Reach Academy Lead (Internal A level and IB staff only)
Location
Location Exeter
Closing Date
Closing Date 20/11/2026
Do you enjoy inspiring academic learners, developing their curiosity and helping them achieve more than they thought possible?
Exeter College has a strong track record of supporting A Level and IB learners to access prestigious national and international progression opportunities. Through our Reach Academy and wider support for competitive university applications, we help learners develop the confidence, knowledge and academic skills to thrive in highly selective environments.
The Reach Academy supports around 60 learners each year, providing opportunities to explore academic interests, build confidence and experience activities often more readily available in fee-paying schools. The programme continues to attract record numbers of applicants, with increasing numbers of learners applying for early-entry courses, including Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry.
We are looking for an enthusiastic A Level or IB teacher who is passionate about academic aspiration and has the energy and creativity to inspire learners to engage in challenging activities, develop their intellectual curiosity and build the skills needed to access the most competitive university places.
The role
Working closely with Martin Gilbert, Head of Academic Aspiration and Billie Stokes, Assistant Principal for Academic, the Reach Academy Lead will help shape and deliver an outstanding experience for learners, with particular responsibility for:
- Academic enrichment: Coordinating the Reach Academy Inspirational Speaker Programme and ensuring the College EXtra offer promotes challenging, high-quality academic opportunities, including debating, Model United Nations, Law Society, mock trials, public speaking and critical thinking.
- Key events and experiences: Planning and delivering the annual Reach Induction Day and London Residential, creating opportunities for learners to develop their confidence, independence and academic interests.
- Selection and scholarships: Overseeing the Reach Academy selection process, including shortlisting and interviews, and supporting the continued success of Reach Scholarship places for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Academic partnerships: Supporting the College’s long-standing relationship with the Met Office, including the learner-led Met Office Research Group, which undertakes an annual research project with specialist supervision and presents its findings to the Met Office leadership team.
- Promotion and engagement: Supporting AIG events and promoting the Reach Academy at College Open Events and other opportunities.
- Academic support: Providing individual academic tutorials to support Reach Academy learners and their progression aspirations.
- Collaborating with NDC: Working with colleagues at NDC to develop and strengthen the Reach Academy offer across the Group, sharing effective practice and creating opportunities for learners at both colleges to benefit from a broader range of academic experiences.
The role will involve supporting learners across a broad range of academic disciplines and university destinations, helping to ensure that the Reach Academy offer is ambitious, inclusive and relevant to their aspirations.
About the role
The role is open to any teacher of academic learners and includes:
- 180 hours remission per annum
- Administrative support
This is an exciting opportunity to build on the success of the Reach Academy, further developing the experiences and support that help learners grow in confidence, deepen their academic interests and achieve their progression ambitions.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rebecca Shapland.
Reach Academy Lead (Internal A level and IB staff only) in Exeter employer: Exeter College
North Devon College is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for passionate educators. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have ample opportunities to grow and innovate within their roles, particularly in the vibrant community of Barnstaple. The college prioritises respect and ambition, ensuring that staff can make a meaningful impact on learners' lives while enjoying a supportive environment.
