SEN Teacher

Imagine joining a school where you're not simply stepping into an established classroom. You're helping to create the culture, expectations and learning experiences from the very beginning., Castle Garden School is a brand new Options Autism school in Guildford, providing a nurturing and purpose built environment for pupils with Autism, learning difficulties and complex needs. We're looking for an inspirational SEN Teacher to join our founding team and help shape a school where every pupil has the opportunity to feel understood, experience success and thrive. You'll have the freedom to be creative and personalise learning around individual strengths and needs. Working alongside Teaching Assistants, therapists and other specialist professionals, you'll create engaging learning experiences that build confidence, independence and a positive relationship with education. What you will be doing

• Plan and deliver creative and personalised learning that responds to individual strengths, needs and abilities
• Create a calm, structured and nurturing classroom where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn
• Adapt your teaching to ensure pupils with Autism, learning difficulties and complex needs can engage and make meaningful progress
• Monitor, assess and celebrate progress, recognising that achievement looks different for every pupil
• Work closely with Teaching Assistants, therapists and other professionals to provide joined up support around each pupil
• Develop positive relationships with families and contribute to personalised learning pathways and Individual Education Plans
• Promote pupils' confidence, communication, independence, emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour
• Play an active role in establishing the culture, routines and expectations of a brand new specialist school
• Contribute your ideas and experience as the school develops and grows
• Champion safeguarding and maintain the highest standards of pupil welfare
What you will bring We're looking for a teacher who believes that the best learning happens when you understand the individual child in front of you.


• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification
• A degree or equivalent qualification
• A creative and adaptable approach to teaching, with the confidence to personalise learning around individual needs
• A genuine passion for inclusive education and helping children achieve their potential
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• The ability to work effectively alongside Teaching Assistants, therapists, families and other professionals
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Experience teaching pupils with Autism, SEND or complex needs would be advantageous but is not essential. If you're an experienced specialist teacher, we'd love to hear from you. Equally, if you're a mainstream teacher ready to bring your skills into specialist education, this could be an exciting opportunity to take your career in a new direction.

Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11-18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs. Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school's 'family', exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care. For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those 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.

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