At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead lessons and support students in a vibrant classroom environment.
- Company: Join The St Leonards Academy, dedicated to enriching lives through knowledge and a balanced curriculum.
- Benefits: Enjoy automatic pay progression, generous holidays, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching or classroom support is essential; enthusiasm and organisation are key.
- Other info: This role is term-time only, allowing for a balanced work-life schedule.
The predicted salary is between 18817 - 21000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Term time only (39 weeks)
Working Hours: 32 hours per week
Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): £18,817 per annum
Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
Are you committed to the development and achievement of pupils? Do you take a creative approach when interacting with children?
The St Leonards Academy are recruiting a Lesson Leader to join our friendly and enthusiastic team, contributing to raising standards in the classroom. In the absence of the class teacher, the Lesson Leader will provide lesson cover under the supervisory arrangements established by the Academy. When these cover arrangements are not required, to work as a Teaching Assistant according to the requirements of the Academy.
We Are Looking For Someone Who
- has a drive for excellence and a desire to deliver lessons of an outstanding quality
- is highly organised, motivated and committed to the role
- has experience working in teaching or in providing support in the classroom
- is a team member who will collaborate with colleagues to ensure a high level of communication both internally and externally
- is flexible to the changing demands of the role
- is able to build positive working relationships with students
- has enthusiasm, presence and authority who can deliver consistently
Please refer to the attached job description for full details.
The St Leonards Academy
At The St Leonards Academy, we believe in the power of knowledge to enrich lives and shape educated citizens. We are committed to a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring every student, regardless of background, encounters the best of human thought and achievement.
The academy takes pride in its meticulously planned curriculum, dedication to excellence, and robust pastoral support system. We prioritise reading and offer comprehensive mental health support. Exceptional assistance is provided for students with additional needs, alongside a wide array of enriching extracurricular activities.
With rigorous safeguarding measures and opportunities for student leadership, The St Leonards Academy creates a safe, supportive environment where all 1400 students can thrive.
Visit us: Home – The St Leonards Academy
Benefits
We truly value the experience, dedication, and commitment of all our employees and believe in the power of motivated and happy staff. This is why we seek to enrich and reward our employees wherever we can, by offering a wide range of exciting and useful employee benefits. These include:
- Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
- Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
- Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some ‘Time for You’ to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
- Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
- Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
- Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.
Our commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
We welcome applications from all members of the community.
The Trust is proud to be part of the government’s Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistant at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know, by contacting us by email to recruitment@brightonacademiestrust.org.uk or by telephone to Emma Richings 01424 905 306.
Find out more
For further information about this opportunity please download the attached job description and personal specification, and view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack
To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Gail Sidders, Academy Administration Manager on 01424 448740 or g.sidders@thestleonardsacademy.org.uk
Key dates
Closing date: 6 July 2025
Interview date: TBC
Proposed start date: 3 September 2025
Not your perfect job? Please register for job alerts to learn about our future vacancies: Future Job Alerts
A helpful guide to completing your application is available here: Guidance on your application #J-18808-Ljbffr
Lesson Leader employer: University of Brighton Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lesson Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The St Leonards Academy's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to student development and a balanced curriculum will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your enthusiasm for their educational approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of your past experiences in teaching or classroom support that demonstrate your ability to engage with students creatively. Highlighting specific instances where you've successfully built positive relationships with pupils can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by discussing how you manage lesson plans and adapt to changing classroom dynamics. Being able to illustrate your flexibility and proactive approach will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of The St Leonards Academy if possible. Gaining insights into the school culture and expectations can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lesson Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lesson Leader position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what The St Leonards Academy is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to student development. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality lessons and support students effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous teaching or classroom support experience. Include details about your organisational skills, teamwork, and ability to build positive relationships with students, as these are key attributes for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton Academies Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your commitment to the development and achievement of pupils during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the academy's values.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires flexibility to meet changing demands, be prepared to discuss situations where you've successfully adapted to new challenges or changes in a classroom setting. This will show that you can handle the dynamic nature of the job.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration Skills
The St Leonards Academy values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experiences working collaboratively with colleagues. Provide examples of how you've communicated effectively and contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage classroom situations in the absence of a teacher. Think of scenarios where you've had to lead a lesson or support students independently, and be ready to explain your approach and outcomes.