Job Description

Salary

MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full Time

Job type

Teaching

Location

Horizons Academy
Ravensdale Road
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG18 2DP

Job category

Teacher

Date posted

18/11/2025

Job reference

R05297

Join Horizons Academy as a Teacher

Be part of Horizons Academy, a brand new, state of the art special school opening in January 2026 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The purpose-built academy will meet the needs of children and young people from Key Stages 2 to 5 with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), along with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated teacher to join us at this exciting time to be part of our talented and supportive SEND team from Easter 2026.

The academy will accommodate 160 pupils aged 7 to 19 with class sizes of approximately 8 students. We are looking to appoint a teacher to start from April 2026 to support in KS3 or KS4.

Our vision for the new school is rooted in our firm belief that every child, regardless of individual need or ability, deserves an education that fosters inclusivity, meaningful engagement, and academic excellence. In meeting the wide-ranging specific needs of all learners, our curriculum will be aspirational, including a broad range of experiences but structured in such a way that it is meaningful and can be tailored to the needs of every child. Ultimately, our vision is that every child and young person who learns within the walls of Horizons Academy will leave prepared for adulthood and can go on to be whoever they want to be and to achieve more than they could have ever imagined.

The opportunity

We are looking for a professional with experience in supporting children and young people with complex needs in a specialist setting or with significant SEND experience. Knowledge of safeguarding pupils with SEMH needs is essential along with creating a secure and nurturing environment so that children attend every day possible. You will work alongside the key stage lead and the senior leadership team to ensure that every child experiences a positive and enriching educational offer and are well prepared and equipped for their future.

We are seeking people who have a background in these areas and who are empathetic, professional, and warm; someone who can be flexible and embrace a challenge.

We know that our staff team are our greatest resource. Therefore, we invest heavily in them and we know that this has helped us to develop our stable, supportive and high performing teams.

As our academy is currently under construction, it is not possible to offer visits to the school. We expect the construction to be completed in December 2025, ready to welcome the first students in January 2026.

Should you have any initial questions please email Lorna Simms . Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit one of our other Special Schools for an interview.

The successful candidates will:

Have working knowledge of working with students with SEMH and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Be an excellent teacher and a committed team player. Have a proven track record of success Have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of children Be able to communicate effectively with parents and other professionals Work directly with young people and their families, building relationships and working together to ensure that our community is a safe and well supported. Work within and beyond the school gates with families to access services that will help them to have full access to the extended school opportunities offered.


Our employee benefits

Enrolment into the Teacher Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 23.68% Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust's Diverse Association for Professional Learning Employee Assistance Programme GP helpline Health and wellbeing advice and support Eyecare vouchers Salary sacrifice schemes - car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics. We offer a tax-efficient car salary sacrifice scheme for no deposit and can include car maintenance, servicing and breakdown cover for full peace of mind. Lifestyle savings - discounts and offers on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc Health cash plan (personal or family) - where you pay monthly and can claim money back on private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy etc) Childcare - breakfast and after school provision Take a look at our rewards and benefits online

Applications

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should we identify an appropriate candidate/s.

Closing date:

Sunday 30 November 2025

Start date: April 2026

If you have any initial questions or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please email Lorna Simms

About Diverse Academies Trust

Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.

We empower.

We respect.

We care.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care. We expect everybody volunteering for the organisation to share this commitment. Any offer will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances. View our safeguarding and child protection policy.