Lead Practitioner

Lead Practitioner - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Lead

Lead Practitioner Scale LP1 £53,460 (Fringe)
Full Time | Permanent | Start Date: April 2027

Are you a curriculum expert who is passionate about exceptional teaching?

St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery is seeking an outstanding classroom practitioner with a deep understanding of curriculum design, teaching and learning to become our Lead Practitioner (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Lead).

We are looking for an exceptional teacher who understands not just how children learn, but what they should learn, when they should learn it and why. You will have expert knowledge of curriculum design, progression and evidence-informed pedagogy, enabling you to support colleagues in continually improving classroom practice and curriculum delivery.

This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional classroom practitioner to help shape the future of teaching and learning at St Paul's. Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team, you will influence whole-school improvement through curriculum leadership, exemplary classroom practice and the development of colleagues, whilst remaining rooted in day-to-day classroom teaching.

As our Lead Practitioner, you will lead the continual development of curriculum, teaching and learning across the school. You will coach and develop colleagues, model exceptional classroom practice, lead high-quality professional development and support the delivery of an ambitious, well-sequenced and inclusive curriculum that enables every child to flourish.

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued and understood. Our relational approach is rooted in our Christian vision, Learning in God's Love, and underpins our curriculum, teaching, safeguarding and inclusion. We believe that behaviour is communication, relationships create safety, and children need connection before correction. We are looking for someone who shares these values and can help others embed relational, restorative and evidence-informed practice across our school community.

The successful candidate will continue to teach their own class while receiving dedicated leadership release time to fulfil their Lead Practitioner responsibilities, ensuring they remain an expert practitioner with a genuine and current understanding of classroom practice.

To ensure the successful candidate is well prepared for the role, the position will commence in April 2027. The summer term will provide an opportunity to become fully immersed in the life of St Paul's, develop a deep understanding of our curriculum, teaching approaches and school culture, and spend time working alongside colleagues across the school before taking on a class.

From September 2027, you will have responsibility for your own class whilst receiving dedicated release time to fulfil your Lead Practitioner responsibilities, including curriculum development, instructional coaching, professional development and whole-school improvement.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an exceptional classroom practitioner with consistently high expectations.
• Has expert knowledge of curriculum design, sequencing and progression.
• Has an excellent understanding of evidence-informed teaching and learning.
• Can translate educational research into practical classroom strategies.
• Is passionate about developing teachers through coaching and professional development.
• Can inspire colleagues by modelling exemplary classroom practice.
• Has the professional credibility to influence practice across the school.
• Believes every child deserves to belong, flourish and succeed.
• Is committed to relational, restorative and inclusive practice, recognising that behaviour is communication and that children need connection before correction.
• Shares our Christian vision of Learning in God's Love and our values of Courage, Compassion and Community.

We can offer:

• The opportunity to shape teaching, learning and curriculum across a growing and ambitious school.
• A genuine career pathway whilst remaining an expert classroom practitioner.
• A highly supportive and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team.
• A strong commitment to professional development, instructional coaching and evidence-informed practice.
• A unique April start, allowing a full term to immerse yourself in our curriculum, classrooms and school community before taking on your own class.
• A genuinely relational and inclusive school where every child is known, valued and supported to flourish.
• Wonderful children who are enthusiastic, caring and eager to learn.
• A culture where innovation is encouraged, wellbeing is valued and excellence is celebrated.

If you are an outstanding teacher ready to extend your impact beyond your own classroom and help shape the next chapter of our school's journey, we would love to hear from you.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.