At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and educate young learners in a vibrant, supportive environment.
- Company: St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School, a nurturing community focused on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Other info: Join a school rated 'Good' by Ofsted with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while fostering their love for learning.
- Qualifications: Experience with Early Years or infant education and UK Qualified Teacher Status.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Class Teacher for Reception or Key Stage 1
St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School, located in the heart of Croydon, is seeking a caring, dedicated, creative and inspirational class teacher to join our team from September 2026. The successful candidate will uphold the ethos of the school and be willing to go the extra mile to support children, parents and colleagues. We are a two-form entry Catholic infant school with an on-site nursery, conveniently located just a short walk from mainline train stations, trams and bus routes.
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic professional to contribute to a school that is committed to providing exceptional education, setting high expectations and raising standards for young children. Our school is a welcoming and vibrant Catholic community where the Gospel values of Love, Respect, Peace and Faith underpin everything we do. As part of the family of schools within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual, moral and academic development of every child.
As a class teacher, you will be responsible for planning and delivering engaging, interactive lessons for infant children, working collaboratively with the Key Stage 1 or Reception team to ensure a consistent and high-quality learning experience. The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education, a confident teaching style and a commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
We are proud to have a successful and driven leadership team who are passionate about providing the best possible education for every child. Our most recent Ofsted inspection, in October 2022, rated the school as Good, with Outstanding for Behaviour and Personal Development. We pride ourselves on delivering a rich curriculum that incorporates hands-on resources and innovative planning, ensuring that every pupil benefits from memorable, real-world learning experiences.
We Can Offer:
- A strong Catholic ethos where faith is lived out daily
- A supportive and collaborative staff team committed to excellence
- Engaged and enthusiastic pupils who enjoy learning
- A committed governing body and supportive parish community
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark family of schools
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Take responsibility for the progress and attainment of their class
- Support and contribute to the development of the school’s inclusive practices across the infant stage
- Work in partnership with parents, colleagues and the Governing Body to ensure each child’s unique learning needs are met
- Promote high expectations for behaviour, learning and personal development
- Contribute positively to the Catholic life and wider community of the school
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Experience of teaching Early Years and/or infant-aged children
- UK Qualified Teacher Status
- A secure understanding of effective teaching and learning within the Early Years or Key Stage 1
- A commitment to inclusive practice and meeting the needs of all pupils
- A willingness to fully support and contribute to the Catholic life of the school
- A strong record of effective classroom practice
St Mary’s Catholic Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Inspire Young Learners: Class Teacher (Reception/KS1) employer: Croydon Council
St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and vibrant environment where the values of Love, Respect, Peace, and Faith are at the heart of our community. Located in the accessible area of Croydon, we provide our staff with a supportive and collaborative team atmosphere, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives. Join us in fostering an inclusive educational experience that inspires both pupils and educators alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inspire Young Learners: Class Teacher (Reception/KS1)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your passion for early childhood education and your commitment to inclusive practices. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Think of engaging lesson ideas or activities that align with the school's curriculum. Be ready to share these during your interview to highlight your innovative teaching style and how you can contribute to the vibrant learning environment at St. Mary’s.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm and professionalism. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Inspire Young Learners: Class Teacher (Reception/KS1)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Teaching:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired young learners in the past and how you plan to do so at St. Mary’s.
Highlight Your Inclusive Practices:Make sure to emphasise your commitment to inclusive education. Talk about your experiences working with diverse groups of children and how you adapt your teaching methods to meet their unique needs.
Connect with Our Values:St. Mary’s is all about community and faith. In your application, reflect on how your personal values align with our Catholic ethos and how you can contribute positively to our school environment.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we want to see your personality, remember to maintain a professional tone. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread your application before submitting it through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School's values and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to the Gospel values of Love, Respect, Peace, and Faith. This will help you demonstrate how your teaching philosophy aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Early Years Education
Be ready to discuss your passion for early childhood education during the interview. Prepare specific examples of how you've engaged young learners in the past, and think about innovative lesson ideas that could fit into their curriculum. This will show them you're not just qualified, but genuinely enthusiastic about teaching.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and parents, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Discuss any team projects or initiatives you've been part of, and how you contributed to creating an inclusive classroom environment.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Given the school's recent Ofsted rating for Outstanding Behaviour and Personal Development, expect questions around behaviour management strategies. Think of specific situations where you've effectively managed classroom behaviour and promoted a positive learning atmosphere, and be ready to share those experiences.
