Eton College has an exciting opportunity for six Graduate Teachers to join the College on a two- year fixed term contract starting in September 2027. There are six places each year and subject availability varies. This year, we are able to support Graduate Teachers in the following departments: Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Divinity, English, Geography, Mathematics and Physics. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and skilled Graduate Teacher who is excited to contribute to the further development of this growing department. Instilling in our students a passion for Computer Science and how to harness its potential to impact our world is at the heart of what we do. The Computer Science Department has well-resourced facilities. Each classroom is equipped with Macs for practical programming work and a central space for collaborative work and theory lessons. The successful candidate would be expected to contribute to the wider running of the department in a variety of ways: the continued development of teaching resources, organising visits, assisting in the running of the Computer Science Society, external competitions and Oxbridge preparation. Numbers at A-Level are growing, and we are fortunate to teach a significant number of students wanting to pursue the subject at university and beyond. We teach the OCR syllabus and currently stretch and challenge our students with a short course on iOS application development to include advanced software development techniques. At GCSE level, there has been a steady increase in uptake, and it is now a very popular subject. It's exciting to see so many students gain a solid foundation in both programming and the fundamentals of Computer Science throughout the two-year programme - skills that will serve them well whatever their future aspirations and career objectives. All pupils in Year 9 have a weekly computer science lesson which offers a foundation in computational thinking, problem solving and programming. In addition, the course covers broader digital skills related to the application of technology in the modern world, as well as e-safety. Classroom learning is also enhanced by a culture that promotes independent research and investigation beyond the syllabus. All our teachers contribute to the challenging, exciting learning environment to which we expose our students, both within lesson time and beyond. The depth of experience and expertise within our Computer Science department means that we are well equipped and excited to be developing and supporting recent graduates into the profession. Eton is committed to the development of excellent teachers. Our Graduate Teacher Programme provides the opportunity for six graduates each year to begin their professional journey in teaching by immersing themselves in a full-boarding environment for two years. The programme offers structured, wide-ranging and personalised training, development and mentorship. It embodies Eton's holistic vision of education, providing extensive experience and skills development within the three intersecting spheres of school life: academic, pastoral and co-curricular. Across the two years of the programme our Graduate Teachers will build the foundations for a successful and fulfilling career in teaching.
- Year 1 will follow an in-house Foundations programme, run by the Teaching and Learning team at our Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL).
- Year 2 will provide graduate teachers with a PGCE and QTS, through our partnership with the National Institute for Teaching and Education (NITE) and the University of Coventry, enabling them to teach in both the state and private sectors.
With the close support of your mentor and the Head of the Programme, you will:
- Develop as a classroom practitioner, through a calibrated process that allows for a gradual increase in responsibility: from observing and reflecting and acting as a teaching assistant, through team-teaching or co-teaching responsibilities to taking sole responsibility for your classes in the second year;
- In Year 1, work with the Teaching and Learning team at our Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL) on our Foundations course, which focuses on teaching fundamentals and building confidence and competence in the classroom;
- In Year 2, complete QTS (Apprenticeship Route) with PGCE delivered online through the National Institute for Teaching and Education (NITE) and the University of Coventry;
- Get fully involved in the busy life of an academic department. You could, for example, be developing resources; helping deliver partnership activities; providing one-to-one support sessions or clinics; assisting with university applications; providing cover; attending department INSET; supporting society meetings; invigilating internal examinations; and assisting with trips.
Co-Curricular With the guidance of a co-curricular mentor, you will:
- Contribute to the sports programme. Your involvement will depend upon your experience and expertise, but could range from shadowing, co-coaching and assisting with practices and providing supervision and guidance, to 1-2- 1 coaching, refereeing and taking full responsibility for a team. Appropriate training and support will be provided;
- Contribute to other areas of the co-curriculum depending on your skills, experience and interest. There are a host of areas to be involved in including drama, outdoor education, CCF, debating, social impact, environmental or inclusion education, partnerships activities or additional sports;
- Work with our Summer Schools team to help deliver our Into University and Eton Connect summer schools for three weeks each summer;
- Provide logistical support for major school events, such as open days, parent/teacher meetings, as well as social events, trips, and the supervision of school transport at the start and end of holidays.
Pastoral You will:
- Undertake all pastoral and safeguarding training provided as part of the programme;
- Develop an understanding of the nature of a boarding community and the role of boarding house teams in the lives of students by joining a house team as an 'assistant' in your first year, undertaking a weekly duty evening and eating regularly with the boys in the house;
- Further develop your pastoral experience in the second year as a Resident House Tutor, becoming more fully involved in the life of a boarding house.
Requirements
Academic Achievement:
- A good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in a curriculum subject (or a subject closely related to the school curriculum) and a clear passion for that subject;
- A standard equivalent to grade C/4, or above, in GCSE English and Mathematics, in order to meet the criteria for the QTS Apprenticeship Route and PGCE course in Year 2.
Knowledge and experience:
- Prior experience of working with, teaching, coaching or mentoring young people in any capacity; Experience of working in a team to achieve a shared goal;
- Knowledge, experience or interest in extra-curricular (co-curricular) activities;
- A commitment to uphold the highest standards of pupil welfare and safeguarding procedures.
Personal Qualities and Skills:
- An interest in a career in teaching and an understanding of Eton's holistic vision of education;
- A desire to contribute to the extra-curricular (co-curricular) activities offered by the College;
- A commitment to the pastoral well-being of young people and to uphold the highest standards of pupil welfare and safeguarding procedures;
- The desire to be fully involved with the life of a busy boarding school - this will include co-curricular and pastoral duties that fall on evenings and weekends; you appreciate a boarding school operates 24/7 during term time and this can sometimes impact on your personal plans;
- The ability to actively reflect on your own practice, and the willingness to take on board advice and constructive feedback;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills which will allow you to communicate effectively with a wide range of people;
- Excellent attention to detail with high levels of motivation, personal organisation, energy and initiative;
- Positivity, flexibility and the ability to juggle a variety of tasks.
Offering a competitive salary of £25,707 per annum and accommodation, this is a 2 year fixed-term contract, starting in September 2027.
Working at Eton College comes with a wide range of benefits that recognise and reward our staff. These include a generous pension scheme with a 16% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution), salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family-friendly pay. Colleagues also benefit from a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or significantly discounted access to the College's excellent sport and leisure facilities, and discounts with local retailers and businesses.
- generous pension scheme with a 16% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution)
- salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare
- confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- enhanced family-friendly pay
- cycle to work scheme
- subsidised lunches during term time
- free or significantly discounted access to the College's excellent sport and leisure facilities
- discounts with local retailers and businesses