Teacher of Psychology in Essex

We are seeking to appoint a permanent teacher of Psychology on a full-time basis with effect from September 2026. The post offers an excellent opportunity to work in a very strong Social Sciences Faculty in a highly successful 11‑19 academy. The role will report to the Faculty Leader and the candidate will teach a full timetable within the subject across both campuses. The faculty has a strong collaborative ethos, is very supportive and well‑planned schemes of learning for all courses are already in place. A faculty‑based mentor will work with the appointee to support their development and induction in their first year. There is also an excellent academy‑wide support and development programme for all new staff available.

The core purpose of the role is to provide professional leadership to students in a subject area and to secure high‑quality teaching, high standards of learning and achievement for all students, and to contribute towards the effective use of resources. There will be the opportunity to teach across all year groups. The current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document and the DfE Teachers’ Standards apply to the professional duties of all teachers in all teaching posts.

Qualifications and Personal Qualities

• The successful applicant should have a degree in Psychology or in a relevant subject and will have achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) prior to the commencement of their role and have classroom teaching experience, preferably in post 16 education.
• Applicants should be hardworking, enthusiastic and have a high level of commitment and ability to focus on fostering the teaching and learning and personal development of Year 12 and Year 13 students.
• They should have an interest in new teaching and learning developments and a high level of integrity.
• Experienced candidates should be able to evidence excellent levels of value‑added achievement and high retention levels.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that lessons are planned in accordance with the schemes of learning for each course.
• Ensure awareness of the prior learning and special educational needs of their students.
• Ensure high expectations are set for the achievement and behaviour of students.
• Ensure that relevant curriculum policies for marking, assessment, target setting, recording and reporting are enacted.
• Ensure that progression and continuity is achieved across the key stage and between the key stages.

Pastoral

At Plume Academy all teaching staff are expected to fulfil both an academic teaching role and a pastoral role by acting as a Tutor to a group of assigned students. This involves staff in all aspects of pastoral work including guidance, safeguarding, monitoring and encouraging progress, contact with parents, writing reports and compiling student references. Tutors also deliver part of Plume Academy’s Personal Development Programme.

Wider Contribution

Teaching staff are encouraged to contribute to the academy’s rich extra‑curricular programme, and all candidates will be provided with the opportunity to discuss their personal interests at interview. As one of the largest educational establishments in Essex, there are many opportunities for career progression. Via an academy‑wise coaching programme, staff are encouraged to take responsibility for their own career development, with full support and encouragement from their line managers and other relevant staff, including those responsible for staff training.

Remuneration

Annual salary for a qualified teacher will be in accordance with the Plume Academy Teacher Pay Scale, which from appointment for a fulltime post currently involves a salary Main to Upper pay scale, up to £51,047 at UP3 (2025/26 pay awards), however, current salary of the applicant will be taken into consideration for salary offered. Salaries are reviewed by national negotiation with effect from 1st September each year. Progression through the Teachers Pay Scale is subject to acceptable annual performance development review process.

Benefits

• A highly supportive and friendly working environment.
• Cycle-to-work Scheme.
• 24/7 Free Employee Assistance Programme (offering individual support, information and advice including financial, legal and home‑life and work‑related issues).
• CPD opportunities and Internal Promotion.
• Up to 25% Gym Membership.
• Free staff car park.
• Essex Working Well Wellbeing Service (health and wellbeing support and guidance).
• Access to Workplace Health Champions.
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Plume Academy welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups. The Board of Trustees is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are therefore subject to satisfactory DBS and Immigration Checks, together with the receipt of References and Health Clearances.