About this role

Meadowbrook College is looking to appoint a hard-working, dedicated Teacher of Construction on a full-time, permanent basis at our site in Oxford.

As an Alternative Provision Academy within the River Learning Trust, our primary aim is to prepare and equip young people aged 5–16 with the necessary skills and confidence to successfully transition into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

This role offers a distinct teaching environment: learning takes place in small, well-supported groups of between 6-8 pupils, and our community is deeply committed to the adoption of Restorative Principles. We are looking for an expert who sets high expectations, models industry standards, and values a collaborative, workload-sensitive team culture.

What skills/experience are required 

To lead our practical vocational curriculum, essential must-haves include strong subject expertise across construction disciplines (such as carpentry, brickwork, or basic trades) to guide Key Stage 4 students safely, alongside a deep commitment to Restorative Principles and Practice to manage behavior and build trust. You must hold high academic expectations to prepare our small groups of 6–8 pupils for external qualifications, apprenticeships, or future employment, working collaboratively within our wider multidisciplinary team. Desirable nice-to-haves that would strengthen your application include prior experience within an Alternative Provision (AP) or specialist SEMH setting, direct background working within the construction industry, or experience tailoring bespoke learning programmes focused on self-management and employability. 

What we can offer/about our school

At Meadowbrook College, an all-through Alternative Provision Academy within the River Learning Trust, we provide a specialised, supportive environment designed to equip students aged 5–16 with the self-management skills required for a successful transition to their next destination.

By joining our vocational department as the Teacher of Construction, you will benefit from:

Purposeful Teaching Environments: With small group sizes strictly limited to between 6-8 pupils, you have the room to truly teach, establish strong boundaries, and focus on practical skill progression rather than managing a crowded workshop.

A Multidisciplinary Support Network: You will work alongside a talented, collaborative team of coach-mentors, learning mentors, therapists, and a school nurse, ensuring holistic support is wrap-around and never rests solely on your shoulders.

Restorative Principles in Action: Our community is deeply committed to Restorative Practice, creating a calm, respectful workplace culture where positive behaviour and genuine relationships underpin quality learning.

Professional Agency & Autonomy: We respect your specialist vocational expertise, giving you the autonomy to model industry standards and shape a workshop culture that makes our Key Stage 4 students proud of their hard work.

Shared Growth & Stability: Through our connection to the River Learning Trust, you will receive evidence-informed, high-quality CPLD, a workload-sensitive approach to school operations, and the long-term security of recognised continuous service and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.

OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together.

OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils.

OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive  continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. 

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance. 

If you would like to have a confidential conversation with Jacqui West the Headteacher, about the role, prior to application, then please email lhook@meadowbrookcollege.org.uk or telephone 01865 253198.

The River Learning Trust and Meadowbrook College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.   The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates. Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. For further guidance for applicants click on this link List of offences that are not filtered