Thank you for your interest in our Teacher of English (maternity cover) vacancy. The vacancy is on a 0.8 basis, for four days per week (Monday-Thursday) and is until 31 August 2026 or on the return of the maternity leaver, if sooner. We are seeking an enthusiastic teacher to join our English Faculty to cover a maternity leaver from September 2025. We want someone who can communicate their love of English to our students. We want a teacher who has excellent subject knowledge and is keen to work in a wonderful Faculty to deliver outstanding outcomes. Fluency in English is essential to this post.
Orchard serves a richly diverse community in North Bristol, with a high proportion of disadvantaged children who recognise that you can make a real difference to their lives. The mission statement of the school, “inspire today, empower for life”, lies at the heart of all that the school does. As a school we are building our success on our core values, being Open-minded, Respectful, Creative & curious, Healthy, Ambitious, Responsible and Determined. We place no limits on our aspirations for our students.
Please read our Ofsted report which demonstrates we are a seriously good school, alongside the Staff Prospectus and our website too. As the Chartered College Network for Bristol, and through our growing Trust, we take the professional development of staff very seriously.
We particularly welcome applicants who speak one or more community languages, and applicants from currently under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We are committed to taking steps to increase the diversity of our employees and removing any barriers to opportunities and success.
If what we are doing resonates with you, and you are keen to work with us, please do apply.
About the role
The English Faculty deliver English Language, English Literature, and Classics at GCSE. The team includes the Head of Faculty, a Second in Faculty, and a dedicated and experienced team with teaching specialisms in English Literature, English Language, History/Classics, and Drama. We inspire and engage our students so they develop as confident and competent communicators, who make excellent academic progress.
The KS3 curriculum is delivered by subject experts, ensuring that students have a sound grounding in both English Language and English Literature. Our English curriculum includes a broad range of texts and authors, which we review and update every year. We study Shakespeare, poetry, prose, and non-fiction across KS3, preparing our students with a solid foundation for KS4.
At the start of Year 10, our students embark on the AQA English Language and English Literature GCSE specifications. The English faculty have diversified the text choices for the GCSE Specification across the faculty, selecting texts for both teacher specialism and class profile. Several faculty members are AQA examiners and the team has strong outcomes in both papers at GCSE level.
Classroom atmosphere and behaviour for learning across the Faculty is good, reflecting the strong relationships between staff and students. We have a Ready to Learn policy in place, so teachers can get on with teaching without low level disruption.
You will be:
- An English specialist, who loves teaching children and young people and is passionate about your specialism, with strong curriculum knowledge.
- Knowledgeable about the specific skills required to raise achievement at GCSE level.
- Able to motivate and enthuse students in the importance of reading.
- Able to teach with impact and inspire curiosity in young people committed to the highest achievement for all students.
- Keen to learn and share best practice as part of a vibrant team.
- Prepared to roll up your sleeves and get involved across the school to help our students live our ORCHARD values and deliver the excellent provision our community deserves.
Closing Date: 28th March 12pm
Interview Day: TBC
Mel Sweet, Headteacher
Safeguarding Statement
Trust in Learning (Academies) is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Our policy and practice is in line with the Department for Education’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ most recent Guidance. We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works for the Trust who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult. Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, online checks, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.
Trust in Learning (Academies) is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Our policy and practice is in line with the Department for Education’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ most recent Guidance. We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works for the Trust who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult. Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, online checks, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.