SEN Teacher

Leigh Academy Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 8GS

13 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027 (or earlier dependant on the successful candidates availability)

• Closing date

  5 October 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  22 September 2026

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Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher or lecturer
  • Suitable for early career teachers (564)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS/UPS based on experience

What skills and experience we're looking for

Leigh Academy Rainham are recruiting for a brand new SEN Teacher starting January 2027 or earlier. In 2025, we proudly launched the Meegan Centre - our brand-new Specialist Resourced Provision designed specifically for children with moderate learning difficulties and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) working up to three years below age-related expectations.

As the provision expands year on year, we are seeking an experienced, primary-trained specialist to lead the design and delivery of a targeted English and Maths curriculum. This role focuses on embedding the core foundational skills Key Stage 3 students need to succeed in their future GCSEs.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine small-group SEND teaching in a state-of-the-art facility with a broader, whole-school impact on foundational core skills across mainstream classes. As the provision expands, the role will naturally evolve in collaboration with the inclusion and foundational skills leadership teams.

What the school offers its staff

Why join us?

• Be part of a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven school
• Work in a modern, purpose-built learning environment
• Join a team that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth
• Receive high-quality training and development through Leigh Academies Trust

Plus, enjoy great staff benefits, including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service
• Wellbeing support and staff recognition initiatives
• Free onsite parking

While this role is advertised as full‑time, we are happy to consider part‑time hours for the right candidate.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Grace Upton (Recruitment Coordinator): grace.upton@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 273.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust, consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Including online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Job Pack _ Teacher (SEN) _ Leigh Academy Rainham (3).pdf - 887 KB (opens in new tab)

About Leigh Academy Rainham

• Organisation type: Free School, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 964 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Leigh Academy Rainham website
• Email address: joinus@latrust.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/leigh-academy-rainham

In September 2021, we opened our doors to the 180 founding students of our co educational comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds. Already oversubscribed, our new school is firmly set to be a beacon of excellence for secondary education in Medway. The wellbeing and success of each individual child is at the heart of everything and we are driven by the belief that it is our role to ensure all pupils develop an appreciation of the limitless possibilities ahead of them. Every learner is entitled to an enriching, varied and personalised education; delivered through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides challenge, irrespective of need, starting point or background. It is our ambition that in our highly inclusive setting, all our students will flourish, becoming inquiring, compassionate and culturally aware young adults. We will work together to embed the essential skills, knowledge and attributes needed to be highly successful in achieving their own personal goals, as caring members of our community and as leaders in tomorrow’s world.

Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in human-scale education, delivered through our college model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers.

Working in a brand new school is a unique opportunity. A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is required, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm. We will be looking to recruit a staff body that has a multitude of talents to enable us to provide a rich academic and co-curricular offer from the outset and look forward to hearing what additional skills, talents and interests you could bring to a role at the Academy. A sense of humour is also essential!

Arranging a visit to Leigh Academy Rainham

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.

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