English Lead Teacher

Full Job Description

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Job Title:  English Lead Teacher
Location:  Castle Garden School, Pewley Hill, Guildford, GU1 3SQ
Hours:       40 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8am - 4pm
Salary:      Up to £45,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         August 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

In this rewarding position, you’ll play a key role in leading and developing the English provision across the school. Helping pupils develop confidence, independence, and curiosity. 

Every day will be different, offering the chance to make a real, tangible difference in the lives of the young people you support. You will be joining a brand new school and will have a key role to play in developing a caring and supportive environment.

At Castle Garden School teaching is about connection, progress, and helping young people rediscover confidence in learning. The role is ideal for a teacher who wants less bureaucracy and more genuine teaching impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop English across the school, setting a clear vision and high expectations.
• Design, implement and review the English curriculum, policies and assessment frameworks.
• Plan and deliver high-quality teaching that inspires and engages pupils
• Teach individuals and small groups, adapting learning to meet diverse and complex needs
• Deliver the curriculum through creative, engaging and practical learning experiences
• Monitor, assess and report on pupil progress and achievement
• Contribute to the School Development Plan and continuous improvement
• Support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development
• Create a positive, inclusive learning environment that promotes confidence and independence
• Develop and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour plans and other key documents
• Take responsibility for subject areas and contribute to curriculum development
• Create meaningful learning moments that pupils remember long after the lesson ends

What We’re Looking For 

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Strong knowledge of the English curriculum and assessment requirements.
• Awareness of the SEND Code of Practice
• A teacher who combines professional skill with empathy, resilience and enthusiasm.
• Works collaboratively and contributes positively to school life
• Is passionate about delivering inclusive, high-quality education across a range of learning pathways
• Can build strong relationships and inspire pupils to succeed
• Is organised, reflective and committed to continuous improvement
• Has a strong belief that every pupil can succeed
• Demonstrates a proactive, resilient approach and strong commitment to safeguarding
• Holds a full UK driving licence 

About Us 

Castle Garden School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Guildford for pupils with autism aged 5–11. The school provides a personalised, autism-specific environment where teaching and learning are tailored to meet each pupil’s individual needs, enabling them to achieve their full potential academically and socially.

Castle Garden School offers primary education alongside specialist support for pupils and their families, catering to a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. As part of Outcomes First Group, a leading national provider of outcomes-led learning, life skills, and therapeutic care, the school combines education with targeted support to help pupils thrive in school and life.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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