Overview
Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form is part of Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, which includes 8 Academies. The academies serve over 1000 students aged 5 to 18 with a broad range of learning difficulties. Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form provides for approximately 360 young people and focuses on students aged 11 to 18 with a full range of learning difficulties and other physical and social needs.
We have two maternity cover posts available. Post 1 and Post 2 details are below. The roles start December 2025.
Post 1: The post is to teach students aged 11-16 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly severe learning difficulties and Down syndrome. The post will deliver our semi-formal curriculum with students working at the equivalent level of the EYFS curriculum. This post ends December 2026.
Post 2: The post is to teach students aged 11-16 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly learning disabilities and autism. The post will deliver our Informal curriculum model with a focus on supporting sensory and communication needs. The students are working at the equivalent level of the beginning of the EYFS curriculum. This post ends July 2026.
About the job
No two days are the same. We are looking for Teachers who can work at pace to turn “can’t do” into “want to” and are motivated by working with young people with complex needs. You will be confident in your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential. The ideal candidates will enjoy working with children in a calm and engaging manner, while being resilient and using innovative teaching styles.
We want to hear from people with drive and a willingness to go the “extra mile” to improve the lives of the young people in our care. While previous experience in a SEN environment is desirable, excellent teaching skills and the right motivation, personal qualities and resilience are equally important.
What will I be doing?
* Establishing and maintaining good working relationships to promote the development and effective delivery of the school curriculum to maximise our young people’s achievement.
* Teaching students according to their educational needs and acknowledging that every lesson counts.
* Creating a well-ordered and secure environment that ensures the educational well‑being of individual children within the group.
* Supporting students positively through an attachment‑friendly ethos that fosters warmth and sets high boundaries, following agreed strategies alongside school in‑house professionals and therapeutic colleagues.
* Ensuring careful and ongoing assessment of the students’ learning to inform further planning and next steps.
* Matching tasks and activities to the ability of the student to enable progress at the right pace and level.
* Working with school leaders to complete and teach individual pupil plans for students with specific needs.
* Liaising effectively with parents and a wide range of professionals.
* Leading a class team of teaching assistants.
* Working with key professionals to deliver a well‑rounded curriculum that supports learning, self‑regulation, social skills development and mental health.
What do I need?
* Must have appropriate teaching Qualification (QTS or QTLS).
* Knowledge of the EYFS curriculum, delivery of phonics and strategies associated with experiential learning.
* Some knowledge of severe learning difficulties.
* Be resilient, supportive and sensitive towards the needs of students with Special Educational Needs.
* Be an outstanding practitioner.
* Understanding of the curriculum to enable successful planning and delivery.
* Ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively.
* A strong commitment to the welfare and safeguarding of students.
Why work for us?
* A few reasons we think it’s a great place to work:
* Abbey Hill Academy is where amazing children do amazing things!
* Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference.
* Continuous professional development and training for a clear career path.
* No two days are ever the same.
* Open and positive working environment.
* Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other and have achieved Gold status with Investors in People for people management.
Visits to the school are actively encouraged and highly recommended. To arrange a visit please contact HSATHR@horizonstrust.org.uk. Applications and further information are available on the Horizons Trust website: horizonstrust.org.uk/jobs. Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon on Friday, 3 October 2025 to HSATHR@horizonstrust.org.uk or by post to HR Department, c/o Abbey Hill Academy, Ketton Road, Stockton on Tees TS19 8BU. For questions, please email HSATHR@horizonstrust.org.uk or call 01642 677113 and ask to speak to a member of the HR team. Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As part of our recruitment process, online searches will be conducted. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and appropriate references.
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