range of professionals. Leading a class team of enthusiastic and hardworking teaching assistants. Working with key professionals to deliver a well-rounded curriculum, which supports the students’ ability to learn, self-regulate, develop students’ social skills and supports their mental health.
What do I need? Must have appropriate teaching Qualification (QTS or QTLS) Knowledge of the EYFS curriculum, delivery of phonics and strategies associated with experiential learning Have some knowledge of severe learning difficulties Be resilient, supportive and sensitive towards the needs of students with Special Educational Needs. Be an outstanding practitioner Understanding of the curriculum in order for successful planning and delivery The ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively A strong commitment to the welfare and safeguarding of students
Why work for us? A few reasons we think it’s a great place to work: Abbey Hill Academy is where amazing children do amazing things! Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference Continuous professional development & training for a clear career path No two days are ever the same Open and positive working environment Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other and have achieved Gold status with Investors in People for people management
Visits to the school are actively encouraged and highly recommended. To arrange this please contact .
Application forms and further information is available on the Horizons Trust website:
Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon on Friday, 3rd October 2025 to or by post to HR Department, c/o Abbey Hill Academy, Ketton Road, Stockton on Tees TS19 8BU.
If you have any questions about the vacancy, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing or by calling 01642 677113 and ask to speak to a member of the HR team.
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As part of our recruitment process online searches will be conducted. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and appropriate references.
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