Lead Practitioner - Geography in Rainham

Leigh Academy Rainham is seeking an ambitious and highly effective Lead Practitioner - Geography to join our academy from January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding practitioner who is passionate about Geography and eager to make a wider impact through whole-school Teaching & Learning leadership, coaching colleagues and driving excellence across the academy.

As a Lead Practitioner, your influence will extend beyond the Geography classroom. Alongside delivering exceptional teaching, you will play a key role in supporting whole-school Teaching & Learning priorities, modelling outstanding practice and helping colleagues to develop and refine their teaching. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Geography teacher, current middle leader or aspiring senior leader looking to broaden their impact whilst continuing to inspire students in the classroom.

The Role

• Lead and contribute to whole-school Teaching & Learning initiatives, helping to drive consistently high standards across the academy.
• Model outstanding classroom practice and lead by example.
• Coach, mentor and develop colleagues to enhance classroom practice and student outcomes.
• Contribute to the continued development of an engaging, ambitious and knowledge-rich Geography curriculum.
• Use assessment and data effectively to drive student progress and achievement.
• Inspire students to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and their place within it.
• Champion high expectations and a culture of academic excellence for all learners.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a welcoming, inclusive and values-driven school.
• Work in a modern, purpose-built learning environment.
• Join a team that values collaboration, wellbeing and professional growth.
• Access high-quality Trust-wide CPD and leadership development opportunities.
• Benefit from opportunities to work with experienced Lead Practitioners and subject specialists across Leigh Academies Trust.
• Play a significant role in shaping Teaching & Learning across the academy.
• Enjoy great staff benefits, including: Teachers' Pension Scheme, Enhanced family-friendly policies, Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service, Wellbeing support and staff recognition initiatives, Free onsite parking.

If you're ready to make a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the future direction of Geography at Leigh Academy Rainham, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey!

Since opening our doors in September 2021 to our first 180 students, Leigh Academy Rainham has quickly become a sought-after, oversubscribed school for ages 11–18. We’re on a mission to inspire every learner, nurturing curiosity, compassion and ambition through a rich, challenging curriculum and a deeply inclusive culture.

Our close-knit community thrives on collaboration, human-scale education, and strong pastoral care - ensuring every student feels known, valued, and supported. We partner closely with families to help our young people flourish as confident, culturally aware leaders of tomorrow.

Working in a brand-new school is a unique adventure. We’re seeking staff with drive, creativity, and a can-do spirit, ready to shape an exceptional academic and co-curricular offer from day one. Bring your skills, talents - and your sense of humour - and be part of something extraordinary.

Applying for this Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Grace Upton (Recruitment Coordinator): grace.upton@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 273.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.