At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead lessons and support students in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Join the friendly team at The St Leonards Academy, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching or classroom support is essential.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 19419 - 19419 Β£ per year.
Working Pattern: Term time only (39 weeks)
Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): Β£19,419 per annum
Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
Are you committed to the development and achievement of pupils? Do you take a creative approach when interacting with children?
The St Leonards Academy are recruiting a Lesson Leader to join our friendly and enthusiastic team on a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave, contributing to raising standards in the classroom. In the absence of the class teacher, the Lesson Leader will provide lesson cover under the supervisory arrangements established by the Academy. When these cover arrangements are not required, to work as a Teaching Assistant according to the requirements of the Academy.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a drive for excellence and a desire to deliver lessons of an outstanding quality
- Is highly organised, motivated and committed to the role
- Has experience working in teaching or in providing support in the classroom
- Is a team member who will collaborate with colleagues to ensure a high level of communication both internally and externally
- Is flexible to the changing demands of the role
- Is able to build positive working relationships with students
- Has enthusiasm, presence and authority and can deliver consistently
Please refer to the attached job description for full details.
The St Leonards Academy
At The St Leonards Academy, we believe in the power of knowledge to enrich lives and shape educated citizens. We are committed to a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring every student, regardless of background, encounters the best of human thought and achievement.
The academy takes pride in its meticulously planned curriculum, dedication to excellence, and robust pastoral support system. We prioritise reading and offer comprehensive mental health support. Exceptional assistance is provided for students with additional needs, alongside a wide array of enriching extracurricular activities.
With rigorous safeguarding measures and opportunities for student leadership, The St Leonards Academy creates a safe, supportive environment where all 1400 students can thrive.
Visit us: Home β The St Leonards Academy
We truly value the experience, dedication, and commitment of all our employees and believe in the power of motivated and happy staff. This is why we seek to enrich and reward our employees wherever we can, by offering a wide range of exciting and useful employee benefits. These include:
- Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
- Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
- Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some \βTime for You\β to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
- Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
- Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a Β£2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
- Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.
Our commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order GOV.UK )
We welcome applications from all members of the community.
The Trust is proud to be part of the government\βs Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistant at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know, by contacting us by email to or by telephone to Emma Richings
Find out more
For further information about this opportunity please download the attached job description and personal specification, and view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack
To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Gail Sidders, Academy Administration Manager on or
Key dates
Closing date: 7 September 2025
Interview date: TBC
Proposed start date: 29 September 2025
Not your perfect job? Please register for job alerts to learn about our future vacancies: Future Job Alerts
A helpful guide to completing your application is available here: Guidance on your application
Lesson Leader employer: University of Brighton Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Lesson Leader
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The St Leonards Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teaching and classroom management. We suggest role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Think of engaging lesson ideas or activities you could implement as a Lesson Leader. Bring these to the interview to demonstrate your innovative approach.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows youβre serious about joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lesson Leader
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for teaching and working with children shine through in your application. We want to see your commitment to helping pupils achieve their best!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in teaching or classroom support. We love seeing how your skills align with what weβre looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly understand why youβd be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton Academies Trust
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure youβre familiar with the job description and the academy's values. Understand what it means to be a Lesson Leader and how you can contribute to raising standards in the classroom. Brush up on your teaching methods and be ready to discuss how you can creatively engage with students.
β¨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through. Talk about your commitment to pupil development and share examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past. This role is all about building relationships, so make sure they see your genuine interest in their success.
β¨Be Team-Oriented
The St Leonards Academy values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share experiences where youβve successfully collaborated with colleagues or supported others in the classroom. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing demands.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, donβt forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the academy is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to student wellbeing or how they support staff development, as these are key aspects of their culture.