Trainee Teacher of English

Whitgift School; Slough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitgift School, a leading independent school, is seeking a well-qualified and enthusiastic graduate to take on a trainee teacher role. The position offers a full-time salary, mentorship, and structured training, with opportunities for graduates and those changing careers. The role includes supporting academic excellence and facilitating a comprehensive educational experience for boys aged 10-18.

Benefits

Generous salary and benefits package

Membership in Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Access to on-site gym

Discount on school fees

Assistance with relocation expenses

Qualifications

• Well-qualified graduate looking to start a career in teaching.
• Candidates can be recent graduates or career changers.
• Must be willing to undergo child protection screening.

Responsibilities

• Join a dynamic, friendly, and successful English department.
• Deliver hands-on teaching experience under mentorship.
• Complete PGCE+QTS or Early Career Teacher qualification.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Dedication

Collaborative

Education

Graduate qualification

Job description

Post suitable for: Recent graduates or career changers looking to begin a career in teaching.

Whitgift is one of Britain’s leading independent day and boarding schools, set in an attractive 48-acre parkland site in South Croydon enjoying excellent links to London, Surrey and the south coast. We are proud to be able to offer:

• a unique, tailor-made education for boys aged 10-18
• beautiful and historic parkland site with outstanding facilities
• a record of outstanding academic achievement
• superb facilities for over 40 sports, an exciting performing arts programme and wide range of co-curricular activities
• excellent pastoral care.

We are seeking to appoint a well-qualified, enthusiastic and dedicated graduate to join a dynamic, friendly and highly successful department as a trainee teacher. This permanent full-time salaried post offers candidates a hands-on classroom experience. Support is provided through mentorship by our experienced, dynamic and collaborative English department, and also through working with our dedicated Initial Teacher Training tutors.

Your day-to-day teaching experience at Whitgift will be complemented by either:

• For those who have not completed a PGCE: A place on a funded PGCE+QTS programme at the University of Buckingham involving both weekly lectures and residential training alongside a three-week experience at a contrasting school placement. Then, in years two and three, completion of the Early Career Teacher qualification through Whitgift’s bespoke in-house program - ‘Inspiring Teaching Practices’ (ECT1) and ‘Leading Learning In Communities’ (ECT2).
• For those who have completed a PGCE and would be an ECT1 teacher: Completion of the Early Career Teacher qualification through Whitgift’s bespoke in-house program - ‘Inspiring Teaching Practices’ (ECT1) and ‘Leading Learning In Communities’ (ECT2).

In return we offer a generous salary and benefits package including membership of either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (with 3 x salary life assurance cover) or a defined contribution (DC) scheme which can be tailored to meet financial goals and includes 5 x salary life assurance cover, an Employee Discount Club, discount on school fees for the Foundation Schools (permanent posts only, upon successful completion of the probationary period), access to our on-site gym, membership of a healthcare plan, a range of family-friendly benefits and season ticket loan. Accommodation may be available. Assistance is offered towards removal expenses etc., up to £1,000 in total.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.

Applications will be reviewed week commencing 2 June 2025 with interviews taking place week commencing 9 June 2025, so we invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers, the Disclosure & Barring Service and online media checks (including personal, professional and other online activities).

The Company

For more than 400 years, Whitgift has been transforming boys’ lives through education.

Whitgift 2025 was created as a result of the input and imagination of staff and students and the next few years will represent an exciting time of evolution for the school, both in terms of our site development plan and the educational partnerships we are embarking on.