At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young learners through engaging lessons in a supportive environment.
- Company: St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School, a vibrant community focused on education and values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative staff team.
- Other info: Join a school rated 'Good' by Ofsted with opportunities for leadership growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while nurturing their growth and learning.
- Qualifications: Experience with Early Years or infant teaching 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
Safeguarding
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) in London 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) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School and its ethos. Understanding their values will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how you can inspire young learners. Have a few engaging lesson ideas ready to share, and be prepared to discuss how you would create an inclusive classroom environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if possible. They can provide insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your interview.
✨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 St. Mary’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Inspire Young Learners: Class Teacher (Reception/KS1) in London
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.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of St. Mary’s Catholic Infant School. Highlight your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and how you can contribute to the school community.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St. Mary’s.
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.
✨Prepare Engaging Lesson Ideas
Think about creative and interactive lesson plans that you could implement in a Reception or Key Stage 1 classroom. Be ready to discuss how you would make learning fun and memorable for young children, showcasing your passion for early childhood education.
✨Showcase Your Inclusive Practices
Be prepared to talk about your experience with inclusive teaching practices. Share specific examples of how you've supported diverse learning needs in your previous roles, as this is crucial for meeting the unique needs of every child at St. Mary’s.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight any experience you have working with parents and the wider community. Discuss how you would foster partnerships with families to support children's learning and development, showing that you’re committed to being an active part of the school community.
