At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire English teaching, driving innovation and excellence in the classroom.
- Company: Join Darwen Vale High School, a community focused on high aspirations and achievement.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts, flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and help shape future global citizens.
- Qualifications: Exceptional teaching skills, leadership experience, and a passion for education.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR2B
Contract Type: Permanent
Education Phases: Secondary
Working Patterns: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Thursday, 5th March 2026
Interview Date: 13th March 2026
Visa Sponsorship Available: No
Is a Shared Job: No
About Us
Darwen Vale High School is more than its recent Ofsted recognition; it is a community built on shared vision and ambition. Guided by the Aldridge principle of “no child left behind”, DVHS strives to be a beacon of excellence in Darwen. “We champion a safe, inclusive culture of high aspirations and achievement, where everyone is inspired to excel and take pride in all they do. By promoting responsibility, independent thinking and respect for diversity, we prepare learners to thrive as outstanding members of our community.”
Our Vale Values:
- We Aim High
- We Work Hard
- We Care
These values shape everything we do, ensuring every student receives an excellent education and is ready for the wider world.
Job Description
Lead Practitioner of English – Inspire. Innovate. Lead.
Are you an exceptional classroom practitioner with the passion and drive to influence teaching and learning beyond your own classroom? Do you thrive when supporting others, leading change, and raising standards across a school?
We are looking for:
- An exceptional, highly skilled classroom teacher
- A strategic thinker with a proven track record of raising standards
- A confident leader who inspires others to grow
- Passionate about pedagogy, innovation, and impact
- Able to build strong relationships that empower staff and students
- Committed to creating the best possible learning environment
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of global citizens - we’d love to hear from you! Let’s make languages come alive together!
Benefits
Join the Aldridge Education Family! Here’s why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
- Aldridge Benefits Scheme - Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
- Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme - Your wellbeing matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
- Flexible Working Opportunities - Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
- Free On-Site Parking - No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
- Generous Annual Leave - Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
- Pension Schemes - Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Refer a Friend Scheme - Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!
When you click apply you will be taken to our careers page where you can complete your application.
Lead Practitioner of English employer: Aldridge Education
Contact Detail:
Aldridge Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner of English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Darwen Vale High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Lead Practitioner of English.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how you can embody the Vale Values. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've aimed high, worked hard, and cared for your students and colleagues in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for pedagogy! During the interview, discuss innovative teaching methods you've implemented and how they've positively impacted student learning. This will demonstrate your commitment to raising standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Aldridge Education family and making a difference at DVHS.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for teaching and learning shine through. We want to see how you inspire students and colleagues alike, so share specific examples of your impact in the classroom.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect our Vale Values: Aim High, Work Hard, and Care. Highlight experiences that demonstrate how you've embodied these values in your teaching practice.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and aspirations. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldridge Education
✨Know Your Values
Familiarise yourself with the school's values, especially the Aldridge principle of 'no child left behind'. Be ready to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with these values and how you can contribute to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Practitioner, you'll need to inspire others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led change or supported colleagues in raising standards. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented that had a positive impact on teaching and learning.
✨Engage with Pedagogy
Demonstrate your passion for innovative teaching methods. Be prepared to discuss recent pedagogical trends and how you can apply them in the classroom. Share any creative lesson plans or projects that have made a difference in your students' learning experiences.
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationships are key in education. Think about how you've built rapport with students and staff in the past. Be ready to share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to empower others and create a collaborative learning environment.