Teacher of English

TKAT; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family-friendly policies

Flexible working

Job summary

Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley, West Sussex, is seeking a dedicated Teacher of English to energise and empower pupils daily. You will plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging English Language and Literature lessons, building confidence, analytical thinking, and a love of reading across Key Stage 3 and 4.

Whether you are an experienced teacher or an Early Career Teacher, your contribution will help raise attainment while fostering a supportive, inclusive classroom culture.

Qualifications

• Has a proven track record delivering engaging, well-structured lessons across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE English Language and Literature).
• Thorough knowledge of the National Curriculum for English, exam board specifications, and effective pedagogical strategies in literacy, reading comprehension, and creative writing.
• Uses a range of teaching and assessment strategies to meet diverse learner needs, delivering targeted intervention and feedback to raise attainment.
• Maintains high standards of classroom management to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.
• Builds warm, positive, and respectful relationships with pupils, parents/carers, and colleagues.
• Is resilient, passionate, and dedicated to helping pupils of all backgrounds achieve their full academic potential.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality English Language and Literature lessons that inspire a lifelong passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking.
• Contribute to department development, collaborate with leadership and trust-wide networks to share best practice.
• Support pupil attainment through targeted interventions and a focus on equality, inclusion, and belonging.

Skills

KS3/KS4 English

National Curriculum English

Assessment & feedback

Relationship building

Resilience

Job description

“If you want your child to become such an amazing person and to growthen Thomas Bennett is the school for you!" - Year 9 student

It is with huge pride that I welcome you as Head Teacher to Thomas Bennett Community College. My key philosophy has always been to do the best for the students, raising aspirations and giving them the tools to be successful. We are an innovative school with dedicated and determined staff who work together and who are all firmly committed to improving the life chances of our young people. We have approximately 1000 students and we have the highest expectations that each and every child will achieve personal and academic success. We also support every student to contribute actively and positively to the college and the community which we serve.

We have a thriving and growing Sixth Form which has recently been judged as ‘Good’ by Ofsted (May 2019) and gives excellent opportunities for all our students to prepare for their lives after Thomas Bennett.

Our recent Ofsted inspection in May 2019 highlighted: ‘The recently appointed headteacher has gained the confidence of staff, pupils, parents and carers. The school is now making rapid improvements under new leadership arrangements. Staff are united in working together to improve the school.’

‘Pupils and staff say that behaviour has improved greatly this year’

‘There is a clear vision and staff are focused on improving the quality of education provided for pupils. Staffing has been strengthened. The headteacher has improved the school’s culture so that is more aspirational for staff and pupils. Staff agree that the current headteacher has transformed the school. As one member of staff said, ‘the headteacher is relentlessly positive.’’

‘The learning environment has been greatly enhanced by the effective and consistent implementation of behaviour strategies.’

‘The sixth-form provision has improved since the last inspection. Leaders have developed a small, effective sixth form where students thrive in a close-knit community. Students say, ‘It feels like a family.’ The head of sixth form knows students extremely well and provides strong and principled leadership.’

Quotes from students – 2020: “The teaching's great.”

“You get so many opportunities.”

“The teaching's really good, you can make really good friends here even if they are in an older year. You never feel pressured into anything. We have gone through all the negative things and it’s all turning into positive.” “You can get your voices heard.“

“It’s welcoming, everyones kind and nice.”

“If you have any worries big or small you can always go to a member of staff and they really help you.“

“The school really helps people with all different kinds of issues whether they are mental health or even something like autism.“ I hope you find all the information you require on this website but please do contact us if you would like to know more or to arrange to visit us. You can all so follow us on FacebookandTwitter.

Kind regards,

Daniel Hatley - Headteacher

We are looking for a dedicated Teacher of English who brings energy, heart, and purpose to our team at Thomas Bennett Community College , someone ready to inspire and empower our pupils every single day.

In our Trust, an English Teacher is far more than a classroom practitioner; you are a key architect in building a child’s confidence, analytical thinking, and voice. We are seeking an empathetic, proactive team player who can plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality English Language and Literature lessons that inspire a lifelong passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Whether you are an experienced teacher or an Early Career Teacher looking to take the next step in your career, your talent will be valued here. In our community, teachers are vital partners in driving educational standards, supporting pupil attainment, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let’s unlock potential, and ensure every child gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Teacher of English will be someone who:

• Has a proven track record (or placement experience) delivering engaging, well-structured lessons across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE English Language and Literature).

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the National Curriculum for English, exam board specifications, and effective pedagogical strategies in literacy, reading comprehension, and creative writing.

• Uses a range of teaching and assessment strategies to meet diverse learner needs, delivering targeted intervention and feedback to raise attainment.

• Maintains high standards of classroom management to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.

• Builds warm, positive, and respectful relationships with pupils, parents/carers, and colleagues.

• Is resilient, passionate, and dedicated to helping pupils of all backgrounds achieve their full academic potential.

Great Support Starts with a Great Community:

• Exceptional development: Access high-quality professional development, CPD, and appraisal opportunities tailored to your role.

• Collaborative Pathways: Collaborate with department colleagues, leadership, and trust-wide networks to share best practice and grow your skills.

Family & Work-Life Balance

• Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

• Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

Financial Wellbeing & Savings

• Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.

• Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Thomas Bennett Community College is an inclusive, ambitious 11–18 secondary school and sixth form located in Crawley, West Sussex, and a proud member of the Kemnal Academies Trust family. Guided by our core commitment to ensure every student receives a high-quality education regardless of their background, we foster an environment where high academic expectations go hand-in-hand with exceptional care and strong community values.

Equipped with modern learning facilities and a vibrant, supportive staff body, our school is dedicated to empowering young people with the confidence, critical thinking skills, and agency they need to achieve their full potential. To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special, visit our website or contact us to book a tour with our Headteacher and experience our school community firsthand.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging : Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working

We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment - Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.

Hours

32.5 hours per week

Contract type

Permanent

Location

The Atkins Centre, Kemnal Technology College,

The Kemnal Academies Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company number 7348231. Its registered address is, The Atkins Centre, Kemnal Technology College, Sevenoaks Way, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5AA.