English Teacher

Start date: January / April 2025

Location: Ark Alexandra Academy, Hastings, East Sussex

Salary: Ark Outside London Main/Upper Pay Scales: £32,251 to £51,051  + up to £5k relocation package and potential TLR for the right candidate

Hours: Full-time

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 9.00 am on 27 November 2024 

The school reserves the right to withdraw this advert if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for this role to avoid disappointment. 

We are excited to welcome applications from enthusiastic English teachers to join our dynamic and supportive team. This role would be suitable for an experienced qualified teacher or an Early Career Teacher (ECT) looking to start their career in a secondary school setting after completing their training placements. Join us as we make a difference in the lives of our students and help them unlock their full potential.

The department follows the English Mastery curriculum at Key Stage 3. Our students study challenging literary heritage texts alongside a structured grammar and Reading for Pleasure programme. At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA syllabus for English Language and English Literature. We are proud of our curriculum map; the skills and knowledge students learn at KS3 and KS4 prepare them for the challenge of A-Level English Literature.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to inspire and educate young minds, encouraging a love for English language and literature.

For more information please read the job description and person specification in the information pack available for download.

We’re looking for an individual who:

• Can deliver engaging and interactive lessons to students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment
• Can articulate a love of their subject
• Is able to communicate effectively with students of all abilities
• Cares about students, their learning, and their futures
• Can manage behaviour effectively to create a safe, respectful and nurturing environment so that students can focus on learning
• Is committed to participating in professional development programmes and will engage in mentoring opportunities provided by the school and network

 Our school:

We are aiming to create one of the top performing schools in the UK right here in Hastings. 

Ark Alexandra Academy is a popular and oversubscribed secondary school in Hastings. We have grown from 10 to 12 form entry and operate a ‘One School, Two Campus’ model, which brings with it unique opportunities for career growth and development. The school is on an exciting and rapid journey of improvement under a new leadership team, which is underpinned by research and best practice. We place a primacy on traditional values: discipline, courtesy and respect. Our students are smart and ready to learn and thrive. We are a strict no mobile phone school.  

As part of the Ark network, Ark Alexandra Academy has access to the dedicated support of a highly successful MAT with a well-regarded CPD offer for leaders and teachers at all levels. In addition, the school is part of the Hastings DfE Education Investment Area giving an increased focus on the region, potential funding, and genuine opportunities for collaboration between schools.

What we offer: 

• Salary higher than the national pay scales 
• Twice as many training days as standard and network-wide events with Ark colleagues, held by the best minds in education 
• Weekly staff training designed to meet the needs of the school 
• Coaching for every teacher 
• Protected co-planning time 
• Access to the high-quality, professional development, including nationally recognised qualifications such as the NPQML and NPQSL 
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the network 

At Ark Alexandra in Hastings, we are committed to helping staff with relocation. In addition to offering up to £5,000 we can help you make a smooth transition into our school and sea-side community. We recognise the challenges of moving to a new area, and as such we offer:

• Information on local housing options, and connections to good property agents
• Advice on school enrolment for staff members' children
• Additionally, we foster a welcoming environment by connecting new employees with existing staff members who can offer guidance on settling into the community of Hastings.

The school's commitment to supporting the relocation process reflects our dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for all staff members. 

How to apply:

Please click 'apply' on the website you are visiting to complete an online application form. 

Please note: we are unable to accept applications via CV. We will also be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this advert may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. Early application is strongly encouraged. You will be able to pause, save and log back in to complete your application up until the vacancy closes.

If you’re interested in further information about the role, our school and the Ark network, please download the attachments from the application website.

To arrange an informal conversation about the role or an informal visit, please contact HR on ALEHR@arkalexandra.org  

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please download the information pack.