Teacher of English

We wish to appoint a committed, dynamic and experienced English Teacher to join our English department, where literature and creativity sit firmly at the centre of teaching. Academic results are excellent and the department maintains a focus on professional development.  We have very strong pupil numbers. Canford also offers an excellent benefits and accommodation package.

The English Department

The Canford English Department puts pupils and literature firmly at the centre of teaching: we want our pupils to find reading and writing about literature a positive and enriching experience that parallels their own imaginative work. Historically, we have a strong academic record and believe there are ways to combine exam success with co-curricular and supra-curricular inspiration. Traditionally, our results have been strong at both GCSE and A Level. 

Literature and reading are central in our focus. Even before they arrive, Shell (Year 9) pupils are sent a book list and encouraged to take part in a summer reading project. During the first year, pupils have two weekly reading sessions, in addition to English lessons.

We teach through discussion and participation: lessons are lively, imaginative and challenging. While paying due attention to accuracy in the use of spoken and written language, we want to foster a love of reading and self-expression.

Fourth and Fifth Form pupils enjoy a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, and study a lively and varied selection of poetry, a range of 19^th/20^th century fiction and non-fiction texts and two plays (one Shakespeare play and a modern play). We follow the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Specifications for English Language and English Literature. Pupils submit coursework for English Language and complete one exam. Pupils also complete coursework for English Literature and complete one exam.

Pupils are expected to study the same texts across the year group, as we believe this allows them to support each other outside of class. There are regular common assessed tasks that enable us to effectively track pupil progress. Whilst there are shared resources for each text, staff are free to teach their groups in the most effective way they see fit. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups.

We deliver the OCR A Level English Literature course which covers a wide range of text types and genres. Currently, we teach the American literature component choice for their Comparative and Contextual Study Paper. Pupils are always encouraged to go beyond exam requirements and deepen their understanding of a particular period or topic.  Discussion and essay writing are the core activities.   

We run frequent trips and aim to stretch our pupils beyond the classroom whenever possible.  Later this year we are fortunate enough to have an outdoor theatre company visiting to perform open air Shakespeare at Canford. We regularly run inter–year competitions and have submitted entries to prestigious national competitions such as the Newham Essay Prize, the Tower Poetry competition and the Global Acts of Unity poetry competition (a competition that helped promote the Global outlook we try to foster at Canford). The department leads on co-curricular creative writing and debating.

The Department itself occupies the Wessex block where there are six spacious and well-equipped teaching rooms, an office, a foyer with space for sixth formers to work and a lecture theatre that seats around 100 pupils.

BROADER SCHOOL LIFE

All members of staff are encouraged to play a full part in the co-curricular activities of the school, whether in sport, theatre, music, or art.  The pastoral side of the school is very strong, and over half the staff are involved in some way.

Canford has its own salary scale and accommodation may be available.

Applicants are welcome to contact Jenny Plater, Head of English, on jap@canford.com for further information.

APPLICATIONS

Please ensure you include details of referees in your application. Please also upload a covering letter and full curriculum vitae. For queries contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: recruitment@canford.com

Those interested are requested to apply as soon as possible, and at the latest by 15^th March 2026.  Interviews may be arranged prior to the closing date for suitable applicants.

TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

Canford is ‘a school community where all are inspired to explore, empowered to express and challenged to excel’.   

This vision is not just a form of words. It underpins how we live and work together, how we seek to educate and support our pupils and how we develop our staff who commit so much of themselves to those young people in our care. As a community we bring a sense of purposeful engagement and a courageous attitude to the challenges and opportunities which life brings; we aim high but pursue our goals with humble ambition and we strive to make a real and positive difference to our world through gracious leadership. 

Purpose:

All teachers should make a positive contribution to good practice in the school by generating enthusiasm for the work in their departments, building good relationships with colleagues, parents and pupils, and by encouraging and establishing high standards in the teaching and learning of a specific subject or group of subjects.  In addition, they are asked to contribute fully to the wider educational offering including pastoral and co-curricular provision and to the development of the whole school community in accordance with the aims of the school.

All staff are expected to promote the safeguarding, wellbeing and welfare of all pupils at all times.

The core teaching hours take place from 0800 to 1800 Monday to Saturday, with wider contribution required for pastoral and co-curricular activities during evenings and weekends

Workload will be determined by the SLT in discussion with the teacher.  Duties are likely to vary from teacher to teacher, but will include the following:

Academic responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver effective lessons according to schemes of work or as set out by the Head of Department/Line Manager.
• Set and mark work regularly for all pupils.
• Keep accurate records of pupils’ progress and achievements.
• Apply assessment framework as laid out by the Deputy Head Academic
• Set and mark a share of the internal examinations within the Department
• Set and mark coursework as required
• Write internal and external assessments/reports as required
• Attend and contribute to Departmental meetings
• Show willingness to share ideas and contribute to Departmental Resources
• Take a share of responsibility for activities organised by the Department (eg field trips, lectures, societies)
• Attend INSET meetings as required – demonstrate active engagement with CPD and an ability to share and apply this learning effectively.
• Attend Staff meetings as required
• Adopt a professional approach to teaching modelling behaviour expected of pupils

Co-curricular expectations:

Canford offers a wide and varied co-curricular programme including Sport, Music, Drama, CCF, Outdoor Adventure and Community Service.  Typically, a full-time teacher without additional responsibilities would contribute 4 afternoons sessions (Monday to Saturday) per week, throughout the academic year.  This would be pro-rata for part-time staff:

• Activities will be allocated which best align with a teacher’s skills and interests, where possible.
• A requirement to support weekend and evening activities during term-time
• An expectation to support School trips outside term-time. 

Pastoral expectations:

• House duties will be required, allocated during evenings and weekends.  Part-time teachers will be provided a pro-rata allocation.
• Staff attendance at assembly, chapel each week. 
• Other expectations include:
• All staff will be allocated tutees and will be required to meet the expectations of a Canford tutor, including tutor meetings in line with expectations set out by the School.
• An expectation to drive on School business, which may require you to complete a mini-bus driving assessment qualification (depending on ability/qualification).
• Timely completion of compliance training such as safeguarding, first aid and annual declarations to confirm an awareness and understanding of the School’s policies and procedures.
• Support marketing and admissions events such as Open Day, admissions assessment processes and other events involving feeder schools both on and off site where required.
• Support colleagues and engage with wellbeing initiatives both for pupils and staff.

No job description can fully encompass every aspect of this role and duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time.

TEACHER SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

•    An honours degree in a relevant subject
•    A track record of achievement and ambition
•    Excellent subject knowledge
•    Excellent communication skills
•    Expert classroom management skills and rapport with pupils
•    A considerable work rate and high degree of administration efficiency
•    Good/effective ICT skills
•    Love of working with young people
•    Enthusiasm to participate in the School community, supporting a wide range of activities
•    Strong, dynamic character
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with good pastoral instincts 
•    Stamina, emotional intelligence and resilience
•    Willingness to work on professional development and to assist others to do so
•    Willingness to continue learning throughout your career
•    Proven aptitude for organisation and quick logical thought
•    Attitude, style and presence of a role model for pupils

Desirable

•    A recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE
•    Experience of classroom teaching
•    Understanding of the boarding school environment
•    Experience of working within a boarding school
•    Ability and experience working in co-curricular areas such as sport, music, drama etc

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. 

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.