English Lead Teacher

What skills and experience we're looking for

Oak Lodge School is seeking an inspiring Lead Teacher for English to develop and deliver an outstanding, highly adapted English and communication curriculum for students aged 11–19 with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. The role combines high‑quality classroom practice with one dedicated leadership day each week to drive curriculum development, coach colleagues, and strengthen whole‑school literacy. Working closely with senior leaders, therapists and a dedicated HLTA, the post‑holder will champion functional English, accreditation pathways, reading for pleasure and communication‑rich learning, while modelling exceptional SEND pedagogy and supporting staff through collaborative, coaching‑focused practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious teacher ready to step into middle leadership and make a profound impact within a therapeutic, person‑centred school community.

We are seeking a strong classroom practitioner with:

• Excellent English/literacy subject knowledge.
• Experience teaching young people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.
• A proven ability to adapt curriculum, teaching approaches and resources for diverse communication, sensory and regulatory needs.
• Understanding of person‑centred approaches, EHCP targets, and SEND best practice.

A developing leader who can:

• Drive a high‑quality English curriculum across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• Coach and support colleagues through modelling, feedback and collaborative practice.
• Work closely with speech and language therapists to embed communication development within English learning.
• Support colleagues to deliver functional English, AAC‑inclusive teaching, and literacy‑rich environments.

Someone who brings:

• Empathy, resilience, positivity, and a belief that all students can achieve meaningful progress.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• A collaborative, coaching‑focused approach to developing practice across the school.
• A genuine passion for making English engaging, accessible and relevant for SEND learners.

What the school offers its staff

• One day per week dedicated to leadership and curriculum development.

• A highly supportive leadership team, including Assistant Headteachers and a Deputy Headteacher with oversight of assessment.

• A therapeutic, person‑centred environment with small class sizes and high staff‑to‑student ratios.

• Excellent SEND‑specific CPD opportunities across Barnet Special Education Trust.

• The chance to make a real difference to students’ communication, independence and future opportunities.

Commitment to safeguarding

Barnet Special Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offer of a position is subject to receiving satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS Clearance. An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview.