English Teacher – Secondary Education with Impact

Gracemount High School is a six-year non-denominational secondary school located in south-east Edinburgh, serving approximately 700 pupils. Established in 1959 as a junior secondary school, it became a fully comprehensive six-year high school in the late 1960s. The current school building, developed through the PPP programme, opened in 2003.

Our associated primary schools are Gracemount Primary School and Frogston Primary School, with whom we maintain strong and effective partnerships. The school employs approximately 55 FTE teaching staff, supported by a highly committed team of more than 20 support staff. Our Senior Leadership Team, led by Headteacher Ross Hunter, currently consists of three Depute Headteachers, a Senior Development Officer, and a Business Manager. Together, they lead on a range of strategic, curricular, and operational responsibilities that support high-quality learning, teaching, and pupil wellbeing.

The changing social demographics of our community present both opportunities and challenges in meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of our learners. Gracemount High School is an ambitious school, committed to delivering the highest quality educational experience and securing the best possible outcomes for every young person, regardless of background. Attainment levels continue to improve, and the proportion of pupils progressing to positive destinations remains consistently above expected levels.

Our curriculum is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed for future success. This includes SQA National Qualifications, alongside a range of wider accreditation opportunities such as NPAs and Foundation Apprenticeships. The school is firmly committed to raising attainment and promoting achievement. Our School Improvement Plan aligns with the priorities of the City of Edinburgh Council and national priorities, and is informed by How Good Is Our School? 4 (HGIOS4) and the National Improvement Framework.

Staff joining our dynamic and forward-looking school will benefit from a range of professional learning and development opportunities. The school recently reviewed its Vision and Values for 2026. We have a clear vision statement and set of values that are promoted throughout the school and wider community. We are committed to challenging all pupils to achieve their full potential academically, while also recognising and nurturing their wider talents and strengths. We aim to develop responsible, respectful young people who will make a positive contribution to their community. All staff are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to this shared vision. We also place a strong emphasis on high-quality pastoral care and personal development.

As a member of staff at Gracemount High School, you will be expected to uphold the school's ethos and values, promoting a caring environment, a strong sense of belonging, and a commitment to learning and achievement.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

Salaries will be in accordance with the Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Teaching Staff in School Education. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

Happy to talk flexible working.