Working for Us

At Make It Different Trust, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. Joining us means becoming part of a team committed to transforming lives through outstanding SEMH education. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference for children, families, and the communities we serve.

Our Vision

We are dedicated to creating an environment that enables every child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we support our staff, students, and stakeholders to achieve their fullest potential.

Our Values

  • Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure all voices are heard and valued.
  • Empowerment: We equip children, families, and staff to overcome challenges and achieve success.
  • Innovation: We seek creative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our community.
  • Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
  • Collaboration: We work together to drive positive outcomes for all.

Our Strategic Objectives

  • Improving Attendance: Establishing regular attendance as a foundation for success.
  • Reducing Suspensions: Promoting positive behaviour through personalised targets and clear expectations.
  • Supporting Independence: Building students' social skills and confidence through tailored activities, including outdoor learning and work experience.
  • Enhancing Staff Expertise: Delivering CPD programs to empower staff and mainstream schools to better support children with SEMH needs.
  • Promoting Academic Achievement: Ensuring students achieve nationally recognised qualifications, closing attainment gaps in core subjects like English and maths.
  • Preparing for Adulthood: Equipping students with the skills for meaningful, independent futures.

Why Join Us?

  • Professional Growth: We provide extensive CPD opportunities to support your development and expand your skills.
  • Supportive Environment: Be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
  • Impactful Work: Make a lasting difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs and their families.
  • Innovative Practices: Work in a Trust committed to cutting-edge approaches in education, with a focus on positive outcomes and meaningful next steps for students.

If you share our vision and values and are passionate about creating opportunities for children with SEMH needs, we invite you to explore our vacancies and join us in shaping a brighter future.

Current Vacancies

TEACHER - SEMH School - Core Subjects 

Salary – MPS/UPS +SEN1 

Start Date – September 2026 

We wish to appoint a highly motivated Teacher who will inspire a thirst for knowledge and learning within our new Free School in Hartlepool, a borough which is home to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the country.  Hartlepool Free School (HFS) provides first rate education for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges in a stunning setting with an outstanding team. We do this through recruiting first rate and confident managers of classrooms who are outstanding teachers, supported by gifted and caring support staff. 

The successful candidate will possess energy and enthusiasm and believe that every young person deserves the very best education and support to achieve positive outcomes. A commitment to raising achievement, and a willingness to learn, train and develop as a leader of learning, are all essential. We can offer you an environment that operates within our guiding values of; kindness, a growth mindset, resilience and personal responsibility as well as the support to develop your career to its next step.  

The successful candidate will bring energy, enthusiasm, and demonstrable success from their current role.  We are looking for someone with high standards, values which chime with ours, and real emotional intelligence. 

You 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 and as members of their community. 

This is an outstanding and unique opportunity for a talented individual to join our new dynamic and forward-thinking team. We would expect that applicants would have a suitably proven track record in English, Science or Maths and would be able to lead learning in other areas such as humanities or vocational subjects as secondary specialisms. All teachers also act as personal tutors for a named group of students, providing pastoral care and guidance throughout the school day.  

Hartlepool Free School is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. An enhanced disclosure from the DBS and barred list clearance will be required for this post, together with   completion of a pre-employment health questionnaire, and receipt of satisfactory references.

The Application Process 

Please request an application form and further details by emailing sarah.harrington@hartlepoolfreeschool.org.uk. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 18th May at 9am.