If you're applying for a role as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) tutor, your CV needs to demonstrate more than just teaching experience; it should reflect your empathy, adaptability, and specific skills for working with young people who have additional learning needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write the perfect SEN tutor CV, complete with layout tips, examples, and keyword-rich advice to help your application stand out to recruiters.
Essential Elements for a Strong SEN Tutor CV
-Emphasise SEN-Specific Qualifications
Recruiters look for candidates with formal qualifications and training related to SEN education. Make sure these are listed clearly and prominently.
Suggested SEN Tutor CV Qualifications Section:
- PGCE in Primary Education with SEN Specialism | University of Manchester (2021)
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Learners with Special Educational Needs | The Training Hub (2023)
- Enhanced DBS Certificate | Valid through May 2026
- Certified in Safeguarding Children and Young People | NSPCC
-Tailor Your SEN Experience Section
When listing work history, focus on relevant SEN tutoring roles. Use bullet points to make your achievements clear, measurable, and keyword-optimised.
Example Experience Entry:
SEN Tutor – Freelance | London | Sept 2021 – Present
- Provided one-on-one academic support to students aged 11–14 with a range of special educational needs, including dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and speech delays.
- Designed and implemented individualised education plans (IEPs) tailored to each student’s strengths and challenges.
Collaborated with parents, speech therapists, and SENCOs to track progress and adapt strategies.
Recommended Elements for a Strong SEN Tutor CV
-Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your CV should begin with a compelling personal profile that outlines your SEN experience, teaching style, and professional values. This is the first thing recruiters will read, so make it count.
Example Personal Statement:
"Experienced and compassionate SEN tutor with over five years of delivering targeted educational support to students with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Skilled in developing personalised learning plans, using evidence-based strategies to promote engagement and progress. Passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive."
-Showcase SEN-Specific Skills
Use a dedicated “Skills” section to list both hard and soft skills that are relevant to SEN roles. This helps hiring managers and ATS software quickly assess your suitability.
Top Skills for SEN Tutor CVs:
- Knowledge of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Behaviour management strategies
- Familiarity with tools like Makaton
- Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience
- Experience working with non-verbal learners
-Use a Clean, Accessible CV Format
A strong SEN tutor resume layout should be:
- Two pages max (unless you’re highly experienced)
- Clear section headings: Profile, Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications
- Font: Arial, or other clean, readable typefaces
- Bullet points instead of long paragraphs
- Include CPD and Short Courses
Supplement your formal qualifications with relevant ongoing training. Short courses can show your commitment to professional development and adaptability to new educational tools or methodologies.
Examples:
- Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices
- Sensory Integration in Learning
- Introduction to Assistive Technology for SEN
Take a look at our CPD Training.
Final Thoughts
A successful SEN tutor CV should reflect your qualifications, experience, and heartfelt commitment to inclusive education. By strategically using SEN-related keywords and tailoring your resume to each opportunity, you'll increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and landing interviews.
Need Help Writing or Reviewing Your SEN Tutor CV?
Try our free CV builder designed specifically for:
- SEND Tutors
- EAL Teachers/Tutors
- Core Subject Teachers
- Educators making career transitions
Make the process simple, fast, and tailored to your goals. Start building a professional CV that opens doors in SEN education today.