Teacher of English

TEACHER OF ENGLISH

Full time / Full year / Permanent

MPS-UPS £31,650 – £49,084 per annum

Part time would be considered

Start date Easter, May or September 2025

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher to join a successful English department in a high-achieving school.  The successful candidate will demonstrate passion for the subject and excellent disciplinary knowledge.  We are a highly successful, innovative and collegiate department and the successful candidate would be able to evidence these strengths in their own practice and would enjoy contributing to the drive for inspiring teaching and learning in the department.

The English department is an area of strength within the school.  We have eight teachers, each with their own classroom equipped with interactive whiteboards and sound systems.  The department is highly cohesive and we maintain a supportive, inspiring and collaborative work culture.

We benefit from excellent CPD, much of which we create for ourselves as a team; we make use of a wide range of opportunities for professional development outside of school, including the Festival of Education and PiXl conferences, judging the UKLA Book Awards and shadowing the Southern Schools Book Award.  Our excellent CPD supports many of the teachers in our department to take on additional whole-school responsibility, for example as Teaching and Learning Coaches.  This post would suit someone who feels they could make a positive contribution to such a department.

All pupils follow a carefully sequenced curriculum, in which excellent subject knowledge and the development of creativity and critical thinking are key.  Students benefit from our centralised approach to curriculum and medium-term planning.  Our Key Stage Four students sit AQA GCSE examinations in English Literature and Language.

We are committed to organising and delivering an exciting curriculum and range of extra-curricular activities for all year groups, and we are always keen to embrace fresh ideas from new staff. We actively promote regular events such as trips to the theatre, author visits, and the celebration of World Book Day and National Poetry Day.

Our Vision Statement:

We are Willingdon

We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, compassionate and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.

This makes us Willingdon

Staff wellbeing is of paramount importance to us at Willingdon Community School. We can offer the successful candidate:

·        A clear purpose. We are here to develop personal excellence and help staff and students be the very best versions of themselves.

·        Lots of opportunities to observe others and feedback. We don’t grade lessons and feedback is developmental.

·        Regular opportunities for staff voice directly to the Headteacher.

·        On appointment, a full induction day is arranged to ensure you are supported with the transition to your new role.

·        50% off Benenden Health Care scheme. 

·        Opportunity to join Bupa Dental Plan which provides varying contributions to NHS and private dental services.

·        Regular Mindfulness sessions to enhance your work-life balance. 

·        We offer Mental Health First Aid to all staff which is a two day qualification. 

·        An Employee Assistance Programme via the County Council, this service is provided by ‘Care First’, they offer advice, information, emotional support and counselling.

·        Annual Flu Vaccination is provided in the autumn term and paid for by the school.

·        Access to the ESCC My Staff Shop which gives access to a wide range of tax efficient benefits and discounts from national and local businesses.

·        The Love 2 shop membership card (linked to My Staff Shop) is a reloadable gift card which can be spent at a number of major retailers.

·        Bike Scheme, this is a salary sacrifice scheme that produces a saving of up to 32% compared to buying a bike upfront.

·        A free coffee machine is ready for you during break and lunch time.

·        Invitations to whole school social events such as our Christmas party which is subsidised as a thank you to staff, and other gatherings to celebrate success.

·        Local business discounts for Willingdon Community School staff.

·        And more!

We believe that happy teachers make happy children and therefore do our utmost to support our staff. 

Willingdon Community School is committed to child protection/safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this duty of care. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures and will require satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

We advise applying promptly for our vacancies as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.