Teacher of English
The Oaks Secondary School, Spennymoor, DL16 7DB35 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
4 May 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
30 March 2026
Job details
Job role
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Subject
- English
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time
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, enthusiastic English Teacher to join our team. This role is ideal for teachers passionate about English, creativity, and supporting learners with a wide range of SEND needs. The successful candidate will teach English across Key Stages 3–5, including pupils working below age‑related expectations and will contribute to Communication, Language and Literacy development throughout the curriculum, ensuring EHCP outcomes are implemented effectively.
The post also includes planning and delivering 6 weekly lessons of inclusive Art, monitoring pupil progress, contributing to assessment and reporting, and working as part of a multi‑professional team.
The successful candidate will:
- Teach English to a range of learners across the school
- Deliver 6 weekly lessons of Art
- Meet the diverse needs of pupils with SEND
- Contribute to Communication, Language and Literacy development school‑wide
- Implement EHCP outcomes effectively
- Work effectively with a skilled team of support staff and multi‑professional colleagues
- Build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues
- Contribute to the wider life of the school
Essential qualities include strong communication skills, flexibility, enthusiasm, resilience, and the ability to work effectively with pupils with diverse SEND needs. Experience or interest in Art, literacy interventions, communication approaches (such as Makaton or communication aids), or wider SEND practice is desirable.
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:
Sarah Labron, School Business Manager The Oaks Secondary School, Rock Road, Spennymoor, DL16 7DB Email: s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk
Completed applications should be returned by Monday 4th May 2026.
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
Supportive leadership and a positive, collaborative school culture
High‑quality professional development, including SEND‑specific training
Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS)
Family‑friendly policies and flexible working where appropriate
Wellbeing support, including DCC’s Employee Assistance Programme
A calm, inclusive environment where staff wellbeing is prioritised
Free on‑site parking and good facilities
Further information about the job
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
- School website
- The Oaks Secondary School website
- Email address
- s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk
- 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 s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk.
School location
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