A small, welcoming 11-16 comprehensive school, located close to Gidea Park Station, is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Teacher of Geography to join the team on a maternity cover basis.

The school has been recognised for its strong pastoral care, with OFSTED (February 2024) noting that staff know their pupils very well, and as a result, pupils are happy and safe. Pupils are polite, respectful and mature and value diversity and equality.

The school has a strong sense of community, excellent behaviour, and a culture where relationships between staff and students are highly positive. It is an environment where teachers are able to focus on high-quality teaching and learning.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Teach Geography across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
• Deliver engaging, well-structured lessons that inspire curiosity about the world
• Contribute to curriculum planning and development within the Geography department
• Support students in achieving strong outcomes at GCSE level
• Use assessment effectively to monitor progress and raise attainment
• Contribute to wider school life, including enrichment activities where appropriate

Geography is a popular subject with strong uptake at GCSE, and students achieve consistently strong results (65% grades 9-4, 55% grades 9-5, and 27% grades 9-7). The department has a positive reputation and benefits from supportive leadership and collaborative working practices.

The Curriculum and Teaching Environment

The school promotes a collaborative approach to teaching and learning. Staff work together to share best practice through a structured INSET programme within the school and across the wider Trust.

Teachers are supported to develop high-quality pedagogy, with a focus on:

• Clear explanation and modelling
• Retrieval practice and knowledge retention
• Adaptive teaching to meet diverse learner needs
• Consistent and effective behaviour for learning strategies

Behaviour and Student Attitudes

Behaviour across the school is a strength. Students are described as respectful, mature, and engaged in their learning. This allows teachers to focus on delivering high-quality lessons in a calm and purposeful environment.

There is a strong emphasis on mutual respect, equality, and inclusion, and students are encouraged to take pride in their learning and achievements.

Outcomes and School Improvement

The school has demonstrated significant improvement over recent years, with results consistently above the national average in key subjects:

• English 9-4: 82%
• Maths 9-4: 82%
• English and Maths 9-4: 78%

This upward trend reflects a clear commitment to high standards, effective teaching, and strong leadership.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

• Be a qualified teacher with the ability to teach Geography at secondary level
• Be enthusiastic, reflective, and committed to continuous professional development
• Have high expectations for all learners and a commitment to raising achievement
• Be a strong team player willing to contribute to departmental and whole-school initiatives
• Be able to build positive relationships with students and staff
• (ECTs and experienced teachers are welcome to apply)

Professional Development and Support

The school places a strong emphasis on staff development and career progression. Opportunities include:

• Structured CPD programme and regular training sessions
• Support for additional qualifications and specialist development
• Leadership pathways including NPQML, NPQSL, and NPQH
• Teacher training and mentoring opportunities
• Collaborative working across the Trust to share expertise and resources

Staff Benefits and Wellbeing

The school is committed to staff wellbeing and offers a comprehensive package from day one of employment, including:

• Parental, compassionate, and carers' leave (at or above statutory levels)
• Flexible working requests considered from day one
• Access to wellbeing and medical support via external providers
• 24-hour GP helpline
• Physiotherapy, optical, dental, and specialist consultation support
• Counselling services and mental health support
• Contributions towards healthcare and wellbeing costs (subject to plan limits)
• Option to extend benefits to family members, including children in full-time education