Vocational Teacher – Beacon Independent School

Salary:  £22601 - £35259  (depending on experience)  
Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm, Term Time Only
Start Date: Flexible

Beacon Independent School is seeking an enthusiastic and committed vocational teacher to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, delivering engaging and accessible vocational lessons in a supportive environment. 

We are looking for a teacher who can inspire, adapt, and connect — someone passionate about helping students achieve their potential both academically and personally. 

Job Purpose 

To plan and deliver engaging Vocational curriculum for pupils aged 10–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The successful candidate will provide a practical, nurturing and therapeutic approach to education, helping pupils develop skills, confidence, resilience and employability while supporting their academic and personal development. 

The role requires high expectations, excellent behaviour management and the ability to build positive relationships with young people who may have experienced trauma, disrupted education or additional SEND needs. 

Key Responsibilities 

Teaching and Learning 

• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality vocational lessons that meet the needs of pupils with SEMH and additional SEND.  
• Deliver accredited vocational qualifications where appropriate (e.g. Entry Level, BTEC, NCFE, AIM Qualifications or ASDAN).  
• Differentiate learning to meet individual EHCP outcomes and learning needs.  
• Create a safe, engaging and practical learning environment.  
• Assess pupils regularly and use assessment information to inform planning.  
• Develop pupils' practical, employability and life skills.  
• Promote independence, resilience and problem-solving through vocational activities.  
• Ensure lessons are meaningful, hands-on and linked to real-life experiences.  

Behaviour and SEMH Support 

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.  
• Use trauma-informed and restorative approaches to behaviour management.  
• Support pupils to regulate their emotions and remain engaged in learning.  
• Promote positive behaviour through consistent routines and clear expectations.  
• Contribute to Behaviour Support Plans and Risk Assessments where required.  
• Maintain a calm and supportive classroom environment.  

Curriculum Development 

• Develop an engaging vocational curriculum appropriate for pupils aged 10–16.  
• Ensure vocational learning complements English, Maths and Preparation for Adulthood.  
• Embed literacy, numeracy and communication skills into vocational learning.  
• Promote British Values, SMSC and Careers Education throughout the curriculum.  
• Support pupils in preparing for further education, apprenticeships and employment.  

Assessment and Recording 

• Monitor pupil progress and maintain accurate assessment records.  
• Contribute to Annual Reviews and EHCP documentation.  
• Write reports for parents, carers and external professionals.  
• Set appropriate targets and review progress regularly.  

Safeguarding 

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils.  
• Follow school safeguarding policies and procedures.  
• Report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.  
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.  

Working with Others 

• Work collaboratively with Teaching Assistants and support staff.  
• Liaise effectively with parents, carers and external agencies.  
• Attend staff meetings, CPD and multi-agency meetings.  
• Support educational visits and off-site vocational activities where appropriate.  

General Responsibilities 

• Maintain a safe learning environment in line with Health and Safety legislation.  
• Ensure all equipment is maintained and used safely.  
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.  
• Uphold the ethos and values of the school.  
• Undertake any reasonable duties requested by the Headteacher.  

Qualifications 

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in a vocational subject or relevant trade.  
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics.  
• Teaching qualification (QTS, QTLS, PGCE, Cert Ed) or willingness to work towards one.  
• Evidence of continuing professional development.  

Experience 

• Experience working with children or young people aged 10–16.  
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND and/or SEMH.  
• Experience planning practical learning activities.  
• Experience managing challenging behaviour positively.  
• Experience assessing pupil progress.  

Knowledge 

• Understanding of SEMH needs.  
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.  
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities.  
• Understanding of EHCPs.  
• Knowledge of vocational qualifications and employability skills.  

Skills 

• Excellent communication skills.  
• Calm and resilient approach.  
• Ability to motivate reluctant learners.  
• Strong behaviour management.  
• Excellent organisational skills.  
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.  

Desirable 

• Experience within an SEMH or alternative provision setting.  
• Experience delivering qualifications such as ASDAN, AIM Awards, NCFE or BTEC.  
• Team Teach or equivalent positive handling training.  
• First Aid qualification.  
• Experience working with external employers or work experience providers.  

Safeguarding Statement 

This post involves regulated activity with children. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches, satisfactory references, prohibition checks (where applicable), verification of qualifications, and all other pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance and the school's safeguarding procedures. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. 

This role is particularly suited to someone who is passionate about helping vulnerable young people succeed through practical learning. The ideal candidate will be patient, adaptable and enthusiastic, with the ability to inspire pupils who may have previously disengaged from education and support them in developing the skills, confidence and qualifications needed for adulthood.