The Reach Free School is seeking a passionate and dedicated English teacher to join our thriving and close-knit community. This is a school where every pupil is known as an individual, and every teacher is valued for the unique strengths they bring. Whether you are just starting your career or seeking a fresh, fulfilling challenge, you will find a supportive, forward-thinking staff body where creativity is encouraged, professional development is prioritised, and your contribution will make a genuine difference.

English at The Reach Free School

We want our English curriculum to empower pupils so they can head into the world literate, articulate and with an appreciation for literature because they see themselves reflected in it. 

We aim to develop pupils’ critical awareness through the exploration of a variety of viewpoints and diverse texts. We want our pupils to experience the best of what has been written and spoken, becoming excellent writers and speakers, both academically and beyond. The English department is passionate about conveying the importance and power of language in our everyday lives.  

Key Stage 3 is vitally important; it is here that the foundations of successful study at GCSE level and beyond are laid. More importantly, it is where we can instil a love of reading for pleasure and a love of learning. To this end, we strive for a balanced curriculum that incorporates both Literature and Language across all three years.

At GCSE level, all pupils study both Literature and Language, building on the skills and knowledge acquired at KS3. We follow the Eduqas syllabus for GCSE English Literature, and for GCSE English Language, we follow the AQA syllabus. We also have a growing GCSE Film Studies cohort, having introduced the subject in 2025. 

At A Level, we follow the Edexcel syllabus for English Literature and the Eduqas syllabus for Film Studies.

As an employer who promotes flexible working, we are open to both part-time and full-time positions. For part-time staff, we may also be flexible on days and hours. 

At The Reach Free School, we expect all teaching staff to:

• Be passionate about their subject area and learning as a lifelong skill

• Be committed to securing the best outcomes for all pupils at the school

• Support the Head of Department with evidence-informed teaching methods

• Have a passion for education and be open to innovative approaches in everyday aspects of school life

• Offer enrichment and extra-curricular experiences related to their subject area and beyond

• Contribute to the overall development of the school

• Be flexible in their approach to work, adapting to new challenges

• Support and mentor colleagues who are training

In return, we will offer you: 

• A happy and supportive working environment with high expectations and standards

• Access to the latest technology to assist in developing your teaching and learning

• Competitive salaries based on skills and experience

• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• A staff committee that organises various social events

• A comprehensive employee assistance programme

• A £500 new employee referral scheme

• Free parking

• A BUPA cash plan to contribute to medical care 

• A Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme

• Up to five days paid leave in compassionate, emergency or exceptional circumstances. For example, our staff can see their children perform in assemblies or shows.

• A network of outstanding practitioners to collaborate with and learn from, both in school and across the Watford Partnership for Teacher Training

• A comprehensive professional development programme together with opportunities to further develop your career

This position is suitable for early career teachers. 

The Reach Free School is a successful secondary school which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023. The oversubscribed school is a popular choice for local families. The school has excellent modern facilities built in 2018, right in the heart of its community. If the challenges of working in a non-selective secondary school appeal to you, then we would like to hear from you.

Further information is available from our website: www.thereachfreeschool.co.uk. 

We encourage potential candidates to arrange a tour of the school. Contact The Reach Free School to arrange this or with any questions you may have on 01923 711517 or via email to Mrs Keri McKay, HR Officer, kmckay@reachfree.co.uk. 

Safer Recruitment

The Reach Free School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. To ensure we fulfil this responsibility, all candidates will undergo a thorough selection process designed to deter and identify unsuitable applicants. Details of this process are outlined below. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Disclosure

This role involves significant access to children, and any appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for previous criminal convictions. Candidates must disclose any convictions, cautions, or bind-overs, including ‘spent convictions’ as defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020), prior to appointment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in termination of employment. However, a criminal background will not automatically exclude individuals from employment; each case will be considered based on the nature and timing of the offence(s).

Online searches 

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) asks schools to carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability. The school will also carry out a prohibition from teaching check. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of your employment.