At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through engaging PE lessons and foster a love for sports.
- Company: Join St Helena School, part of the Sigma Trust, known for its supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and a passion for teaching PE required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 Β£ per year.
Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 | Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time | Contract Term: Fixed
Application Close: 22/02/2026 Midnight | Date of Interviews: 04/03/2026
Join a Community Where We 'Aspire, Believe, and Achieve' Together at St Helena School. Do you have the skills to foster a stimulating environment where every child can achieve their very best? Ready to inspire young minds to dream big? At St Helena School, we strive towards a mindset that anything is possible. We provide our young people with the confidence, motivation, and resilience to be successful through a wide and inclusive curriculum. Weβre looking for an exceptional Teacher of PE to cover maternity leave for up to 1 year (until June 2027). We welcome applications from both experienced professionals and Early Career Teachers. Both full and part-time applications will be considered for this role.
A Day in the Life:
- Planning and delivering high-quality lessons which are appropriate to the age and ability, to facilitate progression in students' learning.
- Creating a positive and engaging learning environment which makes effective use of available resources.
- Demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject which will inspire student progress and promote positive outcomes.
What We're Looking For:
- Qualified Teacher Status in the UK (suitable for ECTs)
- The ability to teach lessons that challenge all students in PE as well as willingness to teach examination subjects offered by the department (e.g., Health and Social Studies and Child Development courses).
- Experience in teaching Netball and Dance preferred.
- A commitment to safeguarding of children.
- High expectations of the self and others.
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Why Choose The Sigma Trust?
- We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration.
- We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.
Professional Development:
- A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
- Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.
Employee Benefits:
- A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
- A Health Cash Plan to help manage your everyday healthcare costs
- Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme to support your well-being
- Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, access to discounts via free membership to Perkbox, eligibility for a Blue Light Card, and more
Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity
The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools. The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision 'To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts', where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.
To Apply:
Ready to take the next step? Find out more about the role and apply by Midnight on Sunday 22nd February 2026 via My New Term: https://www.sigmatrust.org.uk/join-us/opportunities-with-us. Interviews are provisionally set to be held on Wednesday 4th March 2026. Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, so an early application is advised. We politely request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy.
Information about the School
St Helena School, part of the Sigma Trust, is a highly-regarded 11-16 co-educational Academy, recognised as Good by Ofsted in 2014 and now on a journey to Outstanding. Located on 17 acres in historic Colchester, the school has a fine blend of traditional and modern facilities and opened a Β£2.5m new Science block in 2015, and a Β£2.5m all weather pitch facility in February 2016. On 1 September 2016, the school joined The Sigma Trust, a partnership of schools with The Stanway School, The Thomas Lord Audley School, Clacton County High School, Monkwick Junior School and Monkwick Infants School and Nursery. Working in collaboration with all the schools within The Sigma Trust, St Helena has developed and enhanced its development of outstanding professional practice.
Teacher of PE (Maternity Cover) in Colchester employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Teacher of PE (Maternity Cover) in Colchester
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Helena School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show them you understand their mission of 'Aspire, Believe, and Achieve'. Itβll make you stand out as someone who truly cares about being part of their community.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to deliver a lesson during the interview, make it engaging and interactive. Think about how you can inspire those young minds and showcase your passion for PE. Remember, enthusiasm is contagious!
β¨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff or alumni if you can. They can give you insider tips on what the school values most in a teacher. Plus, it shows youβre proactive and genuinely interested in becoming part of their team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Donβt wait until the last minute; get your application in early to avoid any last-minute hiccups. Plus, it shows youβre organised and keen!
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of PE (Maternity Cover) in Colchester
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for PE: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Physical Education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to create an engaging learning environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and expectations outlined in the job description. Highlight your qualifications and experiences that align with what St Helena School is looking for, especially in teaching Netball and Dance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly see your strengths and suitability for the role without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Early!: Donβt wait until the last minute to submit your application. We recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure you donβt miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
β¨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the PE curriculum and any specific examination subjects you might be teaching, like Health and Social Studies or Child Development. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to student success.
β¨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for physical education shine through. Share examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to create an engaging learning environment at St Helena School.
β¨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your commitment to child safety and any relevant experiences. Think about how you would handle various scenarios and ensure a safe environment for all students.
β¨Engage with the Community
Research St Helena School and its community values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their ethos of 'Aspire, Believe, and Achieve'. Showing that you align with their mission will make a strong impression.