Temporary Teacher of English with Drama

Are you an innovative, enthusiastic and passionate Teacher of English?

Then this will be the job for you.

This post provides a unique opportunity to work within a high-performing and growing 11 to 18 grammar school with a large sixth-form and exceptionalstudents.

We are proud to be Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025, Ranked No 1 in the North of England - The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025.

We would like to appoint an outstanding Temporary Teacher of English. The department is always looking at ways of developing its curriculum and widening the experience for students so expert subject knowledge and a passion to lead extra-curricular activities in English are highly desirable.

The successful candidate will teach English up to GCSE alongside some KS3 Drama. Hence, experience teaching English is essential, and experience teaching Drama would be highly desirable. All lessons for Drama would be fully planned and resourced to support the development and wellbeing of the successful candidate.

The English department consists of a hard-working and dedicated group of teachers who have a passion for teaching the subject. We currently have nine English Specialists working under the direction of the Subject Leader. The department is well equipped with resources: all of the classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, with access to the Internet. This new space helps us to operate as a very close-knit group, sharing ideas and supporting each other as we constantly aim to evaluate our performance and our practice. We are looking for someone who is eager to join our enthusiastic team as we aim to build on our foundations and strive for further success.

English classes are taught in mixed ability groups at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. We currently have eight GCSE groups of about 24-25 students. We enter all students for both AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature. At A-level, we offer English Literature and English Language (AQA specifications in both).

We pride ourselves on our comprehensive book stock, as we celebrate Literature and use it as a springboard to access all the diverse areas of the English curriculum. In addition, we always aim to provide our students with enrichment activities such as opportunities for Public Speaking and creative writing competitions, as well as supporting the House system in drama, debating and the Spelling Bee. Our constant aim is to underline the importance of English and develop its significance within the school.

We take great pride in providing our students with a first-class education and instilling them with a love of learning.

For the English department at Heckmondwike, commitment, attitude, ideas, potential and enthusiasm are important qualities.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed teacher—whether experienced or an Early Career Teacher (ECT)—who is eager to develop their teaching expertise in an outstanding school.

You will need to:

• believe in our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Excellence and follow our school ethos embedded in our motto of ‘Nil Sine Labore’ - Nothing Without Work

• be a reflective practitioner wanting to develop and hone your craft to the highest level
• be an inspirational teacher who builds excellent relationships and motivates students

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities are outlined in a detailed job description.

In addition to this, teachers at Heckmondwike Grammar School are expected to be effective and reflective professionals who challenge and support all pupils to achieve their best. They should:

• Inspire confidence, build team commitment, and engage and motivate students.
• Think analytically about their work and take positive action to improve the quality of pupils’ learning.
• Encourage high standards of academic and personal achievement.
• Act as positive role models for students.
• Contribute actively to the policies and aspirations of the school and the English department.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• A degree in a relevant discipline and a recognised teaching qualification.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the11-18 curriculum and educational best practices.
• A strong classroom presence with the ability to inspire and motivate students from KS3 to KS5.
• Effective ICT skills and an understanding of how technology can enhance teaching and learning.
• A willingness to contribute to extracurricular activities and the wider school community.
• Confidence in contributing to curriculum development, including schemes of work and teaching materials.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for English.
• A suitability to work with children, with a commitment to safeguarding and student well-being.