Teacher of English
The Edinburgh Academy
Edinburgh, City of
- £33,828 - £50,942 per year
- Expired
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 13 February 2025
Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated English teacher to join our thriving department on a full-time, permanent basis from the start of the 2025/26 academic session. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a genuine passion for English literature and language, with the ability to instil this enthusiasm in students across all levels of learning.
At EA we value teachers who create inclusive and stimulating learning environments where students of all abilities can flourish. The ideal candidate will bring creativity and innovation to their teaching practice, while maintaining high academic standards and supporting students to achieve their full potential.
Please note: this role is available from August 2025. All applicants must be registered (or be eligible to be registered) with the General Teaching Council of Scotland. If you are not currently registered with GTCS, please check with them regarding your eligibility.
Department Structure and Teaching
Our department consists of 10 dedicated teachers, including a Head of Department and Assistant Head of Department. We follow a flexible teaching approach where all staff engage with students across a range of year groups and abilities, creating learning environments which promote not only achievement but an appreciation of the value of the subject.
Class Organisation
We structure our classes to facilitate the most beneficial learning opportunities. Primary 7 (Geits) begin in mixed-ability groups, establishing a strong foundation in the move from Literacy to English study. From S1 (2nds) through to S4 (5ths), students are carefully arranged into five or six ability-based sets, with Higher classes structured to support progressive learning.
We maintain supportive class sizes, with a maximum of 24 students in standard classes an d typically no more than 15 in Advanced Higher. Our strong cohort size at Higher level reflects the department's success, with many students continuing to Advanced Higher.
Curriculum Approach
Our curriculum balances structure with creativity. In Geits to 3rds (P7-S2), we deliver a carefully crafted syllabus aligned with Curriculum for Excellence. Teachers have the freedom to incorporate their individual strengths and interests while meeting core objectives, and regular assessment ensures consistent progress in key skills.
Our varied units explore different literary genres, media, and non-literary sources, emphasizing imaginative engagement that fosters natural progression into discussion and debate. Students develop diverse skills through creative, analytical, and discursive responses.
In the senior years, 4ths/5th s (S3/S4) follow the SQA National 5 curriculum, with ! Higher and Advanced Higher courses building upon this foundation. This approach creates a natural progression from early years to advanced study, ensuring students are well-prepared for each stage of their academic journey.
Package Description
The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.
Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.
Our reward package includes:
- Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
- Access to onsite gym
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
- Fee discount
- A three course lunch is provided during term time
Main Responsibilities
- To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
- To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
- To engage with the wider school curriculum, in a manner which is consistent with the ! ethos of ! the School.
- To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
- To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
- To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time to time reasonably request.
- To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.
Accountable to: The Teacher of English will report to the Head of the English Department on all aspects of classroom management, timetabling, teaching and learning, reporting and pupil discipline. The Teacher of English will report to the Senior Deputy Rector on matters of whole school commitments, professional development and personal absence.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential skills, experience and qualities:
- Evidence of inspiring students through engaging teaching methods and a deep enthusiasm for English, evidenced through strong student engagement and/or academic outcomes
- Experience in effectively differentiating instruction to support and challenge students across all ability levels, ensuring every student can access and excel in the curriculum
- Proficiency in using digital technologies to! enhance ! learning experiences, including confident use of digital platforms for both classroom teaching and departmental collaboration
- A thorough understanding of assessment strategies and student progress tracking, with experience in using data to inform teaching practices and support student achievement
- Strong collaborative skills and experience in working effectively within department teams, contributing to curriculum development and sharing best practices
- Commitment to continuous professional development, with evidence of how this has enhanced teaching practice and student outcomes
- Knowledge of the Scottish education system, particularly regarding SQA certificate years and assessment requirements
- GTCS registration (or eligibility for registration)
- Commitment to working in line with EA Values &l t;/li>
Desirable:
- Experience of leading an extra-curricular activity that would promote the subject in a different context, for example debating, public speaking, school magazine or similar.
Within the department we are always striving for professional growth, and we value collaboration in planning and departmental policy. We support one another in nurturing personal pedagogical research and enquiry as well as exploring opportunities that come up beyond the department.
About the school/organisation
The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which! have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.
About The Edinburgh Academy
The Edinburgh Academy
Introduction
The Edinburgh Academy is an academically selective, independent, co-educational day school for pupils aged 5-18 years with a reputation for being caring and friendly. It aims to provide co-educational excellence with a first-class all-round education to those of intellectual promise and academic potential, regardless of background, race or creed. The Edinburgh Academy aims to be forward-looking and progressive but also greatly values its long held traditions.
Although the School is not academically exclusive, the ability range of pupils is well above the national average. Great emphasis is placed on the pursuit of co-curricular interests alongside academic studies for all our pupils. The School has a strong reputation for individual attention and excellence in its pastoral care and co-curricular provision.
The School is oversubscribed at all entry points and this creates a competitive pressure on admissions places at the School.
School Background
The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School containing approximately 590 pupils and a Junior School containing approximately 390 pupils, and we have a Nursery department of around 100 pupils. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. Previously girls were only admitted in the Sixth Form (S5 and S6).
The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.
The School’s Place in Edinburgh
The School was founded in 1824 and has been regarded as a leading educational establishment within the City of Edinburgh and across Scotland ever since. Original Directors included the leading literary names of their age such as Sir Walter Scott. Robert Louis Stevenson and James Clerk Maxwell were also pupils at the School. More recent Former Pupils (Academicals or ‘Accies’) include: Nicky Campbell - radio and TV broadcaster; Guy Berryman - bass guitarist with Coldplay; Will Whitehorn – past President of Virgin Galactic - Space Tourism Company; Mike Blair - Scottish rugby; Dragon’s Den star, James Ingham.
The Senior School occupies a site in Henderson Row, less than a mile from Princes Street and at the northern limits of the Georgian ‘New Town’, of which it was designed to be a part. The buildings include an iconic school hall and the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, which was completed in November 2006. The playing fields are about half a mile from the main buildings – Raeburn Place (8 ½ acres) (shared with the Academicals - Former Pupils), New Field in Inverleith Place (20 acres) and a further five acres at the Junior School and Nursery, also at Inverleith, with a 400 metre grass running track.
An investment programme in facilities of over £15m has in the last 5 years seen a new Junior School library and classroom block, 2 floodlight all weather pitches, a Performing Arts Centre at Senior School and new sports pavilions. A bespoke climbing wall facility was officially opened in 2015. The School has further ambitious plans beyond this current phase of development, which will see a wholescale redevelopment on our Senior School site over the coming decade.
The Edinburgh Academy is a highly regarded school within the local community, across Edinburgh and beyond. Staff and pupils take great pride in this reputation, and the commitment from all is evident in the continuing success and progress of the School.
The Edinburgh Academy is committed to sharing its facilities with the local community and has established a series of projects that provides the use of its estates and premises for the public good.
Further details about the School and its resources can be found on the School website - www.edinburghacademy.org.uk
Classes and Assembly
7ths (S6) and 6ths (S5) classes are organised by tutor groups studying either Highers, Advanced Highers or GCE A-level. Across the Senior School no teaching group consists of more than 24 pupils and many are substantially smaller.
A School Assembly is held at 8.50am each morning, and is attended by the whole school. School Services for the whole school are held on several occasions during the session.
Exam Results
The Edinburgh Academy uses both English and Scottish examination boards. Nearly all subjects now present SQA National 5 and Advanced Higher examinations. Each year, a significant number of our 7ths (S6) have conditional places at very competitively sought universities on the basis of their Advanced Higher/A-level and Higher results.
Yearly academic results can be found on the School website.
Games and Activities
At the Edinburgh Academy, sport offers opportunities at all levels. The PE curriculum is varied, encompassing a wide variety of team games and individual sports. The School runs teams in a large number of major and minor sports and encourages pupils to represent the School at one or more sports at any age group.
In Music, there are about 20 performing groups including orchestras, choirs, wind bands, a big band and several chamber groups.
In Drama, there are usually three or four main productions each year. There is a fully active LAMDA qualification schedule in acting, reading for performance, mime, public speaking and Musical Theatre in place. This occurs at break time and lunchtimes. In addition, the Drama and Music department liaise to produce an annual musical, with potential to increase this.
All pupils currently join the CCF or The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 4ths (S3).
All members of staff are expected to play a full part in supporting the co-curricular life of the School.
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