Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time)
BIRKDALE SCHOOL
Birkdale
Part-time
23rd February 2026
Listed 1 week ago
Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) Welcome to Birkdale Thank you for your interest in this role at Birkdale School in Sheffield. I hope this information pack provides you with everything you need to know about the vacancy, our school and why we are proud to be a family where everyone is stronger together. Birkdale is a special place where boys and girls, from our Prep School at the age of four through to our Sixth Form at 18, work, learn and play alongside each other supported by outstanding teachers and staff who are as passionate about developing every individual child’s potential as they are about achieving the best possible academic results. We are proud to be a welcoming environment with small classes, expert teaching and a happy and aspirational environment which allows our pupils to learn effectively and achieve highly; typically around two-thirds of all GCSE grades were A* or A. We also have a large number of extra-curricular activities in sport, music, drama and many other pastimes enrich the students’ lives and provide opportunities to develop new skills. Our high expectations, for our teachers, staff and pupils, huge breadth of activity and outstanding pastoral care for every member of our family are all rooted in our strong Christian ethos and characterise the education that we offer to pupils of all ages. I hope to be able to welcome you to Birkdale very soon and thank you for your interest in our school. With best wishes, Mr Ben Bowles Head, Birkdale School 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) The Role We are seeking a dedicated and well-qualified Teacher of English to cover a fixed term period of maternity leave from April 2026 for 2.5 days (Monday pm, Thursday and Friday), until the end of the Summer Term. The requirements of the role will change with the timetable from September 2026, therefore the contractual days may increase providing an opportunity for a candidate looking for a more substantial role for the 2026 -2027 academic year. This will be discussed in further detail during the interview stage. The successful candidate will hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject and be capable of teaching English across the 11–18 age range in mixed ability classes. They should have experience designing and delivering schemes of work that inspire pupils to engage with stimulating and challenging texts while ensuring clear progression in knowledge and skills. A commitment to helping all pupils reach their potential is essential, as is experience supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities. The appointed teacher will be expected to uphold the department’s strong academic standards while responding effectively to the individual needs of each pupil. Departmental Details The Birkdale English Department team consists of six subject specialists. We enjoy an excellent working relationship and seek to provide the best learning experience for our pupils. We follow our own curriculum for Key Stage 3 which is closely linked to the national curriculum and which provides a strong basis for the GCSE course. Each year-group studies a Shakespeare play, modern drama, poetry, nonfiction, and whole novels. Though the study is rigorous, we are keen to make every aspect of the course fun and engaging. Teachers have considerable freedom to devise their own schemes of work and bring to the subject their enthusiasm for specific writers and texts: all members of the department are welcome to suggest texts and topics that can be added to the KS3 course. Members of the English department organise various theatre and study trips, as well as several clubs that run weekly. We are reflective practitioners, keen to improve our teaching practice and find the best ways to engage our pupils. We have recently introduced the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for the first examination in 2025 which includes a 40% coursework element. At A-level we teach AQA English Language and English Literature (spec B), with healthy numbers of pupils opting for both subjects. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) Key Responsibilities • • Plan and prepare courses and lessons in accordance with published Schemes of Work. Teach the assigned pupils, including setting and marking of work and assessments in line with school policy. • Assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in line with school policy. • Promote the welfare and the individual needs of the pupils assigned, following the requirements of the school’s policies on Rewards, Behavior Management, Discipline and Sanctions, Health and Safety and Safeguarding and Child Protection. • Under the direction of the Head of Department, make a full contribution to the work of the departmental team, and to departmental and whole school initiatives including Open Days. • Contribute to the maintenance of the fabric of classroom and departmental areas through the creation and updating of displays. • Contribute to the development and maintenance of electronic resources and virtual departmental areas. • Attend parents’ meetings as appropriate to the year group taught. • Regularly attend assemblies, department meetings, staff meetings and INSET. • Undertake a range of general duties to enable the smooth running of the school. • Contribute to the school’s programme of extra-curricular activities, some of which occur at weekends or during evenings. • Act as a tutor to a form, being responsible for morning registration, overseeing and reporting on pupils’ pastoral and academic progress and being active in helping the pupils to progress. Teach some aspects of the school’s PSHE programme. (This section applies only to teachers taking on the role of form tutor). 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) Person Specification • Have a good honours degree and a teacher training qualification for the 11-18 age range or a general education degree. • • • • • • Be a skilled classroom practitioner, having a good subject knowledge and an awareness of teaching methodology. Be in sympathy with the strong Christian ethos of Birkdale School. Be able to work within organisational procedures and meet the required standards for the role including the DfE Teaching Standards. Be able to work collaboratively and supportively with school colleagues. Be able to relate effectively to parents and to pupils. Be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, and have effective ICT skills for both teaching and administration. • Have a clear understanding of excellence in teaching and learning. • Be committed to continual personal and professional development and be reflective and able to learn from past experience. • Be resilient and demonstrate an ability to work well under pressure. • Display commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people, and be able to form and maintain appropriate relationships. • • Be able to demonstrate an active interest in extracurricular activities and a willingness to be involved. Be able to demonstrate appropriate pastoral skills. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) Information about Birkdale Birkdale is a very successful independent day school located in Sheffield for children aged from 4 to 18, amounting altogether to 770+ pupils. Birkdale is located on three sites in south-west Sheffield, the 11-18 (Y7 to Y13) Senior School, the 4-11 (Reception to Y6) Prep School and the playing fields at Castle Dyke. Birkdale is the only HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) school in South Yorkshire and the Head is also a member of the Society of Heads. The Head of the Preparatory School is a member of IAPS (The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools). The Christian ethos of the school manifests itself in the particularly friendly and supportive atmosphere. A good proportion of the staff are committed Christians, although as a community Birkdale is open to all, whatever their beliefs. There have been some exciting developments in recent years which include the introduction of girls at Birkdale. From September 2020, Birkdale began the process of moving from being a school for boys only, with a co-educational sixth form to being a fully co-educational school. From September 2024, all year groups at the Prep School were co-educational with the first 11+ co-educational cohort joining the Senior School. This is an exciting time to join our school. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) Additional Information • • • • • • • • You may wish to note that the length of Birkdale’s terms are slightly shorter than those of a maintained school and therefore the school holidays are longer. Term dates are on the school website. Salary will depend on experience and qualifications, and will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the role. Pension: Birkdale offers a choice of TPS pension or an attractive private salary sacrifice pension scheme APTIS with Aviva which is open to all teaching staff with a 16.7% employer contribution. Staff are entitled to a remission of school fees amounting up to 71.6% for full-time staff and pro rata for part- time and part year working staff. Sick pay: The company sick pay scheme provides ex-gratia sick pay at the full rate for up to 3 months in any 12 months, with 50% income protection for extended sickness. Additional Benefits: Death in service and access to additional wellbeing and health support including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments, Unlimited mental health support, Physiotherapy, Personal training, Nutrition consultations and more. During term time, lunch is provided to staff on site. Car parking is available on site. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) How To Apply Please submit: • • A cover letter addressed to Ben Bowles, Head of no more than one side of A4 explaining why you are interested in the role, and the skills and experiences you can bring to it (minimum font size of 11) A completed Birkdale School application form which includes the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of two referees. This can be found on our website >> Recruitment timetable: • • Closing date for applications –Monday 23rd February 2026 at 9.am. Interviews – Thursday 26th February 2026. Email your application to: Ben Bowles, Head at recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk by the closing date. For an informal discussion regarding the role please do not hesitate to contact the above email address with any questions you may have. Applicants who do not provide a Covering Letter and Application Form, as stipulated, will unfortunately not be considered. If you have any difficulties in providing this, please do not hesitate to contact the HR team at Recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk - Job Information Pack Teacher of English (Maternity Cover – Part Time) Pre-Employment Checks Birkdale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo the relevant pre-employment checks relevant to the role. Current legislation applying to this post includes the The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2008 and the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to prove their eligibility to work in the UK and undergo appropriate criminal record checks, including an application for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of the documentation etc needed in connection with all the above requirements will be sent to the shortlisted candidates. Prior to taking up appointment, we will then request a declaration about medical fitness, and proof of qualifications from the successful candidate. Under the guidance set by KCSIE Birkdale School will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. Equal Opportunities At Birkdale School, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all individuals. We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity, providing a level playing field for all of our staff and pupils. We aim to foster an inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone feels empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you meet most of the criteria but are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to reach out - we value potential and a willingness to grow. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk birkdaleschool.org.uk