English Teacher - Thames British School Madrid

About Thames British School

Thames British School is a prestigious international institution that offers an exceptional British education to students aged 3 to 18. We take pride in our affiliations with NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) and COBIS (Council of British International Schools), and we follow the National Curriculum for England, ensuring our students have access to a thorough, rigorous, and inclusive educational experience.

Our vibrant school community is nurturing and dedicated to cultivating confident, creative, and independent learners.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Secondary English Teacher to join our team starting in August 2026. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering engaging lessons, fostering a positive classroom environment, and actively participating in the wider school activities.

KS3, KS4 & Sixth Form (IB and A-levels) English Teacher – Role Overview

In the role of English Teacher, you will focus on delivering high-quality teaching and learning while promoting academic progress, success, and well-being for all students. You will guarantee equal opportunities and maintain the highest standards of work and behavior in an international setting that offers both Cambridge and IB programmes.

Your responsibilities will include planning, delivering, and assessing English lessons according to the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum at KS3, the Cambridge IGCSE specifications at KS4, and Cambridge International AS and A Level English at KS5, along with IBDP Language A and B. This will involve ensuring that the schemes of work are structured, academically rigorous, and aimed at enhancing students' reading, writing, analytical, and communication abilities. You will align with both Cambridge and IB educational philosophies, fostering critical thinking, independent learning, and an international outlook. Familiarity with Theory of Knowledge may be advantageous.

You will maintain high expectations regarding student behavior, engagement, and achievement, effectively using formative and summative assessments, including Cambridge assessment criteria, A Level assessment standards, and externally examined components, to inform your planning, provide focused feedback, and ensure strong examination outcomes.

This position requires proactive collaboration with colleagues, parents, and students, contributing to curriculum development and the overall academic vision of an international Cambridge and IB school. You will be actively involved in pastoral care, adhere to safeguarding responsibilities in accordance with statutory regulations and school policies, and participate in the broader school community, including enrichment programs, academic mentoring, and university preparation for Sixth Form students.

Main Purpose of Job

● Ensure that all students reach their learning objectives while promoting equality of opportunity.

● Be accountable for upholding the highest standards in work and conduct.

● Treat students with respect, cultivating relationships based on mutual respect while adhering to professional boundaries.

● Collaborate effectively with students, parents/carers, governors, colleagues, and external organizations to support student needs.

● Fulfill professional duties and responsibilities as specified by statutory frameworks.

● Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people within the school.

Key Relationships

Head of School, Head of Secondary, Head of Department, Secondary students, and parents/carers.

Key Responsibilities

● Design and implement lessons for diverse classes across various age groups and abilities.

● Assess student work, provide timely and constructive feedback, and maintain precise records of student progress and development.

● Stay current with subject knowledge through ongoing professional development (both directed and self-initiated), and create new curriculum materials as necessary.

● Utilize a range of learning resources and equipment effectively.

● Prepare students for qualifications and external examinations.

● Manage student behavior both in the classroom and throughout the school, applying effective disciplinary measures when necessary, such as the Consequence System, awarding House Points, and nominating students for Student of the Week.

● Engage in pastoral responsibilities, including serving as a form tutor and providing individual support to students facing academic or personal challenges.

● Regularly communicate with parents and carers regarding student progress and participate in departmental meetings, parents’ evenings, and school-wide training events.

● Collaborate with professionals such as learning mentors and career advisors.

● Support teaching assistants, technicians, trainee teachers, and newly qualified teachers in their roles.

● Meet with other professionals to discuss individual student needs and progress.

● Organize and participate in extracurricular activities, including trips, social events, and sports.

● Participate in classroom observations and learning walks.

● Attend significant school events as needed, such as Family BBQ, Sixth Form Graduation, and Open Days.

● Create an environment where students feel free to express themselves without fear of discrimination or harm.

Behaviour and Safety

● Establish a safe, purposeful, and engaging environment for students, based on mutual respect, and develop a framework for discipline using consistent and fair strategies that include praise, sanctions, and rewards.

● Effectively manage the classroom using methods tailored to the needs of the students to inspire, motivate, and challenge them.

● Maintain positive relationships with students, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when needed.

● Serve as a positive role model, consistently demonstrating the values, attitudes, and behaviors expected of students.

● Maintain high expectations for behavior, encouraging self-control and independence among all learners.

● Execute duties as directed by the Head of Secondary, ensuring the promotion and safeguarding of the welfare of children and young people in the school and reporting any concerns according to school protocols.

Team working and collaboration

● Attend relevant meetings and professional development opportunities pertaining to learners and the school’s curriculum organization, including pastoral arrangements and assemblies.

● Collaborate as part of a team, identifying opportunities to work with colleagues and share effective practices.

● Support both new and established staff, including induction and assessment of new teachers, and assist with threshold assessments where appropriate.

● Ensure that colleagues working with you are appropriately engaged in supporting student learning and are aware of their roles.

● Participate as required in reviewing, developing, and managing curriculum activities and pastoral functions within the school.

● Provide coverage for absent colleagues when necessary.

Parent, Student and Community Relationships

● Ensure the safety and well-being of all students through positive recognition and high expectations for behavior and conduct.

● Report any serious student issues or parent concerns to the Head of Secondary and work cooperatively with ESLT, SLT, and the Safeguarding Team to resolve matters promptly and respectfully.

● Foster relationships with Secondary School parents and the community through regular, appropriate communication with all members of the school community.

● Engage Secondary School parents as active partners in their children’s educational journey.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

● A recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, or iPGCE).

● A degree in Education or a related field.

● Experience teaching in a British or international context is advantageous.

Skills and Attributes:

● A strong enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning.

● Excellent classroom management and organizational skills.

● A reflective, flexible, and collaborative approach.

● Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

● A commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Thames British School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All candidates will undergo thorough checks, including DBS / ICPC (or international equivalents) and references from the last three employers, with at least two from Headteachers/Principals. Telephone verification of references will also be conducted. Our hiring process adheres to the principles of safer recruitment outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Data Protection (GDPR)

By submitting your application, you consent to Thames British School processing your personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the school’s Privacy Policy.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Right to Work

Candidates must have the legal right to work in Spain or be capable of obtaining the necessary visa or residency permit.