Second in English in Norwich

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) and TLR2 of £6,000 per annum

Start Date: Between September 2026 and January 2027 (Please indicate your earliest possible start date in the application.)

Hethersett Academy is seeking to appoint an outstanding Second in Department for English. We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence outcomes and someone who has had a clear impact at a subject level. The successful candidate will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure they succeed. In this role, you will be able to engage with our raising achievement strategy to ensure English outcomes at the school are significantly better than national benchmarks. This key role will give you the opportunity to collaborate with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum approaches, embedding effective pedagogical approaches and driving standards in English. Through collaboration with the wider Inspiration Trust English team, you will ensure the delivery of our exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To assist the Head of Department with the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop student expertise in the subject.
• To be a role model to the department and beyond.
• To ensure that our high standards are applied consistently across the Academy Team in terms of the smooth day-to-day running of the Academy.
• To assist in curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress.
• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes, and school events outside normal hours.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students, and maintain high standards of pupil work.
• Assess pupil progress, evaluate teaching approaches, and provide reports and references to support pupil development.
• Actively contribute to school life, including enrichment activities and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

About You

The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You will be someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to motivate staff and students. You will also be collaborative, empathetic, and have a deep passion for the subject matter. You should come with an existing track record of effectiveness but be keen to develop further as a member of the wider leadership team.

Essential

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).
• Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.

Desirable

• Evidence of effective design and implementation of initiatives for raising student attainment and improving the quality of teaching and learning strategies.
• Successful experience in leading and managing pedagogic changes at department level.

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions.
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology).
• Free parking at most sites.
• Personalised CPD and development programmes.
• A structured and specific induction programme.

About Us

Hethersett Academy is one of East Anglia’s top-performing schools, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas. Inspectors have highlighted how much pupils value their education at the academy - "Pupils flourish at this school. They attend regularly, arrive on time and present themselves impeccably. Pupils respect each other and their surroundings. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that if bullying does happen, staff deal with it effectively and promptly. Pupils have very high expectations of their own and others’ behaviour. They value every minute of learning time." A growing village school with a strong history in the local community, Hethersett Academy is conveniently located just off the A11, making it a popular choice for families in Wymondham, south Norwich, and the surrounding areas. We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding. The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 23rd June 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 29th June 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.