The Pingle Academy

Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0QA

The Pingle Academy is proud to be part of the Affinity Learning Partnership, a growing Multi Academy Trust currently based across Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Our Trust comprises three secondary and four primary academies, each committed to raising aspirations and securing exceptional outcomes for every student.

At The Pingle Academy, we are on an ambitious and exciting journey to further improve standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence. We firmly believe that strong behaviour systems underpin high-quality teaching and learning. Clear routines and high expectations enable teachers to focus on their craft and ensure that every lesson offers students the very best educational experience. Good behaviour provides the foundations for high quality teaching and learning to thrive. It allows teachers to focus on their craft and to teach well.

Our vision statement is to ensure that all the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.  We take this responsibility very seriously.

One of the key strengths of the academy is the positive relationships between staff and students. We have a friendly, respectful and harmonious environment.  We are truly inclusive and will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Within our school community, students and staff are known, valued, developed and supported to be successful within a warm strict environment.

We believe that every member of our community has the right to feel safe; tolerance, respect and fairness underpin the fabric of our ethos and are promoted through the traditional British values such as treating each other with respect, being courteous and polite. We have a strong commitment to helping and encouraging our students to make a positive contribution to their community.

The Pingle Academy is at the heart of the Swadlincote community, and we take every opportunity to be involved in joint events and projects and are developing strong links with community stakeholders and external parties.  The successful candidate will be keen to support this to address issues within both a global, national and local context.

Visitors to our Academy comment on the warm welcome, calm atmosphere, and the supportive ethos. We are a community committed to inspiring one another to be the best we can be in everything we do. Our vision is clear: every child and young person in our care deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of background or starting point.

The Candidate

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and motivated Teacher of Art.  Whilst this will be necessary as a specialism and be delivered at KS3 / 4 and 5 over time. You must also be confident in the delivery of KS3 and KS4 design and technology and have the ambition and dedication to continue to develop the curriculum in these areas in line with current practice and research in effective teaching.

The successful candidate will have an infectious passion for their subjects and be versatile: a team player who is keen to make an impact and be part of a successful organisation.

In all areas of the curriculum, you will be able to support the promotion of excellent standards of student learning, achievement, progress, attainment and behaviour through working effectively and collaboratively. You will be passionate about your specialist subject and seek to inspire students within all areas of Art and Technology.

The team members are all specialists and we offer a diverse curriculum with a range of courses and exam pathways that meet the needs of our students within mainstream, the enhanced resource unit and our vibrant sixth form.

If you want to be part of a team committed to excellence and want to make a difference in education, get in touch.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

Why Work for Affinity?

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses - Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives - Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
• Removal of performance-related pay
• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
• One dedicated wellbeing day per academic year

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
• Access to Benenden Health's self-pay private heathcare service
• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
• Cycle to Work scheme
• BHSF health cash plan
• Eye care vouchers
• Flu vaccination vouchers
• Generous pension schemes through Teachers Pensions and the Local Government Pension Scheme

Additional Information:

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

Please note:  Completed applications should be received by 09:00am of the closing date. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please ensure to regularly check your junk/spam folder for any correspondence in relation to the progress of your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not policy to give individual feedback at this stage.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required. 

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.