About Us
Oak Grove College – A wonderful place to work
Oak Grove College is a community generic special school providing special education for 281 students with learning difficulties/disabilities from Year 7 to Year 14. We are part of the Thrive Federation of Schools which also includes Palatine Primary School, Herons Dale School and Cornfield School.
We are immensely proud of our college and our community. We are committed to providing the very best for young people while they are with us, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and aspiration to succeed throughout their lives. We have a staff team of about 180 people, and we believe in looking after everyone well. We know that our staff team make the college what it is today and are the key to a successful future.
Staff are well supported by the leadership team and are offered opportunities to progress. We know that each and every one of our staff have a pivotal role to play and we believe in supporting everyone to achieve their potential. We have been awarded the Gold School Mental Health award, and our staff wellbeing and mental health is paramount to the success of Oak Grove College. Oak Grove College is a rewarding place to work, and staff report high levels of job satisfaction.
We know that our staff work hard to do their very best each day for our students and we believe in looking after them well in return. We pay for an extensive health and welfare support service for all our staff which includes physiotherapy, counselling, mindfulness support, menopause support, chronic illness support, weight management and much, much more.
Oak Grove College has convenient road and rail links with good public transport available. It is a 15-minute walk from Durrington-on-Sea train station, there is a bus stop just by the entrance, a large car park for those travelling by car and good pedestrian access for those on foot. West Sussex County Council staff can also obtain 15% staff discount on Southern Rail daily, weekly, monthly and annual tickets and are entitled to a range of other travel discounts and incentives too.
As part of our growth and commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for all our students, we are excited to announce plans to open a new satellite site less than 2 miles from our existing campus. Candidates joining our team should be ready to embrace the unique opportunities the new location will offer and be prepared to work at both sites. This is a fantastic chance to be part of an innovative chapter in our school’s development allowing us to continue to make a positive impact on student’s lives across our community.
New employees joining Oak Grove College are guaranteed a warm welcome from the community. Our motto is that ‘Everyone matters, every day counts’ and we strongly believe that this should include our entire college community. We look forward to getting to know you better and helping you to play your part in providing the very best to our young people.
Job Details
Salary: TMS/UPS plus SEN Allowance
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time and Part Time considered
Location: Worthing
Interviews: 12/5/2025
We are looking for a teacher who is:
1. Looking to work in a college with a positive and inclusive ethos
2. Plan and deliver lessons focused on curriculum areas
3. Lead a holistic approach to learning for young people in your class
4. Prepared to take a full role in curriculum development and extra-curricular activities
5. Aspirational for students and yourself
6. Dynamic, creative and emotionally intelligent
7. Experience of using a range of communication methods
We welcome applications from teachers with excellent special or mainstream experience in the primary and/or secondary sector and this post would be suitable for an appropriate ECT.
A programme of support and training will be offered to develop your understanding and skills in special educational needs within a supportive environment.
Applicants who are invited to interview will also be observed working with a class of students to demonstrate how they interact with students and structure learning.
What You Need to Succeed
To be successful in this role you will need to:
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Qualified Teacher status and evidence of appropriate subsequent substantial Inset and /or Continuing Professional Development.
Successful experience of delivering a differentiated curriculum to pupils with a wide range of needs.
Successful experience of managing an effective classroom environment to support student learning and positive behaviour.
Personal Qualities
The ability to inspire, motivate and support students, staff, parents/carers and colleagues.
Evidence of the ability to consult and seek advice and professional support as necessary.
Evidence of the ability to listen and communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
The ability to remain calm and reflective when working in a challenging environment.
A well-developed sense of humour, and emotional intelligence.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Evidence of successful teaching experience to provide exemplar practice to staff and raise the quality of standards in teaching and learning.
Evidence of the ability to lead other professionals in curriculum activities.
Evidence of the ability to work co-operatively with multi-disciplinary professionals, governors and other agencies.
Evidence of the ability to promote a positive ethos and pride in the College together with high standards of education, care and behaviour.
Proven ability to use ICT in the organisation and management of their role.
Evidence of a sound knowledge of the current Key Stage 3-5 curriculum issues and a willingness to engage in curriculum development.
Evidence of contributing to college self-review.
Evidence of developing effective communication strategies with all students especially those with SLD and PMLD.
Evidence/awareness of varied behaviour strategies and approaches to support complex needs.
Evidence of keeping up to date with developments in education and research.
A detailed knowledge of health, safety and safeguarding issues.