Physical Education Teacher – Special School

About the Role

Addington Valley Academy is seeking an enthusiastic Physical Education Teacher to support the delivery of PE for pupils aged 2 to 19 with autism, learning difficulties and a range of communication, sensory, emotional and behavioural needs.

Working under the direction of the PE and Outdoor Learning Lead, you will contribute to high standards of planning, assessment and teaching across the PE and gross motor curriculum. You will adapt learning to pupils’ individual abilities and needs, helping every child and young person participate, develop confidence and fulfil their potential.

This is a full-time, permanent position paid on the Main Pay Scale, £30,000 to £41,333, plus SEN allowance. The start date is to be confirmed. The closing date is 11 November 2026 at 11:59pm. Visa sponsorship is not available, applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, and CVs will not be accepted.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and teach stimulating, relevant and well-structured PE lessons for pupils with varied abilities and social, emotional and communication needs.

• Deliver and assess the PE and gross motor curriculum to a consistently high standard.

• Enable every pupil to participate meaningfully and make progress towards ambitious, person-centred outcomes.

• Support outdoor learning provision and wider enrichment opportunities across the academy.

• Maintain PE and teaching equipment, ensuring resources are safe, organised and available for lessons.

• Work collaboratively with support staff, therapeutic teams and, where appropriate, parents and carers.

• Direct Student Support Assistants effectively and contribute to parents’ evenings.

• Promote positive behaviour and respond appropriately to incidents in line with academy policies.

Applicants should hold a relevant degree or equivalent qualification and a recognised teaching qualification such as QTS, or be willing to undertake teacher training in accordance with current regulations. A clear understanding of high-quality teaching and learning across different developmental levels is essential. ECT applications are welcomed.

What We Offer

• Progression pathways across Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust.

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme membership, including associated life cover.

• Professional development within a specialist education trust.

• Salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles, car leasing and home electronics.

• Employee Assistance Programme, counselling and mental health support.

• Enhanced parental leave, flexible working options and generous leave provisions.

• Gym, eyecare and employee discounts, plus season ticket loans and a referral scheme.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all other relevant safeguarding and pre-employment checks.

About the School

Addington Valley Academy is a special free school in Croydon for children and young people aged 2 to 19 with autism, learning difficulties and associated communication, cognitive, sensory, emotional and behavioural needs.

Opened in 2020, its purpose-designed environment includes sensory gardens, indoor sensory rooms, soft play and a large cookery room. Pupils benefit from specialist support within a nurturing, ambitious setting focused on achievement, wellbeing and preparation for greater independence.

The academy forms part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, a family of specialist education providers supporting learners from nursery to further education across London, Surrey and Sussex.