Benefits of Working at Hartlepool Free School

At Hartlepool Free School, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. By joining our team, you will play a pivotal role in creating positive outcomes for children and young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) conditions. Here’s why working with us is a rewarding and fulfilling experience:

A Purpose-Driven Role

  • Be part of a school designed to make a real difference, providing specialist support and expert teaching to help every child reach their full potential.
  • Work in an aspirational environment where inclusivity and high expectations are at the heart of everything we do.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

  • Enjoy working in a purpose-built school equipped with thoughtfully designed sensory spaces, outdoor learning areas, and specialist sports facilities to support innovative teaching and learning approaches.
  • Access resources tailored to meet the unique needs of pupils with SEMH conditions.

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Benefit from ongoing CPD and training to support your growth as an educator or specialist professional.
  • Collaborate with a team of skilled and dedicated staff who are passionate about improving outcomes for children with additional needs.

Supportive and Collaborative Culture

  • Join a close-knit, supportive team that values your input and celebrates your achievements.
  • Be part of a forward-thinking school that encourages collaboration and innovation to meet the changing needs of our pupils.

A Meaningful Impact

  • Shape the lives of young people by helping them develop their confidence, independence, and skills for life.
  • Contribute to a school that values every pupil’s individuality and provides the opportunities they need to thrive.

At Hartlepool Free School, you’ll be joining a community dedicated to transforming the lives of young people and their families. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our current vacancies and join us on this exciting journey!

Current Vacancy

Pod Instructor

Salary scale Grade 5 SCP Point 7-9 

£26,403 - £27,254 (F.T.E)

(Pro rata’d to 34.5 hours per week, term time +5 days £21,966 - £22,674)

Full time, Permanent

Start Date: 1st September 2026 

Closing Date: 20th July 2026 at 9am

We wish to appoint a highly motivated and reflective Pod Instructor to bring a high level of expertise and support outstanding teaching and learning at the new Hartlepool Free School. Hartlepool Free School (HFS) will provide first rate education for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) conditions.

The successful candidate will possess energy and enthusiasm and belief that every young person deserves the very best education and support to achieve positive outcomes. The Pod Instructor will create a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment that enables pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally, while promoting positive behaviour, resilience and personal growth. A commitment to raising achievement, and a willingness to learn, train and develop as a Pod Instructor are all essential. We can offer you an environment that operates within the guiding values of, kindness, a growth mindset, resilience and personal responsibility.

Our staff team must be flexible, innovative and responsive, able to work effectively to identify every opportunity to help our children and young people develop their skills and confidence, both academically and personally.

This is an outstanding and unique opportunity for a talented individual to join our new dynamic and forward-thinking team. We are looking for someone with a caring, empathic but firm manner who can work alongside classroom teachers to support our students to achieve positive outcomes. This will include:

  • Supporting students with specific learning difficulties and SEMH challenges;

  • Undertaking training on how to support students with specific learning difficulties and SEMH challenges;

  • Working with colleagues to raise achievement across all Key Stages;

  • Following schemes of work and delivering learning activities to students/classes to improve literacy and numeracy;

  • Working with small groups of students to develop and enhance their learning;

  • Supporting teachers by delivering intervention plans on a one-to-one basis throughout the Key Stages;

  • Acting as a key adult for a number of students, and providing pastoral support and guidance to staff;

  • Lead and facilitate activities in the school eco pod including leading small group and one to one sessions; 

  • With support from the Site Manager, maintain the grounds and pod in good order;

  • Have oversight and lead utilisation of grounds around pod, including poly tunnel.

  • Oversight and management of risk assessments related to use of pod;

  • Any other duties consistent with the nature of the post which may be required from time to time by the Senior Leadership Team.

For an Information Pack and Application Form please contact Sarah Harrington, Operations and Finance Manager sarah.harrington@hartlepoolfreeschool.org.uk or telephone 01429 450081.