As a UK-based career coach with more than 25 years’ experience helping education professionals land standout roles, I’ve seen first-hand how transformative an excellent SEN Teacher CV can be. Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching is one of the most impactful roles within education, centred on supporting pupils with varying learning differences—ranging from ADHD, autism and dyslexia to social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges. SEN Teachers adapt teaching strategies, create personalised learning plans, collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists, and ensure every child receives the tailored support they deserve.
The typical SEN Teacher salary in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £45,000, depending on experience, region, and whether the role sits within mainstream, specialist or independent provision. Middle and senior leadership opportunities—such as SENCO, Assistant Head or Inclusion Lead—can offer salaries from £45,000 to over £65,000.
Because of the depth and sensitivity of this work, your CV must demonstrate not only your classroom expertise but also your empathy, resilience, creativity and ability to champion inclusive education. Let’s walk through exactly how to craft a CV that secures interviews, using keywords and structure that perform brilliantly on both ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and with human hiring managers.
Why Your SEN Teacher CV Must Be Tailored, Impactful and Results-Driven
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is using a generic teacher CV for an SEN role. An SEN Teacher CV must capture expertise in supporting additional needs, behaviour management, safeguarding, differentiation, EHCP processes, and multi-agency collaboration. Recruiters want clear evidence of outcomes—how you have enhanced learning engagement, improved behaviour, raised attainment or built meaningful relationships with previously disengaged learners.
Your CV is your personal marketing document, and in a competitive hiring market, it must communicate in seconds that you are the right teacher for the role.
Professional SEN Teacher CV Profile Example
Here is a strong SEN Teacher CV profile example that you can personalise:
Empathic, patient and highly skilled SEN Teacher with over 6 years’ experience supporting pupils with SEND, including ASD, ADHD, dyslexia and SEMH needs across primary and secondary settings. Adept at delivering personalised learning plans (PLPs), adapting curriculum materials, and utilising evidence-based strategies to improve engagement, communication and behaviour. Skilled in EHCP reviews, Team-Teach techniques, behaviour de-escalation, and working closely with therapists, families and external agencies. Passionate about nurturing learners’ confidence and independence while ensuring full inclusion across the school community.
This profile delivers impact, keywords and reassurance. Now let’s move onto the structure.
Core Skills for a High-Impact SEN Teacher CV
Showcasing key competencies early in your CV will help boost keyword density and make your strengths stand out. Consider adding skills such as:
SEN differentiation and personalised learning
EHCP writing and annual reviews
Behaviour management and de-escalation
Team-Teach / Trauma-informed practice
Autism and ADHD strategy implementation
Makaton, PECS or communication tools
Assessment and progress monitoring
Multi-agency collaboration
Safeguarding and child protection
Social, emotional and mental health support
Inclusive curriculum design
Assistive technology and learning aids
Parent and stakeholder communication
These skills help your CV rank highly in searches while ensuring employers quickly see the value you bring.
Employment History: How to Make Your SEN Teaching Experience Shine
When writing about your experience, be achievement-focused, not just duty-focused. Use strong action verbs and measurable results where possible.
Here is a powerful example:
SEN Teacher – Greenfields Inclusive Academy, London
2019 – Present
Designed high-impact personalised learning plans for pupils with ASD, ADHD and dyslexia, increasing engagement by 40% and significantly improving literacy and numeracy outcomes.
Led targeted interventions using visual communication strategies and sensory regulation techniques, improving attention span and reducing behavioural incidents by 35%.
Collaborated with parents, speech therapists, occupational therapists and external agencies to deliver coordinated support and ensure effective EHCP implementation.
Introduced a new system for tracking progression in emotional regulation, now used across the department.
Delivered CPD training to staff on inclusive pedagogy and trauma-informed approaches.
Your goal is to prove your impact, not simply describe your presence.
Education and Qualifications for SEN Teaching
Your SEN Teacher CV should list qualifications such as:
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
PGCE / BEd / BA with QTS
NASEN qualifications
Level 3/4/5 SEN Certificate
Team-Teach or PRICE training
Safeguarding Levels 1–3
Makaton or PECS training
SEND-specific CPD courses
Where possible, mention projects or dissertations relevant to inclusive education.
Example SEN Teacher CV Template
Below is a simplified SEN Teacher CV template example to use as a base:
Name | Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn
Professional Profile
(Write a 4–6 line summary showcasing SEN experience, passion, strengths and unique selling points.)
Core SEN Skills
(Bullet list of 10–15 highly relevant skills.)
Professional Experience
Job Title | School Name | Dates
Achievement/Impact statement
Achievement/Impact statement
Achievement/Impact statement
(Repeat for roles up to 10–12 years back.)
Education & Qualifications
Degree / PGCE / QTS
SEN certificates
Behaviour or safeguarding training
CPD courses
Additional Skills
ICT/EdTech skills
Languages
Extracurricular involvement
Interests
(Only include interests that support your professional image, such as mentoring, youth programmes or community inclusion work.)
Advice for Graduates Applying for SEN Teaching Roles
If you’re a new graduate or newly-qualified teacher, the key is to emphasise:
SEN placements, even if brief
Volunteering with SEND pupils
Experience as a teaching assistant or learning support assistant
Practical examples of differentiation
Your willingness to learn, adapt and innovate
Real passion for inclusive education
You don’t need lengthy experience—just evidence that you genuinely want to make a difference.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management SEN Roles
For those targeting roles such as SENCO, Inclusion Lead, Assistant Head or Deputy Head, your CV must highlight:
Leadership and mentoring experience
Policy development
Whole-school inclusion strategies
Successful Ofsted evidence
Coordinating multi-agency teams
Budget and resource management
Data-driven improvements
Strategic planning and safeguarding oversight
Demonstrate not only what you have delivered but how you have shaped culture and driven whole-school transformation.
General CV Structure Tips for SEN Teachers
Keep your CV 2 pages maximum (3 only for senior leaders).
Use a clean, simple, ATS-friendly layout.
Avoid boxes, tables or overly creative designs.
Use strong SEN keywords for higher ranking.
Include metrics and measurable outcomes.
Tailor your CV for every application.
Keep your tone confident and professional.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Strong SEN Teacher CV
Do:
Use clear, concise achievements.
Demonstrate compassion, patience and resilience.
Mention the types of SEND you have experience with.
Quantify impact wherever possible.
Include relevant SEN training and CPD.
Proofread meticulously.
Don’t:
Use generic statements like “good communicator.”
List duties that every teacher already performs.
Overload the CV with unnecessary detail.
Use jargon without explanation.
Forget to tailor for each job description.
Include outdated or irrelevant jobs.
Stand Out Instantly With a Professionally Written SEN Teacher CV & Cover Letter
Ready to land your next SEN teaching role faster and with less stress? Download your pre-written, fully editable SEN Teacher CV and Cover Letter—crafted to highlight the skills recruiters look for and the qualities that make you exceptional in the classroom.
Why You’ll Love This CV & Cover Letter Bundle:
Expertly Written for SEN Roles
Showcases your SEN expertise, safeguarding knowledge, differentiation skills, behaviour management and student-centred approach—exactly what schools want to see.
100% Editable & Easy to Personalise
Make it yours in minutes. Change colours, wording, sections or layout. Works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and more.
ATS-Friendly Formatting
Designed to pass Applicant Tracking Systems so your application reaches real hiring managers.
Immediate Download – Start Applying Today
No waiting, no stress. Simply download, add your details, and send off with confidence.
Proven to Boost Interview Success
A strong, targeted SEN CV and cover letter helps you stand out from other applicants and positions you as the ideal candidate.
Make a powerful first impression.
Download your SEN Teacher CV & Cover Letter Bundle now—and apply with confidence.
