Special Educational Needs Teacher (Preparation for Adulthood)
Job title and organisation: Special Educational Needs Teacher (Preparation for Adulthood) - St John's Catholic Specialist School
Salary: MPS/UPS Scale + 1 SEN point (depending on experience)
Hours: 32.4 (Full time, Term time only)
Contract: Permanent
Location: St John's Catholic Specialist School - Boston Spa
Closing Date and Time: Friday 27th November 2026 at noon
Required 4th January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Are you an experienced SEND practitioner with a passion for preparing young people for adult life?
St John's Catholic Specialist School is a thriving non-maintained special school for young people with a range of needs including autism, sensory impairments, communication needs, and learning difficulties. Our mission is to equip every student with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to flourish in adulthood and play an active role in their community.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic SEN Teacher to initially lead a small group of post-16 students, delivering a curriculum focused on Preparation for Adulthood, independence, employability, and community inclusion.
Whilst the role will initially be based within our post-16 provision, all teachers at St John's Catholic Specialist School are employed to work across the age range of the school according to the needs of our pupils and the strengths and expertise of staff. The successful candidate should therefore be willing and able to teach learners across different age ranges and key stages as their role develops over time.
This role includes:
- Planning, teaching, and assessing an engaging curriculum.
- Delivering ASDAN Life Skills and other appropriate qualifications and accreditation programmes.
- Delivering high-quality teaching and learning across different age groups and key stages as required by the school.
- Supporting students to develop independence, communication, and self-advocacy skills.
- Preparing young people for further education, employment, supported internships, and adult life.
- Organising and leading community-based learning and work-related experiences.
- Working closely with therapists, support staff, families, and external agencies.
- Contributing to annual reviews and ensuring educational outcomes remain ambitious and personalised.
- Promoting students' wellbeing, confidence, and active participation in the wider community.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status.
- Has successful experience of teaching pupils with SEND across a range of ages and abilities.
- Is flexible and adaptable, with the confidence to work with different cohorts as the needs of the school evolve.
- Understands autism and associated communication, sensory and learning needs.
- Has experience of Preparation for Adulthood, life skills teaching or Post-16 SEND provision.
- Has experience of delivering ASDAN or similar accreditation programmes.
- Can develop highly personalised learning pathways. • Has high aspirations for young people with SEND.
- Is committed to helping students achieve meaningful and fulfilling adult lives.
In return, we can offer:
- A supportive and experienced staff team.
- Small teaching groups and excellent staff-to-student ratios.
- Extensive CPD opportunities.
- A strong commitment to staff well-being.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEND.
- A welcoming and supportive Catholic school community.
Candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school to experience first-hand the unique opportunities that St John’s provides.
To download an application pack go to Home - St Johns
For further details and an application pack contact Mrs Karen Holt - karen.holt@stjohns.org.uk (01937 842144)
Closing Date: Noon 27th November 2026
Interviews: 4th December 2026
St John’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service and references regarding your suitability to work with children. We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds.
The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
#EXT #LI-DNI