What skills and experience we're looking for
Teacher of English - Required for September 2025 or as soon as possible
Full-time or part-time, Main/Upper Pay Scale
Are you looking to join a high-performing and ambitious team of teachers in a thriving and dynamic school? Here is an exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career in a positive and exciting environment.
We are looking to recruit a talented and passionate Teacher of English.
Great Western Academy opened in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities in North Swindon in September 2018. The Academy is heavily oversubscribed in all years and has a flourishing sixth form to match.
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.
The foundations we have laid in English are excellent; our team of experienced staff ensure students enjoy their learning, and the progress made is excellent. We are proud of the results across all departments, with GCSE English being exceptionally strong (2024: 64% grade 5+ and 80% grade 4+). This demonstrates the successful outcomes that can be achieved by our students thanks to the professional dedication from our talented teachers.
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.
Our philosophy of Achievement, Care and Excellence permeates all we do, with Care firmly central to this. We use the phrase “Work Hard, Be Kind” to summarise what we expect of students and to create a culture of positive support where students behave well and are able to thrive, and where they are proactively and effectively safeguarded. We believe firmly that strong outcomes follow from high expectations, high quality teaching, and strong support in terms of behaviour structures and targeted academic and pastoral interventions.
This role will provide the successful applicant with the chance to further develop and teach an exciting English curriculum in KS3 and KS4 as well as the option to teach A-level English Language or Literature, if desired. You will be part of a dynamic English teaching team, and you will therefore have the chance to significantly shape the experiences of our students in the subject as they progress through our school. You will also be well supported to enjoy and develop your own practice, whether you are an NQT or more experienced. Career development is well supported with a strong commitment to staff development at all levels.
Great Western Academy aims to radically improve the life chances of every student who attends. Our 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
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.