The Nobel School
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
About The Nobel School
Why you should choose Nobel
The Nobel School is a very exciting and vibrant Ofsted rated “Good” secondary school with 1490 on roll, covering the full age and ability range, the majority of whom continue their education into our flourishing sixth form.
The Nobel School is located in Stevenage, a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, situated on the A1 between Letchworth Garden City to the north and Welwyn Garden City to the south. Just 20 minutes from London via train, a 40 minute drive from Cambridge with nearby airports just 20 minutes away (Luton) and 40 minutes away (Stansted), Stevenage has excellent transport links to London and the rest of the country. Stevenage Old Town has a village feel with historic buildings, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and coaching inns and is lively in the evenings and weekends (for more information, see http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/regeneration/131675/).
As a school, we have the very highest expectations of our students. Our core principle will always be that we endeavour to improve the teaching and learning in the school. We are therefore committed to recruiting only the very best staff and have the highest expectations in terms of lesson planning, classroom delivery and student assessment. In return, we provide excellent working conditions, first rate CPD and a real sense of community.
Staff CPD
• We provide a comprehensive induction programme for all colleagues joining our school and all our new teaching staff are paired with a buddy to support them.
• On-going in-house professional development is an expectation for all via our core CPD days; after school Pit Stops; open classroom weeks; our teaching and learning journal; Lead Practitioners; middle leader training; and open door policy practiced by both our Senior Leadership Team and our Directors of Faculty, all of which support the aims of our school improvement plan and encourage colleagues to develop their careers with opportunities provided for staff to advance within school, as well as offering support for those who may wish to find promotion elsewhere.
• We are active members of the Stevenage Educational Trust (http://www.educationtrust.org.uk/) and the North Herts Teaching Alliance (http://www.northhertsteachingalliance.org/) so we have excellent links with other schools in the area, plus robust networking and CPD opportunities.
• All NQTs are given a mentor and 10% release time to enable them to see examples of excellent practice across our school. They are also supported through the Stevenage Educational Trust (http://www.educationtrust.org.uk/) and receive specific training through Herts for Learning (http://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/team/nqt-induction-service).
• Competitive salaries and pay progression - all our staff are entitled to an annual professional appraisal review, with strong performance evaluation systems and linked pay progression.
Staff well-being
• As stated above, our recent rebuilding programme means that we have a ‘state of the art’ £38 million 21st century school with outstanding facilities (http://thenobelschool.org/venues/school-facilities/).
• Our Governing Body comprises professional people from business, finance and education (http://thenobelschool.org/about-the-school/governors/). Our Governors have both general and specialist roles in supporting the school and are very active backers of the leadership, staff and students. Additionally, the school has well-established and very close community links, with strong parental support.
• Occupational Health with Carewell – a free and confidential 24-hour employee assistance programme which provides advice and support, including a counselling service.
• Free, onsite parking for all staff.
• We have superb sports facilities that include a large sports hall, a gymnasium, a dance studio, AstroTurf, a climbing wall, a multi-use games areas and the trim trail. In addition to these facilities, we have a fitness centre available for use by staff for free until 6pm (http://thenobelschool.org/venues/fitness-suite/).
• Staff well-being survey (annual).
• Christmas and summer all-staff parties plus regular faculty-wide socials.
• VDU and eye tests as appropriate.
Financial benefits
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and the option to make additional contributions.
• Child Care Voucher Salary Sacrifice Scheme, with access to tax free childcare vouchers.
• Reduced rates for facilities hire (http://thenobelschool.org/venues/).
• Lunches are provided free on weekdays during term time for those that undertake school duties. The meals are prepared daily from fresh ingredients by the school’s caterers and hot and cold food choices are available.
• Local and national retail discounts - our school is a member of Herts Rewards, an online 'one-stop' portal (http://www.countyofopportunity.co.uk/about-us/rewards-benefits/).
Our 2018 Ofsted inspection accurately reflects where we are as a school:
- The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.
- There is a clear culture of hard work and good behaviour throughout the school.
- New teachers and inexperienced staff are supported well by the school.
- …effective teaching, learning and assessment support pupils to make good progress.
- The headteacher and his team have created a powerful community in the school which reflects the importance of being a ‘Nobelian’.
- Leaders are very aware of the aspects of the school’s work that need to improve.
Under the strong and decisive leadership of the headteacher, students’ achievements are rising. Our prospectus is available on our website (http://thenobelschool.org/) and you can find out still more about our lovely school at the following links: https://www.facebook.com/nobelschooluk and https://twitter.com/nobelschooluk
To join our talent pool, see http://thenobelschool.org/talent-pool/
Nobel School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all of its students and staff. The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the person specification in order to be offered the post and will be subject to recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion.
Location
I arrived at Nobel as an international teacher new to the country, but the mathematics department at Nobel made me feel immediately welcome. I feel very lucky to be working with some excellent colleagues in the maths department, who have helped me sharpen my teaching skills and supported me through these first few years. The Nobel maths department was the first family I made after moving to the UK, and I don't know where I would be without them. Teacher of Mathematics
- Teacher of MathematicsFor me, Nobel made me who I am today, which is why I am so grateful to be able to pay that back by working here and supporting the future generations. At the pinnacle of Nobel is the community, the chance to work alongside like-minded colleagues who share the sole aim of bettering the skills, opportunities and lives of the future generations in Stevenage. Jordan Dutt, Teacher of English
- Jordan Dutt, Teacher of EnglishWhilst Head Boy in 17/18, I was able to work with students from across the school which ultimately gave me the experiences that made me want to teach at Secondary. In my leaving meeting, Martyn kindly said to keep in touch and contact him if I was looking for a job - which I did. I was fortunate enough to work as a Graduate TA for a year 21/22, where I worked with our fantastic SEND team, building my understanding and specialism in this area which has been invaluable as I have progressed through my teaching career. In 22/23, I completed my PGCE based at Nobel, where I received extensive support and mentoring through the entire process to support me in finding and refining my teaching style. I am now in my first year as an ECT, and loving it! I have a Year 8 form group, I am assistant DofE Coordinator, I am teaching A Level and already looking to further my leadership experience within the English department.
- StaffMy journey with Nobel started in 2011, when I joined as a Year 7 student excited about the prospect of moving into the new building. As a student, my time at school includes some of my happiest and proudest moments. Looking back, I recall the abundance of opportunities that I was offered and took full advantage of which inevitably shaped me into the confident, resilient and well-rounded individual that I am today.
- StaffThe Nobel School is an inclusive school with a warm and welcoming atmosphere for staff and students alike. Staff wellbeing is a priority and is supported by a collaborative ethos throughout the school that is integral to its success. Nobel upholds a dedication to furthering the careers and education of all staff through carefully curated CPD and training opportunities. It is an excellent place to be to bring your spark and make a positive impact on young minds. Hannah, Graduate TA
- Hannah, Graduate TA
