Second in English

Inspiration Trust Ltd; Lowestoft; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TPS contributions

Health plan

Cycle-to-work

Free parking

Induction programme

CPD opportunities

Job summary

East Point Academy in Lowestoft is seeking a Second in Department (English) to lead curriculum and pedagogy, delivering a knowledge-rich programme and working with Inspiration Trust leaders.

The role requires a strong track record in secondary education leadership, QTS and collaboration with senior teams to raise attainment and standards nationwide.

Qualifications

• QTS qualification or on track to achieve QTS.
• Proven experience as a secondary school teacher and leader.
• Experience in performance management, self-evaluation and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and support staff to high standards.
• Knowledge of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with students, parents and colleagues.
• Experience designing and implementing initiatives to raise attainment.
• Experience leading department-level pedagogic changes.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head of Department with curriculum development.
• Ensure high standards across the Academy.
• Maintain professional conduct and engage in performance management and professional development.
• Collaborate with colleagues, external agencies, and Senior Leadership Team.
• Participate in meetings, QA processes and school events outside normal hours.
• Promote and uphold Trust and Academy policies and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensure safeguarding, welfare, attendance, punctuality and behaviour are monitored.
• Serve as a form tutor, delivering pastoral programmes and supervising pupils.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Curriculum development

Performance management

Data analysis

Pedagogy

SEND awareness

Education

QTS qualification

Secondary education degree

Job description

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) and TLR2 of £6,000 per annum

Permanent, Full Time

Start Date: January 2027

East Point Academy is seeking an inspiring, innovative and dedicated Second in Department (English) to join our team; a leader who shares our belief that all pupils have the right to succeed and have access to the very best education.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and delivering our ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum. Working collaboratively with colleagues within the department and across Inspiration Trust, you will help embed effective pedagogy, raise standards, and ensure excellent outcomes for all students.

This key role will give you the opportunity to work with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum development and play an important part in creating a department that aims to set the standard nationally. You will have a willingness to work with the wider Inspiration Trust team to deliver an exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

East Point Academy achieved exceptional GCSE outcomes in Summer 2026 and was one of the top performing schools in Suffolk.

Our English department's GCSE outcomes were outstanding and considerably above the national average, for all pupils and disadvantaged.

The Academy was inspected by Ofsted in June 2026 and achieved the Expected Standard in all areas. Inspectors described the academy as “a kind, warm school” where “pupils attend well and flourish.” They recognised that pupils work hard and produce high-quality work, reflecting the academy’s strong culture of learning and care.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To assist the Head of Department with the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop student expertise in the subject.
• To ensure that our high standards are applied consistently across the Academy Team in terms of the smooth day-to-day running of the Academy.
• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes, and school events outside normal hours.
• Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy’s ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensure pupil safeguarding, welfare, attendance, punctuality, and behaviour are monitored and supported.
• Serve as a form tutor, delivering pastoral programmes and supervising pupils as required.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students, and maintain high standards of pupil work.
• Assess pupil progress, evaluate teaching approaches, and provide reports and references to support pupil development.
• Actively contribute to school life, including enrichment activities and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

About You

The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You will be someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to motivate staff and students. You will also be collaborative, empathetic, and have a deep passion for the subject matter.

You should come with an existing track record of effectiveness but be keen to develop further as a member of the wider leadership team.

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).
• Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.
• Evidence of effective design and implementation of initiatives for raising student attainment and improving the quality of teaching and learning strategies
• Successful experience in leading and managing pedagogic changes at department level

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward‑thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

East Point Academy in Lowestoft is the first secondary school to see the sunrise every day, and it is a fantastic place to work. The academy’s values underpin everything it does, preparing pupils to be successful both within the school and in the wider community throughout their lives. Students and staff embody these core values, creating a positive and supportive culture. Pupils are encouraged to be independent thinkers, gaining the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Lowestoft, click here.

Closing date for applications: 12noon on Thursday 8th October 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

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

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: OCT20262381 .