What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you passionate about igniting curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists?
Are you committed to inclusivity, using innovative ways of working and high-quality pastoral support to engage all learners, regardless of their starting point?
Do you want to change the world, one child at a time?
If so, the Lodestar Academy is seeking to appoint a dedicated and skilled Science Teacher to join our team from April 2025.
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.
This post is suitable for either an experienced teacher or an Early Career Teacher (ECT).
You will benefit from a support network which includes senior leaders, fellow teachers within the school and across the South West Hub and our Trust.
What the school offers its staff
Lodestar Academy is a dynamic academy based in Torbay, who have built an impressive reputation in the alternative education provision sector for young people aged 11-18. We believe that all young people have the capacity to learn, regardless of their life situation. And our aim is to open the door to learning for those - often with social, emotional and mental health needs - who have been excluded or marginalised.
Our academy will provide a safe, nurturing environment for 50 secondary-age students who have been unable to sustain a place in mainstream education. By prioritising academic achievement and introducing behaviour interventions and therapeutic support where necessary, it will enable them to re-integrate at the same key stage as their peers, and go on to access opportunities into employment and further education.
Ofsted recently judged Lodestar Academy to be a good school:
"The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy."
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South East, South and South West.
We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.
Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:
• Think about their Thinking
• Be their Best self
• Shape their Success
In this way we transform life chances
To learn more about our Trustclick here
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 theTeachers’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 bepart 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.
• Store Discounts: Access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.
• 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.
What you need to do now:
If you are interested in working at our friendly school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.
To arrange an informal chat with the line manager or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Paula George (Paula.George@lodestaracademy.tsat.uk)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please emailrecruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
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.