Pathway Lead & Classroom Teacher; Complex Autism

We are seeking an inspiring, dedicated practitioner to join our middle leadership team as the Pathway Lead and Classroom Teacher for Students with Complex Autism. In this pivotal role, you will work alongside the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to develop, lead, and evaluate an effective Curriculum Pathway tailored for SEND students whose EHCP primary need is largely Autism and who require additional support to meet their complex, often sensory requirements.

You will combine classroom teaching with strategic leadership, line managing pathway staff and implementing pedagogically rich approaches to ensure every student achieves maximum progress and prepares for life beyond school.

• Curriculum & Provision Leadership: Design, lead, and monitor a stimulating, accessible, and high-impact curriculum pathway for students with Complex Autism.
• Excellence in Teaching: Consistently deliver strong, high-quality lessons and lead a subject across the wider academy curriculum.
• Team Management & Development: Line manage teachers and classroom support staff, providing mentoring, coaching, performance management, and induction support.
• Assessment & Outcomes: Embed robust assessment and feedback systems to evidence progress and implement targeted interventions.
• Holistic Support & Partnerships: Coordinate multi-agency work and establish strong, trusting relationships with parents and families.
• Safeguarding & Environment: Prioritise student safety, ensuring all safeguarding practices are robustly maintained while fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Proven track record of strong classroom practice and delivering strong student outcomes.
• Deep commitment to SEND education and expertise in strategies supporting students with Complex Autism.
• Strong leadership and coaching capabilities to inspire, support, and hold team members to account.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with families, SLT, and external agencies.

Should you have any questions regarding this role, or our other roles or would like an informal discussion with the Academy, and/or would like to arrange a visit, please contact: so

This role is customer facing and therefore in line with the Immigration Act 2016; all applicants must be able to demonstrate fluency of the English Language to the level defined in the Job Description.

Co-op Academy Southfield offers an inclusive and inspirational learning experience for pupils aged 11-19 with a wide range of complex educational and medical needs. The academy supports pupils and pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The academy is advancing its curriculum design. The staff team is working incredibly hard to implement an ambitious, purposeful and enriching curriculum which supports the individual needs of all of our pupils as they progress towards adulthood.

The successful candidate will have a pivotal role in the next stage of progress.

Co-op Academy Southfield is part of The Co-op Academies Trust and is co-located with Co-op Academy Grange, a mainstream secondary Academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire, just 15 minutes from Bradford centre.

Co-op Academy Southfield caters for over 400 pupils and we are one of the largest special schools in the country. We have on-site support from other professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, the School Nursing team, Physiotherapy teams as well as support from Social Care and other services. We enjoy close links with education,…