At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English, Literacy and Modern Languages department at Penicuik High School.
- Company: Join a vibrant school community undergoing exciting renovations.
- Benefits: Full-time position with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape future generations.
- Qualifications: Must be GTCS registered and passionate about teaching.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Permanent Full Time position starting in August.
Currently, Midlothian has 6 secondary schools, 32 primary schools (19 of which have nurseries) and 2 stand-alone nursery schools. Our special school, Saltersgate, provides support for children with a range of physical, social, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties. The schools range in size from our smallest primary school with around 20 children to our largest secondary with over 1200 pupils. We have a diverse range of school catchments, from rural to urban settings. We are fortunate to have a growing number of new build schools, with 15 of our primary schools and 1 secondary having been built within the last 10 years and several new builds planned.
Penicuik High School is a co-educational, non-denominational school built in 1937 and situated on the south-western boundary of Midlothian. The school is one of two schools which serve the community of Penicuik. The School is currently undergoing a full renovation and on completion we will benefit from a modern state of the art campus. The Penicuik Associated Schools Group comprises Cuiken, Strathesk, Cornbank and Sacred Heart Primary Schools. The current roll is 670. Roll growth will be steady over future years and depending on future developments across the learning estate could grow to 900 pupils or more by 2028. The school is supported by a very active School Parents' Association who are our de facto Parent Council.
For more information on all aspects of our school and our improvement journey please visit the school's comprehensive website.
Interviews for the above post will take place on week beginning 8th June 2026.
RequirementsPre Employment Checks/Requirements for Teaching Positions:
- If you are successful, our offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements, such as medical screening, two written references, one which must be from your most recent/current employer, verification of your original qualifications and your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
- Registration with the General Teaching Council and a satisfactory PVG check for Regulated Work with Children will also be essential.
Teachers applying for permanent posts should be fully registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS). For further information on registration please visit:
Regulated Work with ChildrenThis post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require a PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 6 consecutive pay periods. The fee for a PVG Scheme Record Update is £18. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 2 consecutive pay periods. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
In your application we ask for information under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We ask you to disclose any unspent convictions. Disclosures should be made by writing to or emailing the Employment and Reward Manager, in confidence, giving details of the offence(s), penalty and date(s) of conviction. Applicants should note that failure to disclose a conviction which is subsequently advised through a Disclosure Scotland check may result in the withdrawal of any offer of appointment. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar an applicant from working with Midlothian. Decisions regarding suitability for positions of trust which are subject to vetting will be dependent on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of the offence(s).
How to ApplyIf you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@ to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Closing DateSunday 31st May 2026
Faculty Head – English, Literacy and Modern Languages - Penicuik High School - August Start - MID074 in Glasgow employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at Penicuik High School, which is currently undergoing a state-of-the-art renovation. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, staff members are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The school benefits from a proactive Parents' Association and a steady increase in student enrolment, ensuring a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for both educators and learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Faculty Head – English, Literacy and Modern Languages - Penicuik High School - August Start - MID074 in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Penicuik High School or other Midlothian schools. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's ethos and recent developments. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Penicuik community and its exciting transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership in English and Modern Languages. We want to see how you’d inspire both students and staff!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready for the modern classroom!
We think you need these skills to ace Faculty Head – English, Literacy and Modern Languages - Penicuik High School - August Start - MID074 in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Faculty Head role. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant school community!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for teaching English, Literacy, and Modern Languages shine through! Share specific examples of your teaching philosophy and how you engage students in learning.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure everything is processed smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum and teaching methods relevant to English, Literacy, and Modern Languages. Familiarise yourself with the latest educational trends and how they apply to Penicuik High School's diverse student body.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Faculty Head, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, focusing on collaboration and innovation in teaching.
✨Connect with the Community
Penicuik High School serves a unique community, so be ready to discuss how you would engage with parents and local organisations. Highlight any previous experience working with communities or initiatives that support student learning.
✨Prepare for the PVG Discussion
Since this role involves working with children, be prepared to discuss the PVG Scheme and your commitment to safeguarding. Understand the requirements and be ready to explain how you prioritise student safety and well-being in your teaching practice.