TEACHER OF ENGLISH - FULL TIMEFIXED TERM FROM APRIL 2026, UP TO 1 YEAR Appointment ofCONTENTS3Our Mission Statement andVision1Headmaster’s Introduction7About Ratcliffe College6The Benefits4-5Academic ExcellenceThe Vacancy910-12How to apply / Ratcliffe Terms13-14 Job Description and PersonSpecificationI wish you all the very best of luck with your application. Yours sincerely, Kind regards,Mr J. P. Reddin,Headmaster.Welcome to Ratcliffe College. I am delighted that you are considering applying for a role at our wonderful school. First andforemost, Ratcliffe College is a fantastic place to work. We are blessed with a beautiful physicalenvironment set in almost 200 acres of rolling Leicestershire countryside. Our staff, teaching andnon-teaching, work in harness, daily, to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for thechildren and young people to enjoy. Our collegiality is built on the foundations of the College’sCatholic faith, which welcomes everyone with the same universality of warmth and respect,embracing difference and cultivating an authentic community which values everyone equally. As a Catholic School with a proud Rosminian heritage which has endured since our Foundationin 1847, our aim is to help young people to achieve their greatest potential, guide theirintellectual growth, nurture their God-given talents, and inspire them to live in service to others.Together, we aim to develop honest, confident, responsible, and compassionate members ofsociety, based on the educational values of Blessed Antonio Rosmini, inspired by our schoolmotto, Legis Plenitudo Charitas’ or Love is the fulfilment of the Law. At Ratcliffe College, Christ is very much at the centre of all that we do. So, if our Missionresonates, and you believe you can be happy and thrive here, I encourage you to apply andjoin our team of staff as we fulfil our Mission.HEADMASTER’S INTRODUCTION12“Learning and Growing in theLight of the Gospel.”With Christ at the centre of our learning we: Help young people to achieve their greatestpotential.Guide their intellectual growth, nurture theirGod-given talents, and inspire them to live inservice to others.Aim to develop honest, confident, responsible andcompassionate members of society, based on theeducational values of Blessed Antonio Rosmini. Our core Rosminian values: 1. Legis Plenitudo Charitas: Love is the Fulfilment ofthe Law. Our community recognises each individual as a uniquepart of God’s creation, nurtures in each a sense ofdignity and self-worth, and fosters supportive andcaring relationships. 2. Rosminian Education pursues the perfection ofboth human nature and the human person. Our students’ intellect and talents are formed by abroad and balanced curriculum, responsive to andsupportive of students’ needs and aspirations. Ourstudents’ moral integrity is developed through theteaching, celebration and the living of Christian faith.3. Intellectual integrity leads us to the Truth. God is the source of all truth. Our staff are encouragedto foster intellectual curiosity, honesty and achievementin their students and within themselves. OUR VISIONTo be a leading independent day and boardingschool, which is financially secure. OURMISSIONSTATEMENTSCAN THE CODE 3-YEAR STRATEGYDEVELOPMENT PLAN 2025-2028.34Ratcliffe College is an Outstanding Roman Catholic,co-educational, day and boarding school for studentsaged between 3 and 18 years, founded in 1847 bythe Institute of Charity (known as the Rosminians). Whilst Ratcliffe operates as a Catholic school, children arewelcomed from other denominations and faiths whoseparents feel they can share in, and benefit from, the ethosand environment of the College. The majority of students atRatcliffe are day students drawn from the local catchmentarea of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The Senior Leadership Team comprises:Headmaster        Mr J Reddin, BSc, MSc, NPQH Senior Deputy Head        Mr K Ryce, BA, MScDeputy Head Pastoral        Mr J Rainer, BA, MADirector of Safeguarding       Mr J MastertonAssistant Head Academic        Ms J Davis, BA, MScAssistant Head, Head of Sixth Form        Mr B Harrison, BAHead of Preparatory School        Mrs S Minford, BA, MADeputy Head of Preparatory School        Mrs M Markham, BMusDirector of Finance and Operations       Mr C Bellamy, HNDBoarding CommunityRatcliffe benefits from a vibrant, warm and welcoming boarding community that has long been part of the School's history. Allstudents are encouraged to participate in boarding during their years at school – as full, weekly, part-time or occasionalboarders. Its close-knit community of friends and teachers’ is a supportive environment where our young people thrive. Our boarding community comprises students from both the UK and overseas, including those who join through our partnership withthe Academy at Leicester City Football Club.The College also offers several short-term international boarding programmes throughout the year, including 3–4 immersion tasterexperiences and an annual International Summer School, all delivered by Ratcliffe staff.Boarders benefit from a strong pastoral framework. Each student is supported by a Form Tutor who monitors their academicprogress and personal development, alongside the care and guidance provided by a dedicated and experienced boardingteam.ABOUT RATCLIFFE COLLEGE 4Ratcliffe College Preparatory School Ratcliffe College Preparatory School is a thriving andnurturing environment where children aged 3 to 11 areencouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning. As part ofthe wider Ratcliffe College community, the Prep Schoolbenefits from outstanding facilities, a beautiful campussetting, and access to specialist teaching, ensuring aseamless educational journey from Early Years through toSenior School.Ratcliffe College Preparatory School provides a rich, well-rounded educational experience that nurtures each child’sunique talents and potential. Our dedicated staff arecommitted to delivering a broad, balanced, and ambitiouscurriculum that supports academic excellence while nurturingcreativity, confidence, and character. Alongside coresubjects, pupils enjoy a wide range of specialist-led lessonsincluding Music, French, Spanish, Latin, Drama, PhysicalEducation and Games. Small class sizes and a strong sense of community allow usto truly know each child and support their individual strengthsand needs. An extensive co-curricular programme, regular trips, andenrichment opportunities further enhance pupils' experiences,helping to develop well-rounded individuals prepared forthe next stage of their education. The Preparatory School isan exciting and rewarding place to work. Staff are valuedmembers of a collaborative and forward-thinking team,playing an active role in shaping the character and culture ofthe school.5Ratcliffe students enjoy an excellent all-roundbalanced education, underpinned by theCollege’s core Rosminian Catholic ethos. While students at Ratcliffe have a broad range ofability, academic success is strongly encouraged,valued and recognised; indeed, the greatlyimproved academic standards in recent years haveproved popular both with parents and prospectiveparents, as reflected in the numbers of studentsapplying to join the College.Ratcliffe College has repeatedly ranked in thetop 10% nationally for value added results at A Level.A Level results achieved in 2025: 45% of A Level grades A*/A 71% grade B or above. Ten percent of students achieved A*/A*/Aor better. One in four students achieved A Level orBTEC grades equivalent to A/A/A orhigher.Over 90% of students typically achieve their firstchoice pathway for life after School. This includesstudents taking up places at Oxford, Cambridge,and other highly selective Russell Group universities;for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science; andat universities abroad.. ACADEMICEXCELLENCERatcliffe College has been judged ‘Excellent’ in all areas (ISI Inspection, 2022).Read the full Inspection Report here.6THE BENEFITS OFWORKING ATRATCLIFFE COLLEGETPS or Defined ContributionsPension SchemeFree parking on-siteFree lunch and refreshments Professional Developmental opportunities Sport and LeisureFree use of the on-site gym        (at specified times)Leicestershire County Cricket Clubfamily tickets (limited)Staff WellbeingStaff Wellbeing Committee     Free staff social events                        Access to on-site Medical CareRatcliffe College CommunityCommittee Access to the School Counsellor Free health line for staff and theirfamiliesSCAN THE CODE VIRTUAL CAMPUSTOUR.7TEACHER OF ENGLISHThe English Department is looking to appoint a dynamic and motivated English teacher with an infectious passion for thesubject. The ideal candidate would have appropriate experience as an exceptional classroom teacher, and be able toteach GCSE English Language and Literature to a very high standard, as well as being an established Key Stage 3English teacher. The English Department moved into a purpose built English Language Centre in September 2022.The department is wholly committed to raising the standards of pupil achievement and to providing students with alearning experience of the highest quality. We are an ambitious and innovative department that prides itself on a strongcollaborative approach to the curriculum. Moreover, the English Department takes its role as a core department veryseriously and is constantly seeking new ways to enhance teaching and learning; the successful applicant will be expectedto contribute ideas and to create resources for our schemes of work. Our schemes are regularly reviewed to ensure thatall staff contribute to a coherent and engaging programme of study.Year 7 is taught in mixed ability groups whereas Year 8 pupils are set. Pupil progress is closely monitored using CAT4data, departmental trackers and through the formal assessment of reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.  The department follows the AQA GCSE course, which offers a range of accessible and appealing texts and excellentsupport for interactive activities. The majority of students will take both English Language and English Literature, while anumber of students will take the English Language GCSE only. Years 9, 10 and 11 are set according to ability.Each English classroom in the new purpose built facility is equipped with a new interactive whiteboard. Teachers areallocated their own room. The department is well-resourced in terms of teaching and learning materials.Currently, the department consists of four full-time and three part-time members of staff. Individual members havespecific areas of literary expertise, and we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities. Each member of the departmentis expected to contribute to the wider curriculum of the School.JOB DESCRIPTION1010Job Title:    Teacher of English     Responsible to:  Head of DepartmentAccountable to:  Senior Deputy Head    Job Purpose: To carry out the professional duties of a teacher as circumstances may require and inaccordance with College policies under the direction of the Headmaster. Subject TeacherTeaching and learning:To plan lessons and sequences of lessons effectively in order to maximise the learning needs ofstudents. To make use of information and prior attainment to set appropriate and demanding expectations forstudents’ learning and motivation. To provide targeted support for students within teaching groups who have special educational needsand/or for whom English is an Additional Language. To liaise with the SENCo and teacher responsible for EAL as appropriate regarding students causingconcern. To use a range of appropriate strategies for teaching and classroom management, which engagestudents and stimulate intellectual curiosity through the use of effective questioning, clear presentationand good use of resources. To set high expectations for students’ behaviour, establishing and maintaining a good standard ofdiscipline through well-focused teaching and through positive and productive relationships. To assess how well learning objectives have been achieved and use this assessment for future teaching.Knowledge and Understanding To have a thorough up-to-date knowledge of the subject/specialisms and to take account of relevantwider curriculum developments. To have a good knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety issues within the subject area andoperate to the standards required. To understand the assessment requirements of the National Curriculum (Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1,2 & 3, as appropriate) and KS4 GCSE syllabi and A Level courses as applicable.  Assessment Recording and Reporting:To mark and monitor students’ class work and homework in accordance with the school anddepartmental marking policies. To involve students in self-assessment within the subject. To record and report on students’ progress as outlined in the school and departmental assessmentpolicies. To produce written reports in line with the school and departmental reporting policies. To meet school deadlines for recording and reporting. Your paragraph textPastoral Care: To promote the well being of students. To consult with the Head of Department regarding students causing concern. To liaise with the Form Tutor and Head of Year, and Housemaster/Housemistress whenappropriate. Managing own professional development To take responsibility for own professional development and to keep up to date with research anddevelopments within the subject(s) taught. To understand responsibilities in relation to school and departmental policies and practices,including understanding the School Mission Statement and contributing to it, and maintaining theCatholic ethos. To set a good example to students through personal presentation and conduct. To use the outcomes of professional development to improve teaching and students’ learning. To participate in the School Appraisal/Performance Management Programme.   Form Tutor To be fully aware of the school’s Mission Statement, pastoral and academic policies, and to seekto promote them in all aspects relating to their tutor group.    To work as part of a tutor team within a year group and to contribute to the collective efforts ofthe tutor team, under the leadership of the Head of Year, and to attend meetings appropriate topastoral responsibilities.  To use tutorial time positively and with the same professional attitude to attendance, punctualityand preparation as is due in any other lesson.  To monitor the personal and social development, health and welfare of each student in their tutorgroup; contribute to year assemblies and the PSHCE programme within school guidelines; counseland guide students.  To be aware of the subjects that their Tutees are studying and to monitor the academic progress ofstudents through School Reports, Studies Grades and contact with subject teachers.  To support and implement all school policies, especially those relating to attendance, rewardsand sanctions, uniform and homework.  To liaise with the Head of Year, Housemaster/Housemistress, parents, the careers departmentand external agencies, as appropriate.  To assist the Head of Year with the school’s induction procedures for new students.  To contribute to the operation of a programme of communal social activities; to encouragestudents to take part in year councils and, thereby, whole school councils and committees.  To encourage the involvement of students in the school’s co-curricular activities and to monitortheir contribution, taking action as appropriate.  To contribute to the operation and maintenance of an up-to-date and efficient student recordsystem, which can act as an effective basis for the provision of information to legitimatelyinterested parties; support the operation of the school’s assessment, reporting and recordingsystem.   To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Headmaster. EssentialDesirableQualificationsGood Honours Degree in EnglishTeaching Qualification (PGCE or equivalent)SkillsAbility to teach GCSE Literature and LanguageAbility to teach KS3 EnglishAbility to teach KS3 DramaExcellent classroom management skillsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to prioritiseGood organisational skillsAbility to command respect of children and staffCompetence in ICTKnowledge &ExperienceA record of successful teaching or teaching practiceGood working knowledge ofthe National CurriculumExcellent subject knowledgeExperience of contributing to the writing of schemesof workUnderstanding of current good practice in teachingand learning, and monitoring of standardsCommitment to, or evidence of, continuing relevantprofessional developmentPersonal qualitiesCommitment to the ethos and aims of the SchoolInitiative and enthusiasmDedication and commitmentAbility to maintain appropriate and supportiverelationships with children and staffConfidence in public speakingA willingness to be involved in the pastoral care ofstudentsAbility and willingness to contribute to, and supportthe School’s extra-curricular programmeFlexibilityPERSON SPECIFICATION11Ratcliffe College reserves the right to interviewand appoint ahead of the closing date.INVITED TO INTERVIEW If you do not hear anything further within twoweeks of the closing date, please assume thatyou have not been successful on this occasion.Visit our vacancies page.Please follow the link above to visit the mainvacancies page on our school website. Searchfor the vacancy you wish to apply for,complete the online application form in fulland submit it to us before the closing date. HOW TO APPLYCOMPLETE AN ONLINEAPPLICATION FORM12Child ProtectionRatcliffe College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expectsall staff to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants arerequired to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” underthe DBS filtering rules), in order to assess their suitability to work with children. For further information, please see the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures Policy andhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974The College is also registered for the processing of personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.Such checks are required in accordance with the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures policy and the Data Protectionpolicy. Copies of these policies may be obtained from the Director of Finance and Operations upon request.The appointment is subject to satisfactory:References, of which one must be from a current or most recent employer if not currently in employmentDisclosure and Barring Service check (including children’s barred list check if appropriate)Open source checkProof of identityRight to work checkQualifications checkHealth screeningRATCLIFFE TERMS13Ratcliffe College, Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SGwww.ratcliffecollege.comHR: 01509 817089HR@ratcliffecollege.com