Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 11 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.
We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, and academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.
Our mission statement is ‘ Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’ .
We are now looking to appoint a dynamic and ambitious Teacher of English/literacy. This is an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and professional team and to teach pupils from year 7 to year 11.
Can you raise aspirations and rise to the challenge?
As a teacher of English and Literacy at Downland School, you will:
· Actively participate in the development of the English curriculum in order to ensure it is intentionally designed, well implemented and has a positive impact on achievement for all pupils, despite their individual Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and starting points
· Ensure the curriculum is appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated; taking account of pupils’ previous educational experience of the subject
· Ensure that the curriculum is carefully mapped, well implemented and teaching is high quality and effective
· Deliver adaptive practice in your lessons enabling access for all learners
· Raise standards of pupils’ attainment and achievement in English and Literacy
· Support the delivery of our whole school Literacy strategy ensuring that all teachers are teachers of Literacy
· Actively promote innovation and creativity with a SEN (special education needs) focus within the English department and in the wider context of improving Literacy
· Ensure that the assessment in English is robust, appropriate and generates performance data that tracks progress and identifies gaps in knowledge and skills
· Ensure that Literacy assessment data is accurate and is used by all teachers/support staff and other professionals e.g. used to inform teaching and the work (interventions) of other professionals
· Participate in a range of evaluation methods aligned with the school’s self-evaluation processes to accurately assess the success and impact of the aforementioned
· Keep up to date and where appropriate use evidenced based research and current ‘best practice’ to inform development and improvement strategies
Enthusiasm and commitment to working with and raising achievement for pupils with SEND is paramount to us; you will be expected to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’.
To apply, you should submit a letter addressed to Mrs Keily-Theobald (Headteacher) of no more than two sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.
Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, Bursar, at admin@downland.wilts.sch.uk
We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.
Applications must be received by 9.00am on Thursday 12 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. Interview date week beginning 23 February 2026. Start date as soon as possible.
Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.