14 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    10 July 2026 at 12pm (midday)

  • Date listed

    26 June 2026

Job details

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Key stage

Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5

Working pattern

Part time: 3 days a week - days to be confirmed

Contract type

Fixed term - 1 year

Pay scale

Salary MPS/UPS

Additional allowances

SEN 1
SEN 2 may be awarded dependent upon qualifications

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Oaks Secondary School is a large, vibrant special school for pupils aged 11–19 with a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been judged Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four inspections and is proud of its strong, supportive, and nurturing ethos.

The Governors wish to appoint a committed and enthusiastic General SEN Teacher (0.6 FTE) to join our team. This role is ideal for a teacher with a passion for inclusive education and supporting learners with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The successful candidate will teach across a range of subjects and key stages (KS3–KS5), depending on experience and school need, supporting pupils working below age-related expectations. You will play a key role in delivering a broad, balanced and highly personalised curriculum, ensuring that EHCP outcomes are effectively implemented.

You will also contribute to pupils’ communication, independence and personal development, and work closely with a skilled team of support staff and multi-professional colleagues.

The successful candidate will:

  • Teach a range of subjects across the curriculum appropriate to pupils’ needs
  • Meet the diverse needs of pupils with SEND
  • Contribute to Communication, Language and Literacy development across the school
  • Implement EHCP outcomes effectively
  • Monitor pupil progress and contribute to assessment and reporting
  • Work effectively with support staff and multi-professional teams
  • Build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
  • Contribute to the wider life of the school

Essential qualities include strong communication and interpersonal skills, alongside flexibility, enthusiasm and resilience in a dynamic school environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive practice and have the ability to engage and support pupils with a wide range of complex and diverse SEND needs. They will work effectively as part of a team, building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues, and showing a proactive, adaptable approach to meeting individual learning needs and promoting positive outcomes for all learners.

We welcome applications from both experienced teachers and Early Career Teachers with a passion for working with young people with SEND.

How to Apply

Application forms and an information pack are available from and returnable to:

Louise Keenan, Finance Officer The Oaks Secondary School, Rock Road, Spennymoor, DL16 7DB Email: l.keenan321@theoaks.durham.sch.uk

Completed applications should be returned by 10 July 2026 at 12pm

Potential candidates are encouraged to visit the school prior to interview.

In line with the County Council’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note we are unable to accept CVs. Any information provided on CV’s will not be considered for shortlisting purposes.

The Oaks Secondary School is maintained by Durham County Council which is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are welcome from applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.

The Oaks Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.  In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.


What the school offers its staff

  • A supportive and collaborative working environment within a dedicated staff team
  • Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training
  • Experience working in a specialist setting supporting students with additional needs
  • A strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance
  • Access to experienced leadership and mentoring support
  • The chance to make a real difference to the lives and outcomes of young people
  • Well-resourced classrooms and tailored teaching support
  • Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour support and inclusive education
  • A welcoming school community with a positive ethos and values
  • Close links with families, external agencies, and the local community
  • 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.

    Commitment to safeguarding

    Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.  In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

    Applying for the job

    This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

    CVs will not be accepted for this application.

    Additional documents

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

    About The Oaks Secondary School

    School type
    Special school, ages 11 to 19
    School size
    349 pupils enrolled
    Age range
    11 to 19
    Ofsted report
    View Ofsted report
    Phone number
    01388 827380

    The Oaks Secondary School is a large, vibrant special school for pupils aged 11–19 with a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been judged Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four inspections and is proud of its strong, supportive, and nurturing ethos.

    Durham County Council is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post you are applying for is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online. 

    As part of our due diligence and to comply with our obligations in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search of publicly available information will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to provide an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

    Arranging a visit to The Oaks Secondary School

    To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email l.keenan321@theoaks.durham.sch.uk.

    School location

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