What skills and experience we're looking for
Do you want to be a part of a team that is leading the way in Torbay, by improving the futures of marginalised young people with complex needs?
Are you passionate about English and literacy, with a commitment to developing the reading, writing and communication skills of all learners, regardless of their starting point?
The Lodestar Academy is seeking to appoint a secondary school teacher to focus on English, up to GCSE. We are looking for an outstanding practitioner, with vision, innovation and enthusiasm to join our team. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop the provision of English across the academy. A passion for working with hard-to-reach students is essential, along with a belief that every child can achieve when provided with the necessary support and care. An understanding of restorative approaches would be an advantage, but full training will be provided.
The Lodestar Academy is an alternative provision for learners aged 11-16 whose needs cannot currently be met in a mainstream education setting. You will join a small team of creative teaching practitioners who work with students unable to maintain a place in a mainstream setting. This includes some of the most disadvantaged students in Torbay, so you will need to be prepared to set high expectations and deliver quality teaching first, every time.
The successful candidate should have Qualified Teacher status and have an up-to-date knowledge of developments in English. The post would equally suit an Early Careers Teacher or experienced teacher.
Ideally required for an immediate start, but this is negotiable.
What the school offers its staff
What our Trust will offer you:
• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
• Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
• Teacher Pension Scheme: Secure your future with membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
• Internationally Accredited Pedagogy: Access to a range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
• CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways and goals to guide your aspirations.
• Chartered Teacher Status: As an accredited Chartered Teacher organisation you can become a recognised Chartered Teacher.
• Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
• Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• Fitness and Wellness: Enjoy reduced membership fees for our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes, located at Brixham College and Plympton Academy.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
• TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
• Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.