Teacher of English (Maternity Cover)

The Role

This is a full-time post covering maternity leave in our English Department from September 2026 to June/July 2027. The role would suit an experienced practitioner who could contribute effectively to a highly successful and flourishing department in a busy school. Teaching from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, successful candidates should have experience teaching GCSE English Language and Literature, and A Level English Literature. It would be preferable but not essential for candidates to have experience teaching IB English Language & Literature (SL & HL). The English Department has an outstanding track record of excellent results in public examinations and we firmly believe that English, as well as being an important academic subject, offers pupils the chance to find their own voice and develop into confident individuals, able to think and communicate clearly and effectively, whatever their particular strengths, interests and aspirations for the future. The English Department consists of a well-resourced fiction library, six classrooms equipped with smart screens and a seminar room for Sixth Form lessons. English is popular at A Level and in the IB, where it is offered in both the Diploma and Careers-related pathways. The Department currently follows the Edexcel International (IGCSE) specification at GCSE and AQA at A Level. The Department has a team of seven full-time teachers providing a high quality of learning and teaching of English throughout the Senior School. The post-holder will be creative and innovative in their approach and will be expected to provide effective support and challenge for the full ability range, including ensuring that the most able students are provided with engaging opportunities to be stretched appropriately. They will work with the rest of the team to collaborate on departmental initiatives and moderation of pupils’ work. It is expected that, as well as teaching in the Department, the successful candidate will contribute to the wider profile of English at [Employer hidden], through involvement with clubs, revision classes, clinics and trips. Pupils enjoy a range of co-curricular opportunities including debating, public speaking, poetry and book clubs and the Department also runs trips with older year groups to support examination classes. We also have pupil School Poets, appointed as part of our celebration of National Poetry Day, we compete in Poetry by Heart, and we are proud to welcome professional writers and performers, including some of those here for the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, to visit us and share their knowledge and experience. The opportunity of accommodation on-site is potentially available for the successful candidate. This would include undertaking weekly boarding duties.

Personal Attributes

• Work with integrity and be able to connect with pupils, parents and staff.
• Committed to being involved in the life of a busy school.
• High personal and professional standards.
• Empathetic with the values and aims of the School.

How to Apply

Applications, which should include a short letter of suitability (no longer than one side of A4), should be addressed to Mr W Turner, Head Master, by post or emailed to [contact hidden]. Candidates must fully complete a [Employer hidden] Teaching Post Application Form below. Please also include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees including a current employer. If you have any further questions or require further information about this post please contact our HR Manager, Mrs Tracy Green on [contact hidden] or [contact hidden].

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 5th May 2026. Interviews will take place at the School shortly after. Early applications are encouraged as the School reserves the right to withdraw this advert should a suitable candidate be found.

Important Notes for Applicants

[Employer hidden] is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

[Employer hidden] is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. [Employer hidden] does not discriminate on the grounds of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, age, and disability. Applications are welcome from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references, confirmation of qualifications and DBS clearance.

[Employer hidden] is an equal opportunities employer.

[Employer hidden] is a Registered Charity No. 307409