Graduate Teacher Apprentice (GTAP) - Fixed Term - Special Needs Position

Danecourt School, Gillingham

• Ref:KCC887-7031-208T
• Posted:07/05/2026
• Pay:Point 2 UQT
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:29/05/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

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Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship Programme (Primary)

Danecourt School is a primary special school for children with complex and additional needs. We are offering a unique opportunity to train as a teacher through our Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship Programme, specialising in SEND from the very start of your career.

With increasing numbers of children requiring specialist support, there has never been a more important — or more meaningful — time to join special education. This programme gives you the chance to become a highly skilled, reflective SEND practitioner in a school that is values-driven, child-centred and deeply relational.

Why start your career at Danecourt?

At Danecourt, you will benefit from:

• Expert SEND mentoring from experienced specialist teachers and leaders

• Daily opportunities to develop your understanding of the SEND 

• Close collaboration with therapists, families and professionals

• Trust-wide SEND CPD and specialist training pathways

• A strong focus on staff wellbeing with access to our Employee Assistant Programme

• The opportunity to progress into a permanent teaching role following qualification

About the Programme

This is a 15-month salaried apprenticeship that allows you to train as a teacher while working in school.

• You’ll achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after the first 12 months

• The final term focuses on your End Point Assessment

• All training costs are fully funded by the Trust

• You’ll spend around 80% of your time in school and 20% in structured training

You’ll develop skills in:

• Inclusive planning and assessment

• Communication-first teaching

• Behaviour as communication

• Trauma-informed and relational practice

• Working with families and multidisciplinary teams

You’ll be coached, supported and guided every step of the way.

Who is this for?

This route is ideal if you:

• Have a degree in any subject

• Hold GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above in English, Maths and Science

• Care deeply about children, inclusion and equity

• Are patient, reflective, curious and resilient

• Want a career that is meaningful and socially valuable

• Are open to learning, feedback and personal growth

You do not need prior SEND experience — just the right values, mindset and willingness to learn.

Ready to take the first step?

We warmly encourage visits to see Danecourt in action and meet the team.  Please contact the school office on 01634 232589 to arrange.

You’ll find more about the role, school, and Trust in the Candidate Information Pack attached.    Apply via My New Term — early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become.  All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.

Information about the school

Danecourt School is part of the Maritime Academy Trust, an innovative partnership of schools in Greenwich, Bexley, Kent, and Medway. Across the Trust, we believe in transforming education through collaboration, creativity, and an entrepreneurial curriculum that equips children with essential life skills.

At Danecourt, we are proud to be a specialist primary school for pupils with a wide range of needs — including complex learning difficulties and autism. Every child here is valued, supported, and challenged to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to help all pupils become “STARS” -

S - Self reliant T - Team Players A - Aspirational R - Resilient S - Successful

We achieve this through a personalised curriculum tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our highly trained and dedicated staff have the highest expectations for every pupil — celebrating difference, encouraging curiosity, and unlocking potential in every lesson.

Collaboration sits at the heart of all we do. We work closely with families, carers, and specialist agencies to ensure every child thrives academically, emotionally, and socially. Pupil progress and achievement are celebrated in meaningful ways that reflect the uniqueness of each learner.

If you’re interested in joining our community, we warmly welcome you to visit us — meet our pupils and staff, see our approach in action, and experience the truly special atmosphere that defines Danecourt School.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Maritime Academy Trust
• Address:50 John Harrison Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0BG
• Telephone: 020 8858 0394
• Email: recruitment@maritimeacademytrust.org

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Candidate Information Pack