Lead Teacher – Alternative Education Provision

Lead Teacher – Alternative Education Provision
📍 County Durham
🕒 Full-Time | Permanent | 37 hours per week
💰 £31,980 – £38,000 per annum
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About the Provider
A well-established and Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ training provider is seeking an experienced Lead Teacher to join their alternative education centre in County Durham. Supporting young people aged 14–19, the site offers tailored academic and vocational programmes for learners who are not suited to mainstream education.
Part of a national network, the centre provides a small, supportive setting designed to re-engage learners, build confidence, and help them achieve recognised qualifications and long-term goals.
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The Role
As Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the centre. You will manage a team of teachers and support staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive education. This is a dual role, involving teaching (3 days per week) and leadership/operational duties (2 days per week).
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Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Learning
• Deliver GCSE English and/or Maths in line with learner needs
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
• Develop and review schemes of work and lesson plans
• Monitor and support learners through IEPs, assessments, and reviews
• Foster positive relationships with families, carers, and external agencies
• Set high expectations for learner behaviour, attendance, and achievement
Leadership & Management
• Oversee teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and learner outcomes
• Conduct performance reviews and support staff development
• Lead safeguarding on-site, ensuring full compliance with policy and training
• Monitor learner progress and implement intervention strategies
• Support recruitment, induction, and training of new staff
• Coordinate learner admissions and referrals
• Promote a culture of ambition, inclusion, and continuous improvement
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Person Specification
Essential
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or willingness to work towards it
• Experience teaching learners with complex needs or behavioural challenges
• Proven track record in behaviour management
• Line management or team leadership experience
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and SEND legislation
• Excellent planning, organisational, and communication skills
Desirable
• Experience with hard-to-reach or disengaged 14–19 learners
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification
• Experience delivering Study Programmes or working within alternative provision
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Why Apply?
✔ Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
✔ Join a mission-led, supportive organisation
✔ Enjoy opportunities for ongoing professional development
✔ Help lead a team focused on inclusion, progress, and wellbeing
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📍 Location: County Durham
🕒 Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
⏰ Hours: 37 per week
💰 Salary: £31,980 – £38,000
🚗 Driving licence and access to transport required
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If you’re passionate about inclusive education and ready to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
📞 To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Simon Atkins on 07894 752230.