PE Teacher Basic

About the school

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 and we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. 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 personal, social, academic and well-being areas. Our commitment to supporting the whole child is underpinned by strong pastoral systems and committed, trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity. Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.

The role

We wish to appoint a dynamic, ambitious, and well-qualified teacher of PE who has a proven record in raising achievement. This is an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and professional team and to teach pupils from year 7 to year 11. You will have a passion for your subject, a track record of outstanding teaching and the ability to teach pupils with SEND. You will fully participate in developing PE and games across the school and in initiatives to secure outstanding teaching and learning in all aspects of school life. You will have a strong commitment to the wider pastoral role and wish to make a significant positive impact on our young people’s lives, securing the very best outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Driving up the quality of PE provision at Downland School
• Inspiring the quality of teaching and learning within PE and games
• Delivering consistently good or outstanding lessons
• Focusing strongly on raising levels of progress and attainment
• Focusing on developing the needs of the whole child
• Teaching mixed ability class groups of pupils with complex SEND
• Participating fully in all aspects of pastoral care and wider school life
• Using adaptive practice and trauma-informed techniques

Requirements

• Enthusiasm and commitment to working with and raising achievement for pupils with SEND
• Ability to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’
• Proven record in raising achievement and outstanding teaching
• Strong commitment to the wider pastoral role
• Ability to meet the Teachers Standards in full

How to apply

Candidates can apply via TheTeacherJob or request the school contact after signing in. Applications must be received by 9:00am on Monday 5th October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email. Start date: tbc.

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. This appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.