Job Title: English Teacher
Contract Type: Full-Time
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Start Date: January 2027

The Opportunity

A respected grammar school in Reading is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated English Teacher to join its teaching team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate educator who can bring English literature and language to life, inspire a love of reading and writing, and challenge students to think critically, communicate confidently and achieve their full academic potential.

Working within an academically ambitious environment, the successful candidate will deliver engaging and challenging lessons, contribute to the continued success of the English department and help students develop the skills and confidence they need to excel.

The role would suit a teacher who combines strong subject knowledge with excellent classroom practice, high expectations and a genuine commitment to student progress and achievement.

The Role

The English Teacher will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality English lessons, assessing student progress and creating a positive learning environment that encourages curiosity, independent thinking and academic excellence.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and delivering engaging English Language and English Literature lessons across the relevant Key Stages.

• Teaching a broad range of literary texts, poetry, plays, non-fiction and creative writing.

• Developing students' reading, writing, speaking, listening and analytical skills.

• Encouraging students to interpret texts critically, construct persuasive arguments and express ideas clearly.

• Preparing students effectively for GCSE and A-Level examinations, where applicable.

• Assessing students' work regularly and providing constructive feedback to support progress.

• Differentiating lessons and resources to meet the needs of students with varying abilities and learning styles.

• Monitoring attainment and using assessment data to identify areas for development.

• Maintaining high standards of behaviour, engagement and classroom expectations.

• Contributing to curriculum planning, departmental meetings and the development of teaching resources.

• Supporting enrichment opportunities, including reading initiatives, creative writing, debating, drama and literary events.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share effective teaching practices and maintain high academic standards.

• Contributing to the wider life of the school and supporting students' academic and personal development.

Teaching, Learning & Academic Achievement

The successful candidate will understand the importance of creating a stimulating classroom environment in which students are encouraged to question, analyse, debate and develop their own interpretations.

Within a grammar school setting, you will help students build strong subject knowledge, refine their analytical skills and develop the independence needed to succeed in a demanding academic environment.

The successful candidate will:

• Deliver challenging and well-structured lessons that promote intellectual curiosity and independent learning.

• Develop students' confidence in analysing complex texts, exploring language and evaluating writers' methods.

• Encourage thoughtful discussion, critical thinking and the development of well-supported arguments.

• Use assessment effectively to monitor progress and inform future teaching.

• Support students in developing effective examination techniques and achieving strong outcomes.

• Maintain high expectations while ensuring students receive the guidance and support needed to succeed.

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for an inspiring and committed English Teacher who is passionate about their subject and motivated to help students achieve excellent outcomes.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.

• A degree in English Literature, English Language or a related subject.

• Previous experience teaching English within a secondary school environment.

• Strong subject knowledge across English Language and Literature.

• Experience preparing students for GCSE and/or A-Level examinations, where applicable.

• Excellent classroom management and behaviour management skills.

• The ability to deliver engaging, challenging and well-differentiated lessons.

• Strong assessment skills and the ability to use data to monitor student progress.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A commitment to high standards of teaching, learning and academic achievement.

• The ability to build positive relationships with students, colleagues and parents.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to contribute effectively to a successful department.

• A proactive approach to professional development and continuous improvement.

• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience teaching in a grammar school or academically selective environment.

• Experience delivering GCSE English Language and English Literature.

• A-Level teaching experience, where relevant to the school's curriculum.

• Experience supporting high-achieving students and stretching more able learners.

• Experience contributing to curriculum development or departmental initiatives.

• Involvement in extracurricular activities such as debating, drama, creative writing or reading clubs.

• Experience using digital learning platforms and assessment systems to support teaching and learning.

Working Environment

The English Teacher will work within a collaborative academic environment alongside fellow teachers, departmental colleagues, pastoral staff and school leaders.

The role requires someone who can maintain high expectations, adapt to students' individual learning needs and contribute positively to a culture of achievement, curiosity and respect.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to share ideas, contribute to curriculum development and support opportunities that extend students' learning beyond the classroom.

What the School Offers

The successful candidate will become part of a school community committed to academic excellence, personal development and high-quality teaching.

The school offers:

• A supportive and collaborative teaching environment.

• Motivated students with a strong focus on learning and achievement.

• The opportunity to teach English within an academically ambitious setting.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• Supportive colleagues and departmental collaboration.

• Opportunities to contribute to enrichment activities and wider school initiatives.

• A varied and rewarding role with the opportunity to make a genuine difference to students' progress.

• A school culture that values high standards, intellectual curiosity and continuous improvement.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work verification and verification of relevant qualifications.

All staff are expected to comply fully with the school's safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and professional conduct policies.

How to Apply

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and dedicated English Teacher to join a grammar school in Reading and help students develop a lifelong appreciation of language, literature and learning.

If you are passionate about English, committed to delivering outstanding lessons and motivated to help students achieve their full potential, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your CV as soon as possible to be considered for this English Teacher position in Reading.

We look forward to hearing from you!