At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students as a Teacher of English, fostering communication and independent learning.
- Company: Join a successful school with a passionate English department.
- Benefits: Full-time role with additional planning time and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth and enrichment activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through engaging literature and creative teaching.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for teaching English and a commitment to student success.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Closing date for applications: 21 June 2026, 11.59pm
Full time, required from September 2026
Grade: MPR/UPR (as agreed by appointing governing panel)
Role: The school is looking to appoint a committed, enthusiastic individual as a teacher of English. All teachers at Balshaw’s have additional planning time above the 10% PPA that is part of the STPCD. You would be working in a highly successful department that is staffed entirely by specialists.
The mission statement of the English Department is: ‘We will work together to share and promote an enjoyment of reading; to support students in becoming effective and confident communicators, and nurture students in becoming independent and adaptable learners.’
The department comprises of seven specialist teachers, along with the Curriculum Leader for Drama and the SENDCO, who also teach some English classes. The team offer a range of experience, interests, and expertise, but all share the same goal in supporting our students to achieve the best that they can.
The Curriculum Leader is also on SLT and there is a Second in Department. Students are taught in mixed prior attainment groups across both key stages. In KS3, students have seven lessons per fortnight and at KS4, eight lessons per fortnight.
We enjoy the benefits of our school laptop scheme, which are utilised for learning in a range of ways, from quick research and dictionary lookups, to drafting and editing and the use of online platforms such as Bedrock Grammar and Vocabulary.
As a department, we have developed a challenging, enriching and engaging curriculum, which is aligned with the needs of our students. Through a shared vision and teamwork, we have continued to reflect on it and develop both the content and our methods of delivery.
Our curriculum was devised to support students to read widely; books, poetry and articles that they may not read otherwise, to develop an increased awareness of the writer at work, and thereby become more confident writers themselves. The texts have been chosen carefully to suit our school and our students and whilst there is challenge, the texts remain age appropriate.
Whilst we have a common, shared curriculum, we recognise that we have different styles of teaching that we adapt to our classes, bearing in mind research on what is effective teaching. There is consistency in content and assessment, but flexibility in delivery.
We study the Eduqas specification for GCSE English Language and Literature and we also offer GCSE Film Studies. Our team are experienced in the delivery of this specification, but we are always aiming to develop our insight and expertise further; through our in school CPD programme, which includes feedback from colleagues who mark the GCSE and visits from representatives from Eduqas.
Outcomes in English are consistently strong. In 2025, 85% of students achieved Grade 4+ in English Language, with 27% achieving Grade 7+, while in English Literature 79% achieved Grade 4+ and 19% achieved Grade 7+. These results reflect a sustained record of high performance across the department.
The successful candidate would be expected to contribute towards the ongoing high standards of teaching and contribute to the development of programmes of study and add resources. The department is also keen to provide enrichment opportunities for students through a range of extra-curricular clubs and activities such as young writers and House Cup Challenge and in school speaking competitions.
Activities students have participated in within English are many and varied, including: Runshaw College AGT days, the Rotary Youth Speaks competition (with a notable success in the National competition), visits from leading authors and theatre companies. The department also organises trips to the theatre.
The department works closely with the school’s Learning Resources Centre to provide a culture of reading, reinforced by independent reading in Key Stage 3 classes. This is a department which prides itself on its success. The successful applicant will join a team of professional and highly motivated teachers accustomed to achieving excellent results.
TEACHER OF ENGLISH (Maternity Cover) in Leyland employer: Balshaws
Balshaw's School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for teachers of English. With a strong focus on professional development, our staff benefit from additional planning time and a well-resourced curriculum that fosters creativity and engagement. Located in a thriving community, we pride ourselves on our commitment to student success and the continuous growth of our educators, making it a rewarding place to build a career in teaching.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land TEACHER OF ENGLISH (Maternity Cover) in Leyland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current teachers or staff at the school you're applying to. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the department and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to the school's mission. Reflect on your teaching style and how it aligns with their goals of promoting reading and effective communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for English! Bring examples of your previous work, lesson plans, or even student success stories to the interview. This will help you stand out as a committed candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows that you’re serious about joining the team at Balshaw’s.
We think you need these skills to ace TEACHER OF ENGLISH (Maternity Cover) in Leyland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching English shine through. Share your love for literature and how you inspire students to become confident communicators. We want to see your personality!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of our English Department. Highlight your experience with diverse texts and innovative teaching methods that align with our goal of nurturing independent learners.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of how you've successfully engaged students in English. Whether it’s through creative lesson plans or extracurricular activities, we want to know how you’ve made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Balshaws
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the English curriculum and the specific texts used in the department. Be ready to discuss how you would engage students with these materials and promote a love for reading and writing.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
Prepare to share your unique teaching methods and how they align with the department's goals. Think about examples of how you've adapted your approach to meet diverse learning needs and foster independent learners.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the department values teamwork, be prepared to discuss your experiences working collaboratively with colleagues. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team environment and supported your peers in achieving common goals.
✨Engage with Extra-Curricular Activities
Express your enthusiasm for contributing to extra-curricular clubs and activities. Think of ideas you could bring to the table that would enrich students' experiences beyond the classroom, like writing competitions or author visits.
