The School

Matthew Arnold is a dynamic and high-performing community school on the outskirts of Oxford, seeking to appoint an inspiring Teacher of Drama for September 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate educator looking to begin or further develop their teaching career within a supportive and ambitious environment.

With over 1,300 students, Matthew Arnold is an oversubscribed and inclusive 11–18 school, proudly serving both urban and rural communities across west Oxford. The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A key driver of this success is the school’s commitment to continuous professional development. Staff are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow, making Matthew Arnold an exceptional place to build a rewarding career in education.

The school is part of the Acer Trust, where collaboration across schools ensures shared expertise, innovation, and a commitment to making every school a great place to learn and work.

Introduction

• We offer successful and well-established GCSE and A courses.
• Matthew Arnold is highly regarded within the local community for both its academic outcomes and inclusive ethos.
• We are dedicated to improving student achievement while prioritising staff development and wellbeing.
• Our culture is friendly, collaborative, and supportive, with teachers working closely together to share best practice.
• As part of the Acer Trust, staff benefit from a wide range of cross-school professional development opportunities.
• Our comprehensive induction programme provides excellent support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), ensuring a strong and confident start to their careers.

General Duties

Teachers are expected to carry out the professional duties as outlined in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document.

Teaching Duties

The postholder will be expected to teach any class that they are reasonably directed to teach, across the full age and ability range from KS3 to KS5 in Drama, plus another subject to KS3 (English). The postholder will be expected to take responsibility for a tutor group.

**It  would be an advantage, though not a requirement, if the post holder is able to also teach English at KS3**

Teachers must demonstrate the following:

• Set high expectations to inspire, motivate, and challenge pupils
• Promote strong progress and positive outcomes for all pupils
• Demonstrate secure subject and curriculum knowledge
• Plan and deliver engaging, well-structured lessons
• Adapt teaching to meet the strengths and needs of all learners
• Use assessment effectively to inform teaching and learning
• Manage behaviour in a positive and effective manner
• Fulfil wider professional responsibilities

Contribution to the Development of Psychology

• Contribute to the development of departmental schemes of work and high-quality teaching resources
• Support and contribute to extra-curricular initiatives and events that promote English within the school and through external partnerships (e.g. OCL and Acer Trust)

Student Welfare and Development

• Take responsibility for a tutor group, supporting students’ academic progress, personal development, and wellbeing

General Responsibilities

• Follow school and departmental policies and procedures
• Engage actively in professional development and performance review processes
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all students
• Comply with health and safety responsibilities, taking reasonable care for personal safety and the safety of others

How to Apply

Complete the application form on My New Term. For further inquiries, please contact Jeremiah at hrwest@acertrust.org.uk.