The Role
Responsible to: Head of English
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Fixed Term till 2nd July 2027, Full Time, Term Time.
Hours of Work: c.0.3-4 FTE
Job Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to be a part of the English Department at St Leonards from August 2026. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to teach across a variety of different stages and to teach pupils both native language English and English as a second language. The ability to teach some Drama lessons may also be available for the right candidate.
The Department
The English Department aims to develop effective communicators who think creatively and critically about the world around them, to explore a range of important global issues through a variety of literary works and non literary texts, and to promote a lifelong love of reading. The department has an extensive range of online and offline resources to support learning and teaching, and there is a strong culture of collaboration and sharing amongst teaching staff.
The department presents pupils for the Edexcel IGCSE English Language A and English Literature qualifications, and follows the IB’s Middle Years Programme in Key Stage 3 and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Literature and Language & Literature courses in the Sixth Form. In all the teaching and courses, there is an emphasis on inquiry and teaching which promotes intellectual curiosity in our pupils.
The department is also heavily involved in the co-curricular life of the school. The English Department runs Creative Writing, Debating and MUN clubs, as well as assisting the Drama Department with theatrical productions. In addition, there are a range of day and residential trips to support these activities.
About the role
Approaches to teaching, learning and assessment:
employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies and resources to lead dynamic and engaging lessons with a clear focus on pupil progress.
employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies to reinforce and extend work in class, and be able to select strategies appropriate to the subject, topic and pupils’ needs.
set expectations and pace of work which make appropriate demands on all pupils and ensure that all pupils are effectively challenged.
be reflective in practice, show an engagement with current educational thinking, and proactively seek opportunities for professional development.
identify and respond appropriately to pupils with difficulties in learning and recognise when to seek further advice in relation to their specific educational needs.
respond appropriately to cultural, gender, linguistic, religious and social differences, and to disabilities among pupils.
encourage pupils to take initiatives in, and become responsible for, their own learning.
assess pupil attainment in line with the School’s policy and against national standards where assessment leads to certification.
monitor, assess, record and report on aptitudes, needs and progress of individual pupils.
provide pupils with constructive oral and written feedback on their progress on a regular basis. • use the results of assessments to evaluate and improve teaching and standards of attainment
Curriculum Content:
demonstrate a sound knowledge of the English curriculum.
support pupils’ skills in literacy and numeracy.
appreciate the effectiveness of ICT in learning and teaching.
contribute to the personal and social education of pupils within the School.
with colleagues, plan and prepare coherent teaching programmes and lessons, including homework, which ensure continuity and progression in pupils’ learning.
demonstrate knowledge of the learning process, curriculum issues and child development.
demonstrate a sound knowledge and comply with Health and Safety guidelines and procedures.
Classroom Organisation and Management:
organise classes and lessons to ensure that all pupils are productively employed when working individually, in groups or as a class.
create and maintain a stimulating, purposeful, orderly and safe learning environment for all pupils.
manage pupil behaviour fairly, sensitively and consistently by the use of appropriate rewards and sanctions and know when it is necessary to seek advice.
demonstrate a knowledge of, and contribute to, strategies to prevent bullying.
evaluate and justify actions when managing pupil behaviour.
National and School Standards:
demonstrate an understanding of the IB programme and UK educational systems.
be a proactive pastoral tutor to a group of pupils, helping shape their academic and personal development
demonstrate knowledge of and uphold and support all of the School’s policies and the School’s Development Plans.
demonstrate a working knowledge of contractual, pastoral and legal responsibilities.
contribute to the ethos of the School, for example, by promoting positive relationships among staff, parents and children.
report to parents about pupil progress and discuss matters related to their personal and social development in a sensitive and constructive way.
demonstrate an understanding of the way roles and responsibilities are shared among staff and how to obtain help from staff within the School, including those with responsibility for the curriculum, guidance, learning support and staff development.
contribute willingly to the extra-curricular and boarding life of the School.
undertake cover duties during the academic day and at break and lunch periods, as and when required
demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the guidelines of the St Leonards School Child Protection Policy and GTCS Code of Professionalism and Conduct.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties. It is expected that the post-holder will participate in other reasonable activities which may be required to meet the needs of the School or for better fulfilment of the role.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Education, Training and Qualifications
Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline. PGCE/PGDE qualification.
- Eligible for registration with GTCS.
- Evidence of continued professional development.
Experience and Knowledge
Proven experience of teaching at secondary level.
- Experience of teaching across the full age and ability range of secondary education.
- Experience or understanding of pastoral support.
- Experience in the use of ICT in a classroom with the ability to impart that knowledge to others.
Experience of teaching or knowledge of the IB curriculum.
- Experience of leading aspects of an academic department.
- ESOL teaching qualifications or experience
Experience of using data to track pupil progress.
- Experience of inquiry or concept-based learning.
Skills
Commitment to pupil learning and raising achievement.
- An excellent classroom practitioner.
- Ability to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons.
- Enthusiasm to inspire in pupils a desire to learn and participate.
Skills and experience which can contribute to extra-curricular activities.
- Experience of Managebac, Openapply or other related databases.
Interpersonal skills
Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to work independently and take
responsibility for planning own workload.
- Collegial, reflective and collaborative with a growth mindset, willing to share expertise and to learn
from others.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure and keep to deadlines.
- Sensitive to the needs of others and supportive when required.
- Professional manner and appearance.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
St Leonards is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, where all members of the community - colleagues, pupils and families - are seen and valued. This culture ensures that St Leonards delivers an outstanding global education in a multi-cultural living, learning and working environment.
Applications should be made via St Leonards Teacheroo portal. The closing date and time for applications is Noon on 13th September 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier.
Please note : St Leonards cannot offer visa sponsorship therefore applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Any questions may be directed to [email protected] in the first instance.
All successful applicants will be required to be accepted for membership of the Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
About St Leonards
St Leonards is a friendly and forward-looking independent, coeducational, boarding and day school situated on an historic campus at the heart of the university town of St Andrews. The school enjoys an unrivalled location - there are sandy beaches, world-class Links golf courses, and historic sites on its doorstep.
St Leonards delivers the inspiring, globally-recognised International Baccalaureate curriculum (which has been praised by university admissions officers for its focus on deepening learning learning, offering wider subject options, and enriching minds) for pupils aged five to 18, and was the first school to be accredited as an all-through IB school in Scotland. It is one of just two schools in the UK to actively offer all four IB programmes, ensuring a seamless learner journey. The youngest pupils follow the Primary Years Programme, which goes hand-in-hand with the vibrant Outdoor Learning programme at St Leonards. This is followed by the Middle Years Programme and (I)GCSEs. In the Sixth Form, pupils choose between the Career-related Programme and the Diploma Programme.
St Leonards enjoys a rich sporting heritage, and continues to boast a strong record of achievement with pupils representing the school nationally in golf, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, horse riding, and small-bore rifle shooting. The leading five-tier Golf Programme continues to go from strength to strength, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is the fastest growing of all Scottish independent schools, and an exciting calendar of trips and activities ensures pupils leave St Leonards equipped with the skills required to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. Truly an education ‘Ad Vitam’ (for life).
