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Class Teacher - Ks3 (Primary Curriculum Model) - Full-time

The Orchard School, Canterbury

  • Ref:KCC886-7062-278T
  • Posted:30/03/2026
  • Pay:MPS + SEN Allowance - STPCD applies
  • Start Date:September 2026
  • App Close Date:29/04/2026 at 23:45
  • Interviews:Thursday 7th May 2026

Advert

 

We are not just looking for a teacher. We are looking for someone who believes in children, especially when they struggle to believe in themselves. Someone who understands that behaviour is communication, that relationships come first, and that every moment is a chance to build trust, belonging and aspiration.

About the Role

We are seeking a KS3 Class Teacher to join our therapeutic, inclusive SEMH school. You will deliver a primary‑style curriculum within KS3, leading a class team to provide consistency, structure and strong relationships for pupils who need something different from education. Our pupils bring energy, humour, complexity and challenge. They need adults who are calm, consistent and committed.

At The Orchard School:

  • Relationships are held by adults who know pupils well, creating safety and predictability.
  • Classrooms are the centre of safety, learning and belonging.
  • One teacher leads each class team to provide clarity and connection throughout the day.
  • Our KS3 model rebuilds confidence, strengthens core skills and prepares pupils to be ready, respectful and safe for KS4 and beyond.

What Makes Us Different

Our work is guided by The Orchard Way:

  • Trust – We build safe, reliable relationships
  • Belonging – Every child has a place here
  • Aspiration – We help pupils believe in their future
  • Voice – Every pupil is heard
  • Pride – We celebrate effort and progress
  • Curiosity – We seek to understand, not judge

Everything is underpinned by our expectations: Ready – Respectful – Safe. These are not just rules; they are lived and modelled every day.

What You Will Do

  • Deliver a broad, engaging primary curriculum model within KS3, adapted for SEMH needs
  • Lead and coordinate a class team with consistency and clarity
  • Create a classroom where pupils feel safe and ready to learn
  • Use Therapeutic Thinking approaches to respond to behaviour
  • Build strong relationships with pupils and families
  • Work as part of a committed, caring team

Who We Are Looking For

You may be an experienced teacher, an ECT, or someone moving into SEMH. What matters most is that you:

  • Believe in relational practice
  • Lead with clarity and consistency
  • Stay calm under pressure
  • See potential, not just presentation
  • Are ready to grow, reflect and learn

Why Join The Orchard School

  • A clear, values‑driven approach to relationships and behaviour
  • A strong team culture built on trust and support
  • Opportunities for development, coaching and growth
  • The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference every day

This may not be the easiest job in education — but it may be the most important. If you want to be part of a school where everyone matters and everyone cares, we would love to hear from you. Visits are warmly welcomed; we would be pleased to show you our school in action and share more about The Orchard Way.

 

Information about the school

The Orchard School is a cross-phase special school for primary and secondary-aged pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, often alongside associated learning difficulties.

We are proud to be a Therapeutic Thinking and Inclusive school community, guided by The Orchard Way, where relationships come first, behaviour is understood as communication, and every pupil is supported to grow and thrive.

At The Orchard School, Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. Our Mission, Vision and Values are at the heart of everything we do-shaping our approach to learning, support and personal development. We are committed to nurturing pupils’ social, emotional and mental health through trust, belonging, aspiration, voice, pride and curiosity.

Our pupils come from across East Kent and beyond. They are supported by a dedicated team who work closely with families, professionals and each other to ensure every learner feels safe, valued and empowered to succeed.

We are on an exciting journey of continuous improvement. Join us as we grow together-through compassion, clarity and purpose.

Job Contact Information

Fax: 01227 781589

Apply for this Role Today

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Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you have read all the relevant information and documents provided by the school. If you are ready to apply for this vacancy please click the "Apply Now" button

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.