Teacher in Leatherhead

Are you an exemplary and innovative classroom practitioner ready to inspire the next generation? We are looking for a dedicated key stage 1 Class Teacher to join our friendly team at Polesden Lacey Infant Academy. You should champion equity and inclusion and be enthusiastic about working within a climate of positive change. Polesden Lacey is growing into a Primary school from September 2027, and this is a fabulous opportunity to be part of our transition from an Infant school to a Primary school.

The Role: You will be responsible for the educational and pastoral needs of pupils within your assigned group, KS1, ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging. As a Class Teacher, you will plan and prepare engaging lessons that provide equality of access to the curriculum, appropriate to the age and ability of the children.

• Teaching & Learning: Teach assigned pupils according to their educational needs, whilst maintaining discipline and a safe learning environment inside and outside the classroom.
• Assessment: Monitor and assess pupils' achievements and progress, reporting to parents periodically and using strategies designed to raise attainment.
• Collaboration: Work under the direction of Year Leaders to plan schemes of work and contribute to the wider life and ethos of the school, including extra-curricular activities.
• Professional Growth: Engage with a professional growth plan, attending relevant INSET and implementing outcomes in your classroom practice.

The Details:

• Salary: Teachers Main range - Fringe (unless employed as an unqualified teacher) / Upper range. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Dependent on candidate experience.
• Contract: Permanent & full time, all year round
• Location: Polesden Lacey Infant Academy

What you will bring: We are looking for a professional who holds Qualified Teacher Status (unless applying as an unqualified teacher) and has substantial experience of successfully teaching primary age children. You should be able to demonstrate how your role will impact positively on pupil attainment and progress.

• Experience: Substantial experience of successful teaching of primary age children.
• Teaching & Assessment: Ability to make accurate and productive use of assessment strategies and adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
• Inclusion: A strong commitment to effective inclusion, equity, and creating a sense of belonging for all students.
• Professionalism: Ability to successfully organise your own workload, work to agreed deadlines, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Development: A commitment to keeping up to date with evidence-informed strategies and taking responsibility for improving your teaching through professional development.

What the school offers its staff: The Trust currently has 12 academies over 13 sites across the vibrant and diverse communities of Sutton and Surrey (Elmbridge, Reigate & Banstead, Mole Valley). We expect to welcome further academies in 2026. LEO Academy Trust champions continuous professional development. We also work with a range of partners to offer accessible training for all staff including e-learning and face to face workshops. We believe in the importance of succession planning, and that we are well placed to support you in your next challenge. We offer opportunities to work across different academies within the Trust, and a commitment to promotion opportunities, encouraging 'home grown' talent.

• Company pension
• Discounted rates for wraparound care and nursery fees
• Comprehensive staff health & wellbeing package including 24/7 GP services, counselling, menopause support, men's mental health support and much more

Equality and Opportunity: LEO Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics).

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please read about our commitment to safeguarding as well as other important information in the Applicant guide on our website.

Other Information: As part of our due diligence and commitment to safeguarding children, the successful candidate will be subject to a range of mandatory pre-employment checks. These will include:

• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Confirmation of identity, right to work in the UK, and overseas checks where applicable.
• Verification of professional qualifications.
• Checking of references and explanations for any gaps in employment.
• The Trust also undertakes online searches, including social media, as part of our due diligence on all shortlisted candidates.

Reasonable adjustments: Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team to tell us what changes or help you might need.

Commitment to safeguarding: Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical, online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.