Job Description

About The Role
Key Dates

Closing Date: 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: 11th February 2026

Start Date: September 2026

Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child?
Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity,Courageand Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fixing what needs fixing, together.
This is the work. Andwe'dlike you to be part of it.

Who we are

We are a small, specialist SEND school, that was set up to provide purposeful learning for students between the ages of 11 and 17 years of age. We offer education in a therapeutic environment for young people who have previously struggled in mainstream provision. CCS Essex is based in a tranquil, rural location in Little Clacton, Essex. We are accommodated in 5 classrooms. This includes a separate therapy room, as well as facilities for cooking lessons. We also have outdoor space, which our young people use for recreation at break times and lunchtimes and for PE lessons.

Also, can it be highlighted somewhere that the role is to begin in September 2026

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support.

Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.

The Role

We are all primarily teachers of children before teachers of subjects. Central to this role is knowing the child, building professional, nurturing and positive relationships and motivating students.

We require an English specialist with experience and/or ability to plan and deliver a curriculum that spans Entry Level, Functional Skills, Key stage 3 and GCSE. No matter the accreditation which is best for the child to pursue, we maintain high aspirations for our children regardless of their learning journey and don't underestimate the importance of qualifications to provide our children with life chances and opportunities.

Compass Community School teachers inspire children, creating a sense of awe and wonder and making subjects and lessons real and relevant to them. They plan exciting and engaging learning opportunities which challenge and push students, whether they are working on the very basics or they are have a special talent or passion for the subject.

Our children require very special teachers who are able to manage some complex and challenging behaviours. They will know that our children require lots of attention, the right sort of communication, consistency and flexibility in equal measure, and a non-judgemental approach.

We want our teachers to be part of the decision making that drives our school, provides outcomes for children and advocates for every child. We welcome their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the opportunities in our extra-curricular offer - bringing their own interests and passions to the table.

Benefits and Rewards

Staff laptop and mobile phone
Competitive salary
Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
Small class sizes with specialist TA support
The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams
Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
Flexible pension
Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating-out and takeaways

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services(previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.

Information about the School

Compass Community School Essex is an independent secondary school for boys and girls Y7-Y11 in North Essex. Building relationships with our pupils is key to the therapeutic approach we take here at CCSE. Small pupil numbers, coupled with a high staff ratio, help to create a nurturing environment in which our students can thrive.

Our highly trained and experienced education team work closely with parents, carers, multi-agency professionals, key workers and programme psychologists to holistically support our young people with a wide range of challenging behaviours and experiences. Our curriculum is developmentally sequential, building on prior learning, with high expectations of progress.