Teacher of English

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspirational English Teacher who is passionate about their subject and ready to join our flourishing department in September 2024.

The English Department at Reading School is currently staffed by seven subject specialists (some full time, some part time) and has a collaborative and supportive ethos with each colleague taking responsibility for the short- and medium-term planning of their classes’ programmes of study. Applicants for this post should be proactive, well-organised and keen to participate as a member of a team which relies on sharing innovative ideas. The candidate should have good subject knowledge and a desire to bring their own plans and resources to bear in lively classrooms full of enthusiastic, engaged and motivated students.

Our students follow the OCR GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language specifications, with everyone in the cohort expected to gain both qualifications. The summer 2023 cohort achieved 78% Grades 9 to 7 in GCSE English Language, and 85% Grades 9 to 7 in GCSE English Literature. We also have an enthusiastic group of around thirty A Level (OCR) English Literature students; the summer 2023 A Level cohort achieved an 80% A* to A record.

We are closely involved with the University of Reading’s Secondary English Initial Teacher Training course, and the department has a track record of supporting new colleagues and fostering their professional interests. We also maintain a number of other local and national partnerships, including projects with the BBC, the University of Aston, the English and Media Centre, The Globe Players, RABBLE Theatre, Write Path and Igniting Writing, as well as networks with English and Literacy departments at schools in Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire and Woking. Department colleagues work very closely with our excellent Learning Resource Centre team to stage an annual Book Festival featuring visiting authors and workshops, and support a number of thriving student-led literary clubs (including The Wordsmiths Guild, a podcasting club and a senior student poetry club). The school also has its own Poet Laureate and an annual essay writing competition, both run by colleagues in the Department. We would love our new colleague to contribute to the extra-curricular provision we offer, and welcome them indulging their own interests and specialities.

This is a successful department (rated as Outstanding by OFSTED in the last subject-specific visit), and has the capacity and flexibility to offer an exciting opportunity to an eager applicant.

At Reading School, we have a clear educational philosophy and a deeply rooted commitment to social mobility. In all we do we seek to nurture character and develop academic excellence, and we know that what we do really matters. More than 10% of our Year 7 students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and we are proud of the difference that we make. In 2023, the school was rated the Sunday Times South East State School of the Year.

We are a short walk from central Reading and close to transport links. Reading is a diverse place to live with arts, culture and heritage at the heart of the town.

Applications must be made via our recruitment portal

Enquiries to hr@reading-school.co.uk

Deadline for Applications: Tuesday 16 April

Interviews are anticipated to take place w/c 22 April

Reading School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Full details of our Safeguarding - Staff Recruitment Policy and Data Policy can be found on our website