What skills and experience we're looking for
Teacher of Dance (Maternity) – Required for September 2025
Full-time or part-time, Main/Upper Pay Scale
We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Teacher of Dance to lead on the teaching of KS3 and KS4 with the ability to teach KS5 being an advantage. This is initially a maternity post; there may be the chance of further employment beyond the maternity depending upon circumstances at the time. The successful applicant will have the chance to continue to shape Dance, promoting the performance skills and creative skills that the subject has to offer. The post would best suit a full-time applicant, but we will also consider applications for part-time teaching from suitably qualified candidates.
Great Western Academy is an oversubscribed 11-18 school which opened in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities in North Swindon in September 2018.
Our first two sets of GCSE results showed that the progress made by the large majority of students has been excellent, particularly in English and Maths. Benchmark results are well above national averages (2024: 53% grade 5+ in English and Maths, 74% grade 4+ in English and Maths) from cohorts that matched national averages on entry. This reflects progress by students of all abilities, backgrounds, and those with SEND.
The results of our first four A-level cohorts have also been excellent and enabled 98% of university applicants to take up their offers, including four to Oxford and Cambridge; students have also secured prestigious apprenticeships with companies such as with Airbus and Rolls Royce.
Performing arts is a key area of our provision at GWA, both in our taught curriculum and in our exceptional enrichment offering. All students have a weekly Dance lesson in Key Stage 3, and we have GCSE classes in Years 10 and 11, and A-level classes in Years 12 and 13. The successful candidate will also be expected to promote Dance in our enrichment provision which runs for Year 7 and 8 on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.10 to 4.15pm. Successful Candidates will also be expected to support with our annual school production and House Performing Arts competitions.
Our priority is very much to recruit the best classroom practitioners who can ensure our students arrive at the Academy excited about the day ahead and leave each day talking about the excellent learning they have experienced. Great Western Academy aims to radically improve the life chances of every student who attends. Our brand-new building and state-of-the-art facilities help us to achieve this, but it is the fantastic team of staff who turn our vision into reality. If you have the proven ability to inspire students in the classroom and beyond then this provides you with an exciting opportunity to further shape your practice and develop your career.
What the school offers its staff
Additional benefits of working at Great Western Academy include:
• Average class sizes of 26 in years 7 to 11
• Flexible working opportunities
• Excellent CPD opportunities
• State-of-the-art facilities and a 3G artificial football pitch
• Leading edge ICT, including a laptop provided for all students and staff
• Free Health and Wellbeing Support Service
• Cycle to work scheme through Cyclescheme
• Access to EV charging on site. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme
• Easy access to the A419, and free parking
Further details about the role
Further details are available on the Academy website. and in the information documents attached.
Applications should be submitted electronically to recruitment@gwacademy.co.uk by 9am on Wednesday 23rd April 2025. Interviews are likely to take place during the following week.
Commitment to safeguarding
Great Western Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. All posts within the Trust are therefore subject to an Enhanced DBS and barred list check.