Teacher of English
Didcot Girls' School, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7AJ7 days remaining to apply
Start date details
1st September 2025
Closing date
7 May 2025 at 8am
Date listed
29 April 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- English
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- MPS / UPS
Teacher of English job summary
English Teacher
Reporting to: Head of Department
Location: Didcot Girls’ School & Didcot Sixth Form
Salary/allowances: MPS/UPS scale point. Suitable for Early Careers Teacher
Job type: Permanent, full time or part time considered (please indicate in your application)
Start date: 1st September 2025
The Post
Are you someone with a genuine and infectious passion for their subject, can you enthuse and engage the students you teach; are you someone with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment?
We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training.
Didcot Girls’ School is an accredited teaching school with a significant track record for successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. The school is also part of Ridgeway Education Trust, a growing multi-academy trust, which provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across schools in the future.
For further information about the department, please email Sian Hall, Head of English and Media on shall@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk
DGS English Department
The English Department developed their own ‘mastery’ curriculum at Key Stage 3 many years ago, and this has been refined over many years. This curriculum includes a highly coherent model for skills progression, explicit teaching of key English concepts, and a rigorous model for assessment. It has been conceived to prepare students for the challenges of GCSEs, whilst maintaining a balanced, culturally rich experience of English. Most importantly, it has been created by a team of practising teachers who are committed to a process of iterative refinement.
In Years 10 and 11, students follow the AQA specifications for English Language and English Literature. English is a popular option in the joint Sixth form: we offer AQA’s Specification A for Literature and AQA’s Specification A for Language and Literature.
The English Department has a close working relationship with the vibrant and growing Media department. Media is a popular subject at GCSE and A-Level.
Outcomes
Results at all levels are very strong. In 2024, 93% of students achieved at least one grade 4 or above in English Language or Literature, 85% of students achieved at least one grade 5 or above and 47% achieved at least one grade 7 or above. In comparison to national statistics for girls’ achievement, students at DGS achieve, on average, at least 10% better nationally, from a truly comprehensive intake. A level English Literature, and Language and Literature, is very popular. Results are strong, with many students opting to study English at university and a significant proportion of students receiving top grades of A-A* (47% in English Literature and in English Language and Literature).
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has a strong culture of Reading for Pleasure. There are fortnightly Reading for Pleasure lessons in the Library for Years 7 and 8, regular visits from authors, a strong team of Reading Ambassadors and engagement with local and national book awards. There are regular theatre trips and regular university visits for KS5 students. The department runs successful catch-up provision for KS3 and KS4 students, which includes reading mentoring programmes, run by older students, for struggling or reluctant readers at KS3.
The School
Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:
“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”
Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.”
We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.
We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.
Summer 2024 GCSE results were superb with 81% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 66% doing the same at 5+. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 30% of grades awarded as A* or A and 62% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.
Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.
We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!
Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.
RET – Ridgeway Education Trust
As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, Didcot Girls’ School (Ofsted Outstanding November 2022) works in close partnership with St Birinus School (Ofsted Good, February 2020). The two schools share a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (Ofsted Outstanding, November 2022) which is based predominantly at St Birinus.
Application process:
The school reserves the right to interview on receipt of applications and to appoint prior to the published deadline, so early application is recommended.Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks. All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.
To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies
Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.
Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.
Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.
We are committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of staff and students throughout the school.
Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.
Commitment to safeguarding
Didcot Girls School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check along with standard pre-employment safeguarding checks.
Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original qualification certificate(s), proof of residence and photographic ID to interview.
Didcot Girls School is an equal opportunities employer.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs are not accepted.
About Didcot Girls' School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 1616 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Didcot Girls' School website
Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was again judged to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:
“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”
Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary”
We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.
We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.
Summer 2022 GCSE results were superb with 88% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 72% doing the same at 5+. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 44% of grades awarded as A* or A and 68% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.
School location
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