At Holyrood, we believe in the socially transformative power of education. We are a school that is unashamedly and explicitly committed to social justice for the community of Chard and the surrounding areas. We live this mission through the belief that high expectations and love should not be the domain of the fortunate few, but a right for all our young people.

We want to welcome colleagues who believe this too.

We are ambitious for our school and its community. We are building something special at Holyrood. Our ambition is to become one of the very best schools in the South West, and we are looking for colleagues who want to help make that happen. We want to achieve this because our young people deserve the best, because Chard deserves the best, and because working in schools that serve their community creates the greatest professional growth and genuine joy at work.

Set within a beautiful 43-acre green campus in the heart of Chard, Holyrood offers a unique environment in which both young people and staff can thrive.

We live out this mission through our values, which ask us to work hard, be kind and join in. This is what we ask of all members of our community, students and staff alike.

So, if you want to work hard for the children who need us most, be kind through unconditional positive regard for all members of our community, and are ready to join in and have fun in school life, #TeamHolyrood is the place for you.

Mr Joseph Bispham, Headteacher

When students arrive at Holyrood Academy in Year 7 they are introduced to 'The Holyrood Way’. This ethos encompasses four important aspects of school life to ensure every student can succeed.

1. Holyrood students take pride in their uniform and always have the correct equipment.

Uniform and equipment are checked every day at the start of tutor time. It is important that students are equipped with two pens, a pencil, a ruler and their knowledge organiser folder. This ensures that each student can engage fully in each lesson with no unnecessary interruptions.

Equipment can be purchased in the Learning Centre or is free at Breakfast Club in the Upper Site Hall for PP students.

2. Holyrood students are ready to learn in 30 seconds and make the most of learning time.

Learning time is precious! Our clear and consistent routines ensure learning time is productive and positive. Students are trained to take their seat, get out their equipment and begin the starter activity within 30 seconds of entering the room.

3. Holyrood students understand how important and exciting knowledge is, and how to hold on to that knowledge.

Each child is provided with a Knowledge Organiser which will be their primary resource for homework and lessons. The video clip below clearly shows how students should use their Knowledge Organiser to self quiz at home. This independent study is followed by low-stakes quizzes in class and tutor time, something that is essential for building student confidence in their own academic success.

If a Knowledge Organiser is lost or damaged a new one should be purchased from the Learning Centre for £1.

To complement the curriculum, tutor groups read three novels a year together. These books are carefully selected to enhance students’ cultural knowledge and understanding.

4. Holyrood students remain stoical when times get tough.

Teenage years can be tough, from arguments with friends to exam pressure. We encourage our students to apply the four cardinal virtues of stoicism – wisdom, temperance, justice and courage - when faced with life’s challenges. Students are introduced to role models such as Malala Yousafzai who stay positive even through the most testing of times.

This is an opportunity for the right person to come and join us on our journey. We are looking for someone who shares our vision to improve the life chances of the young people in the communities we serve and the passion to really want to make a difference.

If you would like to work with us, or one of our partner schools, you can join our School Talent Pool and receive e-mail alerts of all future vacancies you are interested in, ensuring you are the first to hear of any relevant jobs at Holyrood Academy as they are advertised.   

Pension Scheme

As a contracted member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme (whichever is appropriate).

Further details can be found on the following websites:

• Teachers’ Pensions
• Peninsula Pensions (LGPS)
• Car Parking
• Free car parking is available on the Academy premises. Spaces are on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
• Catering Facilities

We operate two student canteen facilities, one on the Zembard Lane campus and one on the Furnham Road campus. In addition we have a staff and Sixth Form cafe. The food is home cooked, reasonably priced and very tasty!

Childcare Vouchers

We participate in the childcare voucher scheme, which provides tax benefits to working parents.

Learning Centre

Employees are welcome to borrow books and other resources from the Study Centre.

CPD

Holyrood Academy is extremely proud of the Continual Professional Development programme it provides and the support it offers to its staff. Our programme ensures that staff are both supported and challenged to drive improvement in teaching and learning.

All staff are expected to actively pursue their own professional development and are supported by many strategies we have put in place. 

The Blackdown Education Partnership is a multi-academy trust (MAT) working across Devon and Somerset. It was born of a merger between two established MATs: The Castle Partnership Trust and Uffculme Academy Trust and currently looks after a family of 12 schools: 6 primary and 6 secondary and 4 nurseries.

Blackdown Education Partnership is, therefore, a single organisation established to deliver the education and to safeguard the wellbeing of every child in our Trust. The Trust seeks to ensure that high quality collaboration and system leadership continue to improve the education in our schools. We are responsible for the good governance of the schools within our Trust and are accountable for the performance of each school. We work with an exceptional team of leaders, teachers and support staff whose combined efforts deliver on our promise to believe in every child.

For further details on our Trust and vacancies, please click here .