At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students in English, driving academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
- Company: Join Hethersett Academy, a top-performing school with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving network dedicated to transforming education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven experience in teaching and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36745 - 50288 £ per year.
Start Date: Between September 2026 and January 2027
Job Weeks: All Year Round
Hours: 32.5 hours per week
Type: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) and TLR2 of £6,000 per annum
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
- 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.
- Be a role model to the department and beyond.
- Ensure that our high standards are applied consistently across the Academy Team in terms of the smooth day-to-day running of the Academy.
- 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.
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. 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.
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.
Second in English in Norwich employer: Inspiration Trust
At Hethersett Academy, part of the Inspiration Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through education. Our supportive and innovative work culture fosters professional growth, offering tailored development programmes and a collaborative environment where teachers can thrive. Located in a vibrant community, we provide generous benefits including access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme, health plans, and a commitment to maintaining high standards for both staff and students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second in English in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current teachers or staff at Hethersett Academy through LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Inspiration Trust family and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to present a lesson, make it engaging and interactive. We want to see your passion for English and how you can inspire students to excel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Second in English in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for teaching and the English subject shine through. We want to see how you can inspire students and make a real difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our vision at Hethersett Academy. We love seeing candidates who understand our goals and can contribute to our raising achievement strategy.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Inspiration Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English curriculum and any recent changes. Familiarise yourself with the school's approach to teaching and learning, especially their raising achievement strategy. This will show your commitment and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in performance management and how you've motivated staff to achieve high standards. This is crucial for a role that involves collaboration with senior leaders and the subject team.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research Hethersett Academy and the Inspiration Trust’s values. Be ready to discuss how your personal philosophy aligns with their mission to transform lives through education. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the school's ethos.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific classroom situations or challenges in curriculum planning. Think about your strategies for supporting SEND/EAL students and how you would assess pupil progress. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
