EAL Coordinator in Colchester

At St Helena School, we take immense pride in our vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community.

We are an ambitious secondary school dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or starting point, achieves their full personal and academic potential.

We believe that linguistic diversity is a strength, and we are committed to providing outstanding support to our students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL).

We are therefore seeking an enthusiastic EAL Coordinator to lead this vital work, remove language barriers, and ensure our multilingual students thrive across the curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Complete admissions meetings with the Pastoral Administrator and provide translating documents and communication resources as needed.
• Conduct robust initial language assessments for newly arrived and international students to create detailed entry profiles.
• Design, plan, and deliver bespoke 1:1 or small‑group English language intervention sessions.
• Provide high‑quality in‑class support or coordinate EAL teaching assistants to scaffold complex subject vocabulary.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with the Head of English, SENCO, Heads of Year, and Subject Leaders to identify and address student underachievement.
• Build strong, empathetic relationships with parents and carers, and coordinate interpreters for school meetings where necessary.

Qualifications

• A good general standard of education with GCSE Grade A‑C (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Specialised TESOL/EAL qualifications, bilingual communication skills, and recent experience working with secondary‑aged children are highly desirable but not essential.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to break down communication barriers and build trusting, respectful relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Dedication to student wellbeing, able to support children with developmental difficulties or disabilities, and support classroom volunteers and teaching assistants.
• Solid understanding of the school curriculum, school behaviour policies, and a strong commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and confidentiality.
• Reliable, organised, and adaptable team player, able to use own initiative, resolve routine problems independently, and remain calm under pressure.

Benefits

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 programme that empowers you to flourish.

• Employee Benefits
• Competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Exclusive perks such as Cycle to Work scheme, discounts via 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.

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.

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