Second in English

East Point Academy; Oulton Broad; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TPS Pension

Health Plan

Cycle-to-work

Free parking

Induction programme

Job summary

East Point Academy in Lowestoft is seeking an inspiring Second in Department (English) to join our team. You will work with senior leaders to develop a knowledge-rich curriculum and raise standards.

The role offers Main Pay Scale to Upper Pay Scale with a £6,000 TLR and a January 2027 start. You will lead, mentor staff, contribute to school improvement, and participate in wider Inspiration Trust initiatives.

Qualifications

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or on track to achieve QTS.
• Experience as a secondary school teacher and manager.
• Experience in performance management, self-evaluation and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop staff.
• Knowledge of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head of Department in curriculum development and teaching innovations.
• Ensure high standards across the academy and smooth daily operation.
• Maintain professional conduct and engage in performance development activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues, external agencies and SLT.
• Participate in meetings, quality assurance and school events outside hours.
• Uphold Trust and Academy policies and Health & Safety standards.
• Monitor safeguarding, welfare, attendance and behaviour.
• Deliver pastoral programmes as form tutor when required.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide revision support.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework and adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative

Education

Degree with QTS

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.

Essential:

• 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.

Desirable:

• 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.

Next Steps

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Julie Collins, PA to Principal ([e-mail]).

To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.

When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.

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

Interview date: Wednesday 14th 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.