Teacher

We are looking for a passionate, resilient and empathetic Teacher with QTS to join our team at Orchard Education, a specialist independent school supporting young people with additional needs. This is more than a teaching job. It is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people who need someone to believe in them, champion their potential and help them discover what they can achieve. What makes a great Orchard teacher? We are looking for someone who:

• Builds exceptional relationships: Understands that positive, trusting relationships are at the heart of successful learning. Builds strong relationships with learners, families, colleagues and external professionals, recognising the importance of effective communication, collaboration and shared responsibility.
• Shows empathy: Takes time to understand the individual needs, experiences and challenges of every learner and family, responding with compassion, patience and understanding.
• Demonstrates resilience: Remains calm, positive and solution-focused when faced with challenges, recognising that progress isn't always straightforward.
• Is ambitious for every learner: Has high expectations, believes in the potential of every young person and celebrates every achievement, however big or small.
• Works collaboratively: Values teamwork, shares expertise and works in partnership with families and professionals to secure the best possible outcomes for learners.
• Is reflective: Is open to feedback, willing to learn and continually looks for ways to develop their teaching practice.
What makes Orchard different? We want our teachers to have the time, support and opportunity to really get to know the learners they teach and make a lasting difference. At Orchard Education, we offer:
• Small class sizes: Creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships, understand individual needs and give learners the attention they deserve.
• High staff-to-learner ratios: Ensuring learners receive consistent, personalised support and teachers have the right team around them to deliver effective learning.
• A centrally planned curriculum: Providing a clear, ambitious and structured curriculum, with shared resources and planning to support high-quality teaching and learning.
• Professional autonomy: Giving teachers the flexibility and professional freedom to adapt teaching, personalise approaches and respond to the individual needs, interests and starting points of their learners.
• Time to make a difference: Creating the space to build relationships, reflect on progress and identify the approaches that help every learner thrive.
We believe that consistency and structure provide the foundations for success, but it is the relationships, creativity and professional expertise of our teachers that bring learning to life. Your role As a Teacher at Orchard, you will:
• Plan, deliver and assess high-quality teaching and learning that enables every learner to make progress.
• Adapt teaching approaches and learning activities to meet a wide range of additional needs.
• Create a safe, positive and inclusive classroom environment built on strong relationships and mutual respect.
• Establish ambitious expectations for learning, behaviour and personal development.
• Use assessment and reflection to identify progress, address barriers and inform future teaching.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and external professionals to support individual learner outcomes.
• Contribute to the wider life, development and success of Orchard Education.
  
  At Orchard Education, our HEART values underpin everything we do:
• H - Heroes: Be courageous, make a difference and champion our learners.
• E - Empathy: Understand others, show compassion and build meaningful relationships.
• A - Ambitious: Believe in what is possible and never place limits on potential.
• R - Reflective: Learn, grow and continually look for ways to improve.
• T - Together: Work as one tea
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every learner and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. References, safeguarding declarations, online checks will all be carried out prior to interview. This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and the amendments to the Exceptions order 1975, 2013 and 2020.