Teacher of English

Job title: Teacher of English

Contract type: Fixed term maternity cover (until January 2028)

FTE: 1 FTE

Start date: February 2027 (earlier start date would be considered)

About the role

In this role, you won’t just deliver a curriculum—you will shape futures, foster inclusive learning environments and provide the vital pastoral support that helps young people thrive.

What you’ll do:

• Create clear learning objectives and lesson structures that maintain a high pace, motivation and challenge for all students
• Establish a safe, purposeful and welcoming environment where students feel secure and confident
• Maintain high standards of student behavior through positive relationships and well-focused teaching
• Mark and monitor students’ work and set targets for progress in line with the learning and teaching and assessment policies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for a tutor group, providing academic monitoring, guidance and pastoral welfare while liaising with parents and external agencies.

About you

• You are a qualified teacher possessing QTS with proven experience teaching across a range of ages and abilities.
• You demonstrate a clear passion for English and a deep commitment to sharing this enthusiasm with young people.
• You have a detailed working knowledge of the National Curriculum requirements and the pedagogical skills to translate them into impactful, deep learning experiences.
• You are a personable and approachable professional, capable of building effective relationships with both students and colleagues across the trust.
• You are a proactive team member with a "can-do" approach and the agility to respond to the evolving needs of the school environment.
• You maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation, implementing these policies with consistency and care.
• You are committed to continuous professional development and are eager to take an active part in whole-school and Pathway-wide CPD programs.

About us

At Downend School we provide a safe, supportive and challenging learning environment that aims to inspire and empower young people to grasp opportunity; to reach their potential and excel; to develop responsibility and integrity and to respect themselves and others.

We have a strong ethos based on our core PRIDE values of participation, respect, identity, determination and excellence. We set standards high and aim to nurture young people who are well equipped to become active and positive members of the school community and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a time of rapid change.

We are proud of the care and support we offer our students. We strongly believe in the value of creating a friendly and caring school community where youngsters feel a sense of belonging and feel valued and respected. Happy and motivated students will flourish and become successful young people. Above all, Downend is a happy school.

We can offer you:

• A supportive trust and school community
• Strong collaboration across the trust family of schools and access to a centralised team of specialists across all areas of school operations
• A commitment to high‑quality CPD, with dedicated time and budget for your development
• A values‑driven ethos where diversity, equity and inclusion are lived every day
• Recognition of continuous service (modification order) to protect employment rights and entitlements
• Teachers Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and death‑in‑service cover
• Occupational sick pay to support you during illness or unexpected emergencies
• Family‑friendly leave packages to help maintain a healthy work–life balance

In order to apply for this role please complete an application form by 9am, Friday 6th November. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process.

Further details and additional information about our school may be viewed on our website.

Please know that depending on the number of applications received we may decide to close the advert early. If you do not hear from us by a week after the closing date then please assume that you have not been shortlisted for an interview. If you have previously applied for this role there is no requirement to apply again, all applications will be reviewed. We wish you all the best in your future and ask that you join our E-Teach Talent Pool so as to keep up to date with all of our latest current opportunities.

Join us in Providing a Great Education for Every Child

Pathway Trust is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our students.