Hours Per Week:32.5
Required Start Date:April 2025
Do you want to be a part of a team that is leading the way in Torbay, by improving the futures of marginalised young people with complex needs?
Are you passionate about English and literacy, with a commitment to developing the reading, writing and communication skills of all learners, regardless of their starting point?
The Lodestar Academy is seeking to appoint a secondary school teacher to focus on English, up to GCSE. We are looking for an outstanding practitioner, with vision, innovation and enthusiasm to join our team. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop the provision of English across the academy. A passion for working with hard-to-reach students is essential, along with a belief that every child can achieve when provided with the necessary support and care. An understanding of restorative approaches would be an advantage, but full training will be provided.
The Lodestar Academy is an alternative provision for learners aged 11-16 whose needs cannot currently be met in a mainstream education setting. You will join a small team of creative teaching practitioners who work with students unable to maintain a place in a mainstream setting. This includes some of the most disadvantaged students in Torbay, so you will need to be prepared to set high expectations and deliver quality teaching first, every time.
The successful candidate should have Qualified Teacher status and have an up-to-date knowledge of developments in English. The post would equally suit an Early Careers Teacher or experienced teacher.
Ideally required for an immediate start, but this is negotiable.
About Us
Lodestar Academy is a dynamic academy based in Torbay, who have built an impressive reputation in the alternative education provision sector for young people aged 11-18. We believe that all young people have the capacity to learn, regardless of their life situation. And our aim is to open the door to learning for those - often with social, emotional and mental health needs - who have been excluded or marginalised.
Our academy will provide a safe, nurturing environment for 50 secondary-age students who have been unable to sustain a place in mainstream education. By prioritising academic achievement and introducing behaviour interventions and therapeutic support where necessary, it will enable them to re-integrate at the same key stage as their peers, and go on to access opportunities into employment and further education.
Ofsted recently judged Lodestar Academy to be a good school:
"The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy."
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South East, South and South West.
We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.
Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:
- Think about their Thinking
- Be their Best self
- Shape their Success
In this way we transform life chances
What Our Trust Will Offer You
- Competitive Pay Scales:Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Performance Related Pay:We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- Teacher Pension Scheme: Secure your future with membership of theTeachersPension Scheme.
- Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
- Internationally Accredited Pedagogy:Access to a range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
- CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways and goals to guide your aspirations.
- Chartered Teacher Status: As an accredited Chartered Teacher organisation you can become a recognised Chartered Teacher.
- Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing:Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- Cycle2Work Scheme:Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- Fitness and Wellness:Enjoy reduced membership fees for our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes,located at Brixham College and Plympton Academy.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition:You will bepart of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Blue Light Card:School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across awide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
- TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
What You Need To Do Now
If you are interested in working at our friendly school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates