LAMDA Teacher
ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE READING TRUST
St Joseph’s College
Part-time
13th April 2026
Listed today
LAMDA Teacher (Peripatetic) Fixed term Contract Information for prospective members of staff 1 Appointment of a LAMDA Teacher (Peripatetic) on a Fixed term Contract St Joseph’s College is seeking to appoint an inspirational and forward-thinking member of staff to join the LAMDA department, teaching LAMDA to pupils on a peripatetic contract for an immediate start on a fixed term contract. You will teach LAMDA lessons to pupils in shared (duo) classes and individual classes. Knowledge of the LAMDA syllabus is required as our pupils are prepared for the full range of LAMDA examinations (introductory levels to Grade 8). The position is part-time (up to one day a week) and based on the number of LAMDA pupils taking lessons – please ensure that you indicate your preferred hours and working patterns in the covering letter. This contract is offered on a fixed term only until 8 July 2026. Closing Date: 9am, Monday 13 April 2026 Early application is encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early once a suitable candidate is appointed. Contents Message from the Head About the Prep School Duties and Responsibilities Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks Person Specification About the College Our Missions and Aims Why St Joseph’s? Non-contractual Benefits Appointment Procedure Interview Process How To Find Us page 3 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 page 8 page 9 page 10 page 11 page 12 page 13 page 14 2 Message from the Head, Mrs Laura Stotesbury Thank you for your interest in St Joseph’s College. I am delighted that you are considering our school and I trust that this recruitment pack will provide you with the information you require both about the post and the College. I believe that this is an exciting time to be joining St Joseph’s College. There has been a significant growth in the pupil roll over the last few years and the governors are continually looking to invest in the facilities. There is a real appetite for what we have to offer as both an educational establishment and an employer. The College seeks to be a school which places an emphasis on providing an all-round education: academic, pastoral, social and spiritual, where pupils develop the attributes of commitment, collaboration, confidence, communication and compassion through the various aspects of school life. The College is a very happy place, and colleagues enjoy teaching here. I hope that you will want to apply for this post. I recognise that much time and thought goes into preparing an application and we, in turn, will give your application serious consideration. Mrs Laura Stotesbury Head 3 About the Department The Drama Department at St Joseph’s is high-profile and extremely busy offering a wide range of productions, musicals and plays; recent major productions have been: Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, 9 to 5, Made in Dagenham, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night Y5-8 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Wendy & Peter and Y9-13 Footloose and Jekyll and Hyde . Our productions are incredibly popular, with up to 100 pupils taking part in each in our most recent show. The successful applicant would be expected to be a highly motivated, committed member of the department; willing to contribute to the full range of co-curricular as well as curricular activities. Would a LAMDA peri be expected to contribute to curriculum? Drama is a compulsory subject for all pupils in Years 1 – 9 and a GCSE and A level option in Years 10 - 13. It is a popular option that enjoys success, both in terms of examination results, which are consistently above national averages and results of other similar centres, and in terms of the high standard of performance in all aspects of the course; with students provided the opportunity to fully realise their creative ideas through acting, set, costume and tech. The Department follows the AQA syllabus at GCSE and A level. An important aspect of the Drama Department is the teaching of private speech and drama classes. These classes are very popular with around 150 pupils currently taking lessons. The Department follows the LAMDA syllabus and exams are offered termly to allow for an individualised programme of study for each pupil. Students taking private speech and drama are also provided the opportunity to perform in showcases and LAMDA presentation evenings. Theatre trips are a large part of what we offer pupils, both as part of examination drama, as well as enrichment and extension, the successful candidate should be willing to contribute to this important element of our drama provision. Would they be expected to contribute to trips? Currently only staff teaching exam classes are expected to come on trips The role of LAMDA Teacher at St Joseph’s will provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to work within a hugely successful Department, with very talented, motivated pupils in a rewarding role. 4 Duties and Responsibilities The LAMDA Teacher will provide additional support to The Arts provision at the College through the delivery of private speech and drama lessons. Teaching may follow the full range of LAMDA syllabi. Main Requirements Three qualities are essential: 1. A strong teaching ability, together with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject and its effective delivery. 2. A capacity to motivate and inspire young people. 3. A willingness to contribute to the College’s co-curricular programme. In fulfilling the requirements of the post, the teacher should demonstrate essential professional characteristics, and in particular will: • Inspire trust and confidence in pupils and colleagues. • Work collaboratively and contribute positively to the team. • Engage and motivate pupils of varying abilities. • Use reflective and analytical thinking to enhance the quality of learning. • Support College development planning and promote the learning priorities within it. • Assist in the development and implementation of relevant College policies. • Participate in the performance management process to support pupil progress and professional growth. • Uphold the values and mission of St Joseph’s College in all professional settings. • Promote the wider aspirations and ethos of the College. 5 Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks Main Duties • Deliver private LAMDA speech and drama lessons for pupils from Year 2 to Year 13. Lessons may be indi- vidual, shared or delivered to small groups. • Support the cocurricular activities of the College - assist with school productions. This may include helping with direction, set design, costumes, lighting or sound. • Remuneration for cocurricular work will be provided at the same hourly rate as LAMDA peripatetic tuition. If the post holder also teaches curriculum drama, their curricular cocurricular allocation must be met before any paid additional work is undertaken. Other Duties • Flexibility to provide LAMDA lessons around pupils’ individual commitments. Lessons may take place during the school day, at lunchtime or after school. • Enter students for LAMDA examinations and help to facilitate the exam days on College site. • Help to plan and run the LAMDA showcases in both Prep and Senior school • Prepare pupils for local drama festivals and complete all associated administration. • Plan and deliver lessons that are appropriately differentiated to meet the needs of all learners. • Complete reports on pupil progress as required – written or verbal to parents/carers. All members of staff are expected to undertake reasonable tasks requested by the Head or their line manager that are of a similar professional level, even if not explicitly listed within this document. 6 Desirable A recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE To be able to teach Drama to KS4 / KS5 Person Specification Criteria Essential Education, Qualifications and Experience Skills and Attributes Knowledge and ability to teach the LAMDA syllabus Degree Up-to-date knowledge of the curriculum and current educational developments Qualified Teacher Status Commitment to continual professional development Excellent subject knowledge Good communication and inter-personal skills Good classroom management skills Experience of the role of tutoring for a group of pupils Innovatory approaches to curriculum delivery Ability to generate ideas and drive initiatives Empathy with pupils across the age and ability range Ability to defuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, Ability to employ a range of effective teaching, learning styles and assessment methods sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition Ability to motivate and inspire pupils Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils High expectations of pupils Personal Qualities Passion for teaching Excellent role model for pupils Other Requirements Enthusiastic and able to enthuse and encourage others Ability to establish good working relationships and work well in a team Flexible, motivated, able to work unsupervised and an ability to deal with unpredictable situations Fully supportive of the College’s Catholic tradition Commitment to the ethos of the College Willingness to contribute to extra-curricular activities Commitment to safeguarding and well-being of all pupils Forward-thinking approach Commitment to the whole life of the College Able to promote the image of the College through an articulate and confident approach 8 About the College St Joseph’s College is the leading independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in Berkshire. It is fully co-educational and consists of the Senior School (ages 11 to 18) and the Prep School (ages 3 to 11). The Senior School and Prep School are located within a single campus. Awards The College has won several awards over the last few years including TES Independent School of the Year, Outstanding Progress at the Education Business Awards and Outstanding Leadership Team at the Leadership Awards. Ethos St Joseph’s is a Catholic school welcoming pupils of every faith or no faith. Pupils are educated in an atmosphere where Christian values and standards are recognised and established. The size of our classes means everyone receives the individual guidance and support they need to achieve their potential. Staff, pupils and parents form strong links, with a focus on both the academic progress and the well-being of each pupil. We encourage all pupils to develop an awareness of their own role in society. Points of Entry The main points of entry to the school are at age 3, 11, 13 and 16. Entry into the Senior School is by formal assessment, and around 60% of applicants to the Senior School are from maintained primary schools. Leavers’ Destinations The majority of Sixth Form leavers go on to their choice of university to study a diverse range of subjects. Examination results are strong and improving year-on-year, however our focus is very much on producing young adults who also have skills for life such as confidence, social skills and a good understanding of the world around them. Recent Developments During the past six years the Governors have taken a number of measures to develop the College. In addition to becoming co-educational these include an emphasis on marketing and a substantial investment in facilities, buildings and staff. Consistently rising pupil numbers provide momentum for growth and the confidence to make further investment. The Future Looking to the future, St Joseph’s will continue its ambitious plans to enhance and develop the College. However, we will ensure that as we grow, our caring ethos remains at the heart of the College. The warm and friendly nature, together with the way pupils display concern and respect for one another, are often commented upon by visitors and parents. We are proud of this and it is one of the most rewarding aspects of working here. 9 At St Joseph’s, our mission is to encourage, inspire, challenge and support pupils to fulfill their potential in a community founded on Catholic Christian values. We aim to develop life skills of compassion, commitment, collaboration, confidence and communication in each pupil, throughout each of their years at the school. Our Mission and Aims The College’s ISI inspection took place in November 2025 The recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate provided a positive evaluation of provision across all areas of school life. The report highlights strong academic outcomes, high-quality pastoral support and a rich co-curricular offer. Inspectors noted that the ethos and values of St Joseph’s College are clearly reflected in pupils’ daily experiences, fostering an environment built on inclusivity, respect and compassion. The report recognises the commitment of staff across the College, whose work enables pupils to thrive both within and beyond the classroom. Their dedication supports pupils’ personal development, academic progress and engagement with the wider life of the school. The contribution of Governors is also acknowledged, particularly in providing consistent oversight and strategic guidance. Inspectors noted the positive involvement of parents and pupils, whose views contributed meaningfully to the overall findings. Feedback shared during the inspection reflected strong levels of confidence in the school’s direction, culture and support systems. As part of their process, the inspection team outlined recommended areas for continued improvement. These include developing a comprehensive digital strategy and further enhancing the use of data to inform classroom planning. Both priorities are already incorporated into the College’s Vision 2030 strategic plan, ensuring they are actively being progressed. Overall, the inspection report presents an encouraging and accurate reflection of the work undertaken at St Joseph’s College to support every pupil in achieving their best. Consistently high outcomes at GCSE and A level, alongside strong university offer rates, further demonstrate the effectiveness of the school’s approach to teaching, learning and holistic development. ALL AREAS WERE ‘MET’ The Independent Schools Inspectorate is appointed by the Department of Education to inspect independent schools in England. The inspectors report on the extent to which the statutory Independent School Standards and other applicable regulatory requirements are met, collectively referred to in this reports as ‘the Standards’. Schools are expected to meet the robust standards in each of the sections listed below: S E C T I O N S E C T I O N S E C T I O N S E C T I O N S E C T I O N 1 2 3 4 Leadership and Management, and Governance Quality of Education, Training and Recreation Pupils’ Physical and Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Pupils’ Social and Economic Education and Contribution to Society 5 Safeguarding ALL STANDARDS ‘MET’ ALL STANDARDS ‘MET’ ALL STANDARDS ‘MET’ ALL STANDARDS ‘MET’ ALL STANDARDS ‘MET’ St Joseph’s ISI inspection in November 2025 found that all standards in all areas were ‘met’. 10 Why St Joseph’s? Education for boys and girls from age 3 to 18 At St Joseph’s we offer: • A safe and happy environment in which academic and social skills are developed • • A varied curriculum and excellent facilities • A strong sense of community • High academic reputation • Wide range of extra-curricular activities including a strong tradition of music and drama St Joseph’s is staffed by teachers who combine the best in traditional educational values with a sharp awareness of what is appropriate for pupils who need to be prepared for the twenty-first century. Our pupils are encouraged to be confident, questioning, independent learners, whilst at the same time developing a moral and spiritual sense of purpose in their lives and in their studies. Salary The College has its own salary scales, with starting salaries dependent on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidates. Salary scales are reviewed annually by the Governors, to ensure they remain competitive. Annual salary is paid by bank transfer on the last working day of each month, in 12 equal monthly instalments. Non-contractual benefits School fee reduction Staff at St Joseph’s College (who are not employed on casual contracts) are eligible for a staff discount on basic tuition fees of 50% for full-time staff, pro rata for part-time staff, subject to their child(ren) meeting the entrance requirements. Childcare vouchers St Joseph’s participates in the government’s salary sacrifice childcare voucher scheme or government tax-free childcare scheme. 11 Staff Room There is a professional, friendly and supportive Staff Room, together with departmental workspaces throughout the school. The above non-contractual benefits are currently available to staff. They are at the discretion of the Governors who reserve the right to withdraw them without notice. Pension The College pays its teachers a total remuneration package which provides teachers with flexibility in determining the level of contributions paid into their pension. This provides staff with the option to increase their take home salary by reducing their total pension contribution (employer and employee) or vice versa. All teachers are automatically enrolled into the College defined contribution pension scheme – the Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS). The pension scheme includes: • Employer contributions matched to Employee contributions. The limiting factors are simply the individuals’ salary and statutory limits. Contributions can be varied annually by staff to meet changing circumstances as required. • An Employee Assistance Programme provided by Care First. Further literature on the APTIS scheme, together with examples about how the level of pension contribution can be varied, is available from the Bursar. Drinks and snacks Tea, coffee and biscuits are available to all staff at break time, and there is access to hot drinks throughout the day. Snacks and light meals are provided to staff when working later in the evening for school events. Lunch A duty meal may be obtained from the Dining Hall. Laptop Teaching staff are loaned a school laptop to assist with their teaching and administration, and docking stations are available throughout the school. Use of a private vehicle Subject to a journey being approved by the Bursar or Head, staff can use their private vehicle for school journeys during working hours. The insurance will be under the school’s insurance and staff can claim for mileage. Car parking All staff may park in the school car park, subject to the availability of a space. A valid school parking permit must be displayed clearly on the windscreen of any car parked onsite. Counselling Staff have access to a 24 hour telephone counselling helpline. In addition, the lay chaplain or visiting school counsellor may be able to see staff. Legal advice Staff have access to a 24 hour legal information telephone helpline, covering issues such as consumer rights, debt, tax and personal injury. Healthcare helpline A telephone based healthcare support service is available to all staff at no cost. Swimming pool Staff are permitted to use the school swimming pool during designated staff swimming sessions. CPD and training Professional development is nurtured and encouraged. The school has a full annual INSET programme and staff have access to the National College Platform. There is strong support for new teaching staff. Early Career Teachers can undertake their accredited ECT years through the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel and a number of members of staff have completed teaching qualifications whilst employed at St Joseph’s. 12 Appointment Procedure • Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the College Application Form in full, accompanied by a covering letter. • The covering letter should illustrate specifically why you think you should be considered for this role, giving clear evidence of how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. You should give clear examples, and relate these to the job description and person specification. • These should be emailed to recruitment@sjcr.org.uk or alternatively sent by post to Mrs Guest, HR & Recruitment Officer, St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5JT. Electronic application is encouraged and preferred. • Closing Date: 9am, 13 April 2026. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early, so early application is encouraged. • All offers of employment are subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references, one of which must be from your current or most recent employer. For shortlisted applicants for teaching posts, references may be taken up prior to interview. • St Joseph’s College employs personnel who are best qualified for the post without discrimination in respect of age, disability, race, gender or native origin. • The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. • Successful applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. • A copy of the College Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures Policy and Procedures can be found on the College website: https://www.sjcr.org.uk/ vacancies/ 13 Interview Process • All candidates invited to interview must bring documents confirming any educational and professional qualifications that are necessary or relevant for the post (e.g. the original or certified copy of certificates, diplomas etc). Where originals or certified copies are not available for the successful candidate, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications must be obtained by the candidate from the awarding body. • During your visit you should expect to attend a number of interviews with different members of staff. We will also assess your suitability to work with children. • You will also be required to teach a lesson which will be observed. You will be provided with a brief for the lesson beforehand. • In addition to formal interviews there will also be an opportunity for shortlisted candidates to tour the College and to meet prospective colleagues. • The College requests that all candidates invited to interview also bring with them: • A current driving licence including a photograph, a passport and a birth certificate • A utility bill or financial statement issued within the last three months showing the candidate’s current name and address • Where appropriate any documentation evidencing a change of name • Proof of entitlement to work and reside in the UK Please note that originals of the above are necessary. Photocopies or certified copies are not sufficient. 14 How to find us • St Joseph’s College is situated in central Reading, near the University and the Royal Berkshire Hospital. It is close to the M4 (Junction 11) and has excellent transport links. • If travelling by train, the school is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Reading Station, or alternatively there are a number of local buses that stop close by. • To accurately locate the College entrance at 64 Upper Redlands Road on some GPS satellite navigation systems it may be necessary to use the postcode RG1 5JP. 15