English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead

Are you passionate about supporting young minds and making a real difference in the classroom? We are seeking a motivated an English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of our children and young people.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting the development and achievement of the school’s vision to secure success and improvement.
• Playing a major role in ensuring high quality education for all pupils and improvement in standards of learning and achievement in your Key Stage.
• Work in close partnership to ensure smooth transition between key stages.
• Helping to secure commitment of the wider community to the school in developing and maintaining effective networks within the Key Stage.
• Deliver high-quality, well-structured English lessons that inspire and challenge students, adapting teaching approaches to meet diverse learning needs.
• Model excellent practice in English teaching for staff, providing guidance and support.
• Collaborate with clinicians and parents to tailor teaching strategies that overcome barriers to learning.
• Ensure the curriculum integrates EHCP targets and supports progression towards students’ next steps and adulthood.
• Develop and embed strategies to enhance literacy skills, including systematic synthetic phonics, reading fluency, transcription skills, and communication.
• Regularly review and update the curriculum based on assessment data, research, and best practice.
• Take full responsibility for the leadership and management of an agreed subject.
• Help to ensure that pupils in the Key Stage develop life skills in order to learn more effectively and with increasing independence.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified teacher status (QTS) with specialist expertise in English.
• Proven experience designing and leading English curriculum development, ideally in a SEND or ASD setting.
• Strong understanding of dyslexia, communication needs, and strategies for inclusive teaching.
• Experience with assessment and qualification frameworks (GCSE, Functional Skills, Entry Level).

Why join us?

• Supportive and friendly school community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care.

When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including;

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous life cover

Who are we?

Fernways School is an independent specialist school which supports children and young people with an autism spectrum condition, the school has a lovely location in Windlesham, Surrey. Our focus is on maximising every child’s potential to develop into a confident, resilient, and skilled young person who will make a positive contribution to society and live as independent a life as possible.

Fernways School is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.

We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.