Teacher of English

About the role

• We are seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher with a passion for English and a driving ambition to continue to raise standards at all key stages.
• To teach across the age and ability range, as and when experience allows, and to provide a learning environment that enables all students to make progress regardless of their starting points.
• To share the responsibility of all staff to ensure that our students are challenged, encouraged, nurtured and developed as all-round young people.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Teach across the full range of ages and abilities, as and when experience allows
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of students in your classes in line with school policies, and lead on actions within your classes to address underachievement
• Plan and deliver lessons that are in line with the department’s curriculum
• Maintain good order and discipline in line with the school’s behaviour policy
• Actively engage in the performance management process
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with students, staff, parents and governors
• Commit to your own continued professional development
• Keep up to date with your subject knowledge
• Attend all relevant meetings as required to fulfil your role and responsibilities
• Lead and participate in extra-curricular activities
• Be a form tutor as required
• Take responsibility for completing all safety checks, e.g. online training, when directed
• Ensure that all students have equality of opportunity
• Promote the school’s ethos and culture within the department and wider community
• Comply with the school’s Health and Safety policy

About the School

Townsend is a relatively small and very friendly school with a great atmosphere, circa 800 on roll, including a Sixth Form. Townsend is rated good in all areas by Ofsted, which was confirmed during a short inspection in January 2024. In May 2024 the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist School) inspection report found that we continue to live up to our foundation as a Church school.

Townsend Church of England School is situated on a large, green site between St Albans and Harpenden, and welcomes applicants from families of all faiths and of no faith. Children who attend Townsend live in St Albans and Harpenden, as well as other towns in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, including Welwyn Garden City, Hemel Hempstead and Luton.

Townsend believes that educating the whole child is key to a successful education. The Bible-based vision of Love Your Neighbour underpins all we do. Students are taught to respect and care for themselves and each other, and Townsend’s supportive environment encourages them to make the most out of their journey through secondary school.

Although this is a Church School you do not have to adhere to the Christian faith to work here, but you must be in sympathy with our work and be able to support the aspects that give us our distinctive character as a Church of England School.

Friendly and welcoming, Townsend impresses with its calm learning environment and caring staff. Please read more about our school, including our 2024 Ofsted and SIAMS inspections on our website. You are more than welcome to have a tour of the school before applying.

We reserve the right to move to shortlisting and interviews when we have viable applications.

If you would like additional information or to discuss this vacancy – please email the school (recruitment@townsend.herts.sch.uk) for the attention of Mr Flack (Headteacher), or Mrs Llewellyn (Senior Deputy Headteacher), and we can either email a reply or telephone you if you leave a contact number.

To apply for this vacancy, please send a cover letter and an application form to Mr Flack, Headteacher, Townsend CofE School, High Oaks, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DR or email to recruitment@townsend.herts.sch.uk

Townsend Church of England School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check), two satisfactory references, confirmation of identity, and qualifications.