Teacher, Special Needs ​/ Learning Disabilities

Gilbert Ward Academy

Princess Louise Road
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 2TS

We are looking to appoint an exceptional teacher to join our strong, dedicated teaching team. We welcome applicants from all subject areas, whether primary or secondary trained. What matters most is finding the right person with the values, skills, and passion to make a real difference for our pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

• Has DfE recognised teaching qualification and QTS or equivalent
• Is primary or secondary trained in any subject specialism
• Understands or is committed to developing a strong understanding of the needs of pupils with additional needs
• Brings creativity, resilience, and dedication to helping pupils succeed academically and personally
• Shares our commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment

• To monitor the delivery of set/planned objectives to pupils within the required subject area/s
• Contribute to the development and implementation of priorities, policies and activities in order to enable the achievement of whole school aims
• Promote collaboration between colleagues and contribute to their professional development through coaching and mentoring, demonstrating effective practice, and providing advice and feedback
• To play a full part in the life of the school community and support the aims and ethos odd the school by adhering to the school vision

Gilbert Ward Academy, part of Prosper Learning Trust, opened in September 2023 and has now grown to full capacity with 80 pupils across all year groups. This is a very exciting phase in our journey: having successfully built and grown the school, we are now embedding our practice and continuing to make excellent progress.

At Gilbert Ward Academy, we deliver our curriculum through three needs‑led pathways:
Engage, Explore and Discover. All pupils access the same curriculum, but delivery is adapted to meet individual needs. Pupils are allocated to a pathway based on their personal profile, and movement between pathways is fluid to ensure provision remains responsive and supportive.

• Engage Pathway – for pupils with significant anxieties or the most complex SEMH needs, focusing on communication, emotional literacy, and interest‑led learning
• Explore Pathway – for pupils who need consistency, strong relationships, and reduced transitions, with inquiry‑based and cross‑curricular approaches
• Discover Pathway – for pupils who benefit from clear structure and subject‑specific teaching, led by subject specialists across the curriculum

As a purpose‑built, state‑of‑the‑arts special free school that opened its doors in September 2023, we are dedicated to providing exceptional education for pupils aged 11‑16 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Located on Princess Louise Road in Blyth, Northumberland, our academy serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our pupils and their families. Since our official opening in September 2023, we have remained dedicated to delivering a personalised, high‑quality education that extends beyond academic success. We focus on the holistic development of each child, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and resilience necessary to thrive in all aspects of life.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the academy’s growth, delivering high‑quality teaching and learning that inspires and supports our pupils to reach their full potential.

• A highly supportive and skilled staff team who share expertise across the Trust
• Exceptional facilities designed to meet the needs of SEMH learners
• Tailored professional development opportunities to support subject teaching and career progression
• The chance to make a meaningful difference at a growing, values‑driven academy

Visits to the school are encouraged to share our vision and discuss the roles. To arrange a visit or request a confidential conversation, please email

To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit the websites.

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