35 days remaining to apply

  • Job start date

    1 September 2026

  • Closing date

    27 April 2026 at 12pm (midday)

  • Date listed

    23 March 2026

Job details

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Key stage

Key stage 3, Key stage 4

Working pattern

Full time: Full time Teacher

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

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 teacher to lead a static class of pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). The successful candidate will:

  • Teach across a range of subjects
  • Meet the diverse and complex needs of pupils with SLD
  • Work effectively with a skilled team of support staff
  • Build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues
  • Contribute to the wider life of the school

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 27th April 2026 at 12pm (noon).

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 CV’s. 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 and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.


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

    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 s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk.

    School location

    Similar jobs nearby

    Teacher of Geography

    North Durham Academy

    High Street, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0TW

    Teacher of English

    Park View School

    Church Chare, Chester le Street, County Durham, DH3 3QA

    Teacher of Technology

    Hetton Academy

    North Road, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH5 9JZ

    Teacher of Mathematics

    Macmillan Academy

    Stockton Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4AG

    Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed