READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL
34,694 - 54,802 per year
Reading Blue Coat, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire.
Full-time
16th December 2025
VACANCY INFORMATION PACK TEACHER OF BIOLOGY Full-time, Interim Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Tuesday 16 December 2025 This is an interim post to be appointed for the spring and summer terms 2026 in the first instance. Applications should be submitted by School employment Application Form, which can be downloaded from our website “Vacancies” page www.rbcs.org.uk/vacancies/ This should be submitted with your letter of application, by email to recruitment@rbcs.org.uk. Contact for questions about the application process should be addressed to Mrs Inga Gregory, Director of HR, Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, RG4 6SU. Email recruitment@rbcs.org.uk. The Headmaster & School are in membership of HMC, SHMIS and AGBIS. Registered Charity No 1087839. Registered in England & Wales as a company limited by guarantee No 4243510 Registered Office as above. Page 2. Dear Applicant, Thank you for your interest in joining the Reading Blue Coat community. I am delighted that you are considering this opportunity, and I hope that this pack gives you a sense of what makes our School such a special place to work. Reading Blue Coat is a school with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking outlook. Our values – aspiration, compassion, courage, integrity and service – are at the heart of everything we do. They shape not only the enriching education we provide for our students but also the culture we create for our staff: one of ambition, kindness and shared purpose. We are a vibrant and welcoming school, where talented colleagues work together to inspire a love of learning, nurture individual potential and equip talented young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether inside or outside the classroom, every role at Blue Coat plays a vital part in our mission to excel. If you share our commitment to working hard, caring deeply and making a meaningful difference, I encourage you to explore this opportunity further. I would be delighted to meet you soon. Pete Thomas Headmaster Page 3. INTRODUCTION Reading Blue Coat is a leading independent co-educational day school for students from ages 11 to 18. As at September 2025, the School has over 850 students and is now into our third year of full co-educational from Year 7 upwards – our Sixth Form has been fully co-educational for over 40 years; all year groups will be co-educational by September 2027. The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a Master of The Skinners’ Company, and a Governor of Christ’s Hospital in Horsham, West Sussex. Inspired by the philanthropic nature of of Christ's Hospital, Richard Aldworth set aside £4,000 in his Will ‘For the education and bringing upp of twenty poore boyes of Reading’ Through this one, simple act, Aldworth’s Hospital, now Reading Blue Coat, was created. In 1660 the first students walked through the doors of a former inn in Silver Street in the Centre of Reading. And in 1947, Reading Blue Coat moved to the magnificent estate of Holme Park in the Berkshire village of Sonning, where it remains today. The ethos of the School derives from its Christian foundation and traditions, fostering care and concern within the community and enabling all students to develop their full potential. The School aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which each student can realise his or her full intellectual, physical, and creative potential. Students are encouraged to be self-reliant and adaptable, and the School intends that they will learn the basis of good citizenship, founded on honesty, fairness and understanding of the needs of others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and co-curricular activities that combine to meet these objectives. Inspire in our students a life-long love of learning, and the confidence to individually flourish In living this ethos, we strive to fulfil our purpose to: • • Equip our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world • Cultivate a warm, kind, noticing culture where students are happy, inclusion is the norm, and diversity is celebrated • Develop grounded, socially responsible, outward looking students, ready to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive contribution to the world Nurture a community based on our shared values of aspiration, compassion, courage, integrity and service The School employs more than 200 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are teaching staff. Reflecting the move to full co-education, nearly half of our teaching staff are female. FACILITIES Reading Blue Coat is located four miles from the centre of Reading, in the Thames-side village of Sonning. It is also three miles from Twyford, located on Crossrail, with fast train service across London. Set in 46 acres of land for students to enjoy, the facilities are very well maintained, and the School continues to invest in the site to add to an impressive infrastructure of buildings. The School makes full use of its riverside location. Work on our new Performing Arts Centre commenced in summer 2025 and is expected to conclude by summer 2027. ACADEMIC LIFE The academic curriculum at Reading Blue Coat is based on the principle that all students should experience a broad and balanced range of basic subjects and skills. From Year 9 onwards, this Page 4. range is gradually modified, by elements of choice, enabling both the interests and aptitudes of individual students to be reflected. Most lessons are taught initially in classes of mixed ability, although setting occurs in Mathematics in Year 7, in Languages in Year 8, and Science in Year 9. Geology is also a thriving subject. In Year 11, all students take qualifications in English, Maths and Science (all IGCSE) and a Modern Foreign Language. They also take three GCSEs from a broad range of eleven subjects. All students take a GCSE in Religious Studies (full course) in Year 10. In the Sixth Form students can choose from a range of 24 subjects, including subjects most will not have studied before, such as Economics, Politics and Psychology. Enrichment opportunities in the Sixth Form include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and a schedule of visiting speakers. Reading Blue Coat always seeks to stretch and challenge students and the School’s Learning Support Department ensures that students with specific learning needs are supported effectively. The School’s Learning Research Group ensures a sustained focus on developing teachers and pedagogical enrichment. 2025 academic results were impressive; the results were amongst Blue Coat’s best with 84% achieving A*- B at A level, and at GCSE 83% gaining Grades 9 to 7. The majority of Year 13 leavers proceed to degree courses at universities of which approximately 78% go to the Russell Group Plus universities. Each year over 90% of our students attain places at their first choice university, whilst others are successful in securing future learning opportunities in their chosen career. PASTORAL Pastoral care, focused on the individual, is at the heart of the School. We place significant emphasis upon building warm relationships and effective communication with students, for example through regular one-to-one conversations between students and their tutors. Well trained staff provide effective support for student wellbeing, promoting friendship, positive physical and mental health, and helping students find their purpose and passions. Reading Blue Coat’s pastoral structure is based around the tutorial system, which is structured in terms of year group and the House system (e.g., ‘Year 8 Malthus’ tutor group). There are six Houses: Aldworth, Hall, Malthus, Rich, Norwood and West. The tutors who lead tutor groups are the ‘go-to’ members of staff for each student, and they are personally responsible for checking in with students each day and overseeing the development of their character and intellectual curiosity. At the heart of the School are the values of aspiration, courage, compassion, integrity and service, and all the activities of tutor groups and Houses seek to promote and embed these values. In additional to pastoral support, the House system further enables students to take part in activities that foster enjoyment and group spirit through a variety of opportunities that include performing arts and sport. Beyond the core tutor group, Reading Blue Coat provides a rich variety of other forms of pastoral care. Students also benefit from pastoral education through an exciting and responsive Wellbeing and Futures curriculum, which helps them to develop the skills, knowledge, and habits to lead happy and fulfilling lives. They also find themselves in a highly inclusive environment, thoughtfully promoted and celebrated through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme. When additional support is required, students may also access our newly renovated (2023) Wellbeing Centre, where they may find support from healthcare professionals or access counselling sessions. Page 5. CO CURRICULAR Our co-curricular provision is vibrant and diverse with high levels of engagement throughout the student body. Focused very much on developing the characteristics that make up the school values our co- curricular provision incorporates the Performing Arts, Sport, Activities, Adventure Education, Clubs and Enrichment. All academic staff at the school are expected to contribute to the School’s co-curricular provision in a meaningful way. PERFORMING ARTS Reading Blue Coat has a highly regarded reputation for drama, dance, music and public speaking with an extensive programme of enrichment, rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Music is at the heart of the School and many of our pupils attend our weekly ensemble rehearsals which amount to over fourteen every week. Alongside this, a huge number of pupils take the opportunity learn a musical instrument during one-to-one lessons timetabled during the school day. The music department develops a diverse programme of music concerts over every academic year including large scale concerts as well as more intimate recitals, they are also heavily involved in the school musicals. The School productions are highlights of the cultural calendar and often involve casts of over 60 pupils. Our most recent production of Oliver was a roaring success and perfectly showcased the talent at Reading Blue Coat. Our other recent productions have included Billy Elliot, Lord of the Flies, Footloose, Punk Rock, Curtain Call, The Lion King, The Crucible, and Oliver!. Cast sizes for productions can average up to 100 students for musical productions and 20 – 50 students for school plays. Pupils are also given the opportunity to participate in LAMDA lessons on a one to one basis. Pupils interested in Theatre are also given the opportunity to participate in workshops, playwriting, directing, backstage work and our student technical theatre team is flourishing. The dance programme is ever evolving with a range of clubs on offer, including street dance, contemporary and commercial dance. Pupils are able to showcase their work in a range of performances and are looking forwards to this years ‘Feel the Beat’ performance. Our inaugural internal dance competition was a huge success this year with over 60 dancers taking part and showcasing their own choreography. Our pupils have also had the opportunity to represent the school at external dance competitions and have achieved great success in their respective areas. Public speaking is a hugely popular aspect of school life with over 100 pupils actively involved each week. Over the course of the academic year pupils are able to attend weekly session to hone their skills which are then showcased in a variety of different performances. SPORT The School has a strong reputation for the high quality of its sporting teams. Sport plays a key role in developing every student’s physical potential whilst embodying the values of the School. Sports are coached to a very high level while providing for, and encouraging those, for whom participation rather than excellence is important. All students have a timetabled games afternoon where they participate in competitive and recreational team sports with a focus on developing skills and teamwork. The focus sports are athletics, cricket, football, netball, hockey, rowing, and rugby. School sport fixtures and training Page 6. take place on a Saturday and we are very proud to have 63 competitive teams and around 80% of our student population representing the school at fixtures over the course of an academic year. In recent years a number of our sports teams have achieved national champion status and we have netballers, rowers and rugby players who have been selected to international age group teams and gone on to play professionally. Alongside our core sport offering we also provide a diverse range of alternative sports that pupils can either participate in recreationally or competitively, these include swimming, basketball, tennis, touch rugby, rugby 7’s, cross-country and table tennis. ACTIVITIES Our Activities programme is unique to Reading Blue Coat School and allows pupils the opportunity to explore our co-curricular provision during dedicated timetabled lessons every week. Pupils in year 7 to year 9 explore a variety of Adventure Education sessions including Sailing, Bouldering, Paddle Boarding and are also given the opportunity to explore our state of the art on-site High and Low Ropes Course. Activities is also the place where our pupils are introduced to Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Aldworth Partnership. Pupils in years 10 to 13 come together every Thursday to participate in Senior Activities. This is split into six categories and pupils are encouraged to choose a different strand each term. The sections are: Adventure, Creative Arts, Leadership and Social Action, Sport and Wellbeing , Service, Super Curriculum. There are over 40 sessions available to students with the aim of the sessions being to explore new interests and challenge themselves whilst embodying the school’s values. ADVENTURE EDUCATION Our Adventure Education allows pupils the opportunity to explore our wonderful site and surrounding areas whilst really focusing on character education. The Adventure Education programme is very much intertwined with our Activities programme which runs each week for every year group across the school. We are very proud of our Adventure Education facilities which includes use of the river for paddle sports, a high and low ropes course as well as an indoor climbing wall. Alongside our weekly adventurous activities we are also very proud of our successful Duke of Edinburgh programme which is open to all pupils from year 9 and above. Pupils are highly engaged and we recently had over 100 pupils complete their Bronze Award from year 9. As part of our Adventure provision we also run a programme of expeditions each academic year, this year our pupils will have the opportunity to visit Eswatini over the Summer break. During every summer term every pupil will participate in a school residential with year groups visiting a range of destinations like Pembrokeshire, Devin and the Peak District. The Adventure Education department is also home to our Combined Cadet Force where pupils have the opportunity to join the Army, Navy and RAF sections. CCF sessions take place during Activities sessions and are hugely popular with over 170 students on roll. CLUBS AND ENRICHMENT We have a huge number of clubs and enrichment activities that run at Reading Blue Coat with over 100 different sessions running every week. These sessions take place during lunch time and after school and all academic staff are expected to contribute to our co-curricular provision. Nearly Page 7. all of our activities are included in the school fees and pupils are welcome to participate in as many as they want. Our pupils are heavily involved in shaping the provision and in the last 18 months we have seen the introduction of Dungeons and Dragons Club, Photography Club and Craft Club at the request of our pupils. FOUNDATIONERS & FOUNDATION AWARDS The diversity of our educational community is underpinned by the School’s centuries long commitment to transformational bursaries. Reading Blue Coat offers means tested bursaries worth 100% of the school fees, plus additional extras such as uniform, lunch, travel, trips and a laptop, to two students annually who live within the borough of Reading. Our ambition is to grow the number of Foundationers in the School through fundraising. COMMUNITY Reading Blue Coat students are encouraged to be aware of their place in the wider world and to show consideration for all those with whom they come into contact. These principles are based on the ideas handed down by Richard Aldworth who founded the School in 1646. In recent years the School has greatly enhanced its links with the wider community through the work of the Aldworth Partnership. The Aldworth Partership is the umbrella term for the School’s student led partnership and charity work. As well as fundraising for local charities such as crisis charities, special needs schools, food banks and homeless charities, the Aldworth Partnership also has strong links to local primary schools. Work with these primary schools includes helping with lunch time clubs, running a school choir and reading clubs. We also often host primary schools for Science and Design and Technology days onsite as well as in our Forest School based in our woodlands. Whilst our main focus is for our students to take part in meaningful partnership work, it is also an opportunity for our Staff to give back to the local community. . . As the Aldworth Partnership continues to grow, the long-term aim is that all Blue Coat students have the opportunity to be involved in transformative service projects in the local and wider community at some point in their school career. The Foundation Office provides links with our alumni (Old Blues) after they leave the School so that they continue to feel part of our special community. Old Blues are offered many opportunities to come back to Blue Coat for reunions and social events. There are also opportunities to give back through our Futures programme such as mentoring opportunities and giving talks to students. Reading Blue Coat Connect is a networking site specifically for Blue Coat community and Parents, Old Blues and Staff are encouraged to join. The Foundation Office fundraises for specific School projects such as bursaries and capital projects as the need arises. Further information is available on the School’s website at www.rbcs.org.uk and Muddy Stilettos Schools Review Guide https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/reading-blue-coat-sonning/ Page 8. THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT The Science departments at Reading Blue Coat are thriving and successful ones. Each year, they attract large numbers of A Level students. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 are taught separately for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Classes generally consist of 20 students, and are of mixed ability. They receive 2 periods a week, of 35 minutes duration for each science, and the lessons are timetabled as doubles. Pupils in Year 9 study the Edexcel IGCSE Biology syllabus, and are taught entirely by Biology specialists. At the end of Year 9, pupils are split into Double or Triple Science classes following their end-of-year examinations. The top sets work towards the Triple Science certification, and those in the lower sets sit the Double Award certification. The Biology department is highly successful at GCSE level, with 83% of pupils in the summer of 2025 achieving grades 9 and 8. Our A level students follow the OCR Biology A course. The Department has a long history of working with this Exam Board, including some staff being OCR examiners. We achieve considerable success at A level, with many candidates achieving places on medical or veterinary courses as well as preparing a number of successful candidates for Oxbridge entry over the last few years. In the summer of 2025, 66% of A-level pupils achieved A*-B. As part of A level Biology, students are taken on a residential course run by the FSC in one of their centres in the South West. Biology Staff accompany them on this trip, and the centre staff work alongside Blue Coat biologists in the teaching of Practical Skills, working towards the certification of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria. We encourage our students to enter the Biology Olympiad and Biology Challenge competitions (organised by the Society of Biology) to broaden their interest and knowledge in biological topics outside their exam curriculum, and they regularly achieve Silver and occasionally Gold awards. All Biology staff are expected to assist in the running of clinics for pupils requiring additional help (at a time convenient for the teacher) and assist in the running of Biology Discussion sessions for A level pupils (Oxbridge-style lunchtime tutorials where pupils are encouraged to discuss a recent article of interest or participate in debates on controversial issues such as the use of stem cells). The Biology Department currently has four full-time members of staff and two part time members, all of whom assist in different areas of the co-curricular life of the school. The Department enjoys the care of two excellent technicians who ensure that the Department is well resourced and are also keen to support new investigations. There are four fully equipped Biology laboratories, which we seek to make pleasant and stimulating environments in which our pupils can learn. The laboratories are on the ground floor of a two storey Science Centre. This contains 11 laboratories in all. A greenhouse attached to one side of the building serves as an additional resource for experimental work and materials in the Biology Department along with access to a local nature reserve for teaching outside the laboratory. The Department is involved with the school’s highly successful Extended Project Qualification, where pupils are encouraged to carry out practical investigations and write them up as a scientific paper. Page 9. All students, whether studying IGCSE or A level, are assessed regularly, so that their progress can be monitored and assistance given when required. Our Biology staff are dedicated to providing the best possible education for those in our care, so that they find the subject fascinating, stimulating, and, above all, enjoyable. We consider ourselves to have been successful, not only if our students gain good grades in their examinations, but also if they have developed an interest in Biology that leaves them ‘thirsty for more’ for the rest of their lives. The department encourages professional development, with staff expected to develop their skills via INSET and through sharing good practice within the school. For an informal telephone conversation about the role, contact Dr Jennifer Yabsley, Head of Biology, on 0118 944 1005 or email jhy@rbcs.org.uk Page 10. ROLE DESCRIPTION TEACHER OF BIOLOGY Line Manager: Head of Biology Department: Science Description of the Post: Efficiently execute such responsibilities as are assigned by the Headmaster or his assignee: this involves teaching duties and non-teaching duties as are reasonably expected with regard to the functions listed under Duties and Particular Duties. Be familiar with and implement all policies and procedures as are set out in the Staff Handbook and other School documentation. Duties: General Professional Activities: • Contribute to the development of subject and pastoral teams. • Put into practice the school policies, including the planning and delivery of the curriculum. • Support and maintain the agreed codes and discipline policy consistently and fairly. • Plan, prepare and deliver the curriculum in the subjects for which they are responsible, including the setting and marking of homework as appropriate. • Take an active part in curriculum development. • Accept a measure of administrative responsibility. • Engage in such supervisory activities as may be reasonably required. • Be responsible for a group of pupils (tutor group) in all aspects of their development. • Manage a classroom and form registration room according to school policy. • Undertake professional development as part of a continuous process of career progress. • Act as a member of the staff team in general school life. • Assist in maintaining discipline throughout the school consistently according to the policy laid down. • Organise and supervise co-curricular activities, as reasonably requested. • Provide supervisory duties as reasonably requested. • Attend meetings, parents’ evenings, open mornings, entrance examinations and other functions as appropriate. • Meet all deadlines reasonably required. • Ensure that personal behaviour, dress, appearance and time keeping is commensurate with the high standards expected of all members of the school community. Main Activities Attributable to the Particular Duties: 1. Pupil Organisation and Curriculum Delivery • Manage the teaching rooms and the pupils in such a way as to provide a suitable learning environment. • Plan, prepare and deliver appropriate learning experiences making full use of the resources available. All such planning to be based on the agreed and published curriculum policies, schemes of work and other such papers that are provided from time to time. • Prepare, arrange and lead educational visits as part of the overall planning for the area of learning as may be appropriate. • Ensure that the work planned is suitably differentiated to meet the needs of all the pupils within the class, and to have high level expectations within the differentiation. Page 11. • Bring to the attention of the Headmaster’s appointee pupils with perceived Learning Difficulties or Disabilities. • Display pupils’ work in the classroom and around the school clearly and effectively in such a way as to raise awareness and pupil esteem. • Be prepared to use personal expertise on behalf of any pupil or group of pupils as may be reasonably expected. • Correct pupils’ school and homework in a reasonable time and in accordance with school policy. To prepare and administer tests/examinations and key stage assessments as appropriate. • Maintain personal and official records of pupils’ development and to write reports where appropriate. 2. Professional Development • Attend staff and other meetings, as appropriate. • Maintain personal professional development by attending such courses/seminars as may be available and appropriate including school-focused INSET. • Be prepared to join appropriate curriculum working parties. • Undertake professional self-assessment and appraisal. 3. Administration: • Maintain attendance registers • Be present at least during the working day, Monday to Friday, during term time (not including duties, co-curricular activities, parents’ meetings, staff meetings, open mornings, entrance assessments as may be reasonably required) and to inform the School before 08:00 of unplanned absence. • Undertake administrative duties as may be mutually agreed. • Support home-school relationships and to liaise with parents as appropriate. • Provide assistance in the smooth running of the school as may reasonably be expected. Additional Duties The post holder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at the school. The post holder is responsible for using technical and operational knowledge to ensure a safe environment. Please note that this Job Description is not exhaustive and the employee may be expected to undertake additional duties if required. Page 12. PERSON SPECIFICATION TEACHER OF BIOLOGY The person specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. It is expected that the successful applicant will have and can demonstrate: Knowledge And Experience Strong academic achievements Outstanding specialist subject knowledge Knowledge of both the Edexcel IGCSE and OCR A level specification in Biology. Experience of teaching Biology to years 7 to 13 Minimum NQT experience Skills and Attributes Confident in preparing students for IGSCE and A level exams Self-motivated and highly dedicated Demonstrates a real passion for teaching and characteristics of outstanding teaching practice Able to inspire and enthuse students in their subject Excellent communication skills with ability to establish rapport with students, parents and colleagues Effective in planning and prioritising work load A desire to try new approaches to teaching and not be afraid to learn from mistakes A good knowledge of ICT and how to make the most of it in a learning environment A willingness to engage in the whole life of the School and an ability to offer skills in some part of the co-curricular programme of the School Commitment to the ethos of the School and its pastoral approach Qualifications A good Honours degree relevant to the teaching aspects of the role Biology or Sciences degree preferred A level Biology preferred A recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE Full Clean driving licence Requirement E - Essential D – Desirable E E D D E E E E E E E D D E E E D D E D Page 13. SUMMARY TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS Contract Status: Interim full-time contract commencing as soon as possible. Salary: In accordance with the School’s pay scale for teaching staff. Range according to experience from £34,694 to £54,802 per annum. Annual salary is paid by bank transfer on the 25th of the month, or next working day thereafter, in 12 equal payments throughout the year. Place of Work: Reading Blue Coat, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire. Working hours: Full time, Monday to Friday, with 60-minute meal break. Additional hours will be required for the delivery of co-curricular activities, school events, open evenings, parents’ evenings, etc. Leave entitlement: School holidays in accordance with the published school calendar. Pension: Membership of the APTIS Personal Pension Scheme (employee minimum contribution of 5% of salary and employer contribution is 22% of salary). Life Assurance at 4x gross salary and Income Protection cover. Meals: Lunch and break time refreshments are provided free of charge by the School. Parking: Free Car parking is available on site. Cycle Scheme: Tax-free Cycle to Work Scheme is offered by salary sacrifice. Car scheme: Discounts: Leased cars scheme offered by salary sacrifice affording large savings. Reduction in RBC school fees for employees’ children offered after 6 months service: 50% reduction for all full time staff, pro-rated for part time staff. Fees (from 1 September 2025) are £8,279 per term (inclusive of VAT). Through the Blue Coat Benefit Hub you can access discounts, rewards, and perks on thousands of the brands that you love to shop with including travel; motoring; electronics; clothing; education; entertainment; restaurants; health and wellness; beauty and spa; insurance; sports and outdoors. Sports facilities Free membership of the School Sports Centre with access to fully equipped gym and swimming pool. Employee Assistance Confidential independent support service available to staff when Programme: you most need it. Professional Development: Strong commitment to support professional development with a dedicated people development budget.