We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Teacher of Geography to join our team at River Academy. The successful candidate will plan and deliver highly effective and inspiring lessons, ensuring that students make exceptional progress and achieve excellent academic outcomes.

This role is responsible for delivering high-quality Geography teaching that supports strong academic progress and positive learning behaviours. The postholder plans and delivers engaging lessons aligned with the Trust’s teaching framework, ensuring students are supported and challenged to achieve excellent outcomes.

Working under the guidance of the Curriculum Leader, the Geography Teacher contributes to the design of schemes of work, effective assessment practices and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning. The role also includes pastoral responsibilities as a form tutor, supporting students’ personal development, behaviour and attendance.

The postholder contributes to the wider life of the school by maintaining high expectations for conduct and behaviour, supporting school policies and participating in enrichment opportunities, school events and professional development. The role requires professionalism, collaboration with colleagues and a commitment to the safety, wellbeing and success of all students.

Whilst this role is for a teacher of Geography in the first instance, it is hoped that the appointed candidate will have the potential to assume the role of Head of Geography after one year in post.

River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way.

River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm, and systems are designed to reduce workload so teachers can focus on their teaching craft. Tutor time is carefully structured and includes reading, assemblies and settling activities to support learning throughout the day. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, resource and deliver effective Geography lessons in line with the Trust’s learning and teaching framework and schemes of work.

• Support strong student progress and attainment by using assessment effectively to inform teaching, monitor progress and implement interventions where required.

• Maintain high standards of behaviour for learning and establish a positive, disciplined classroom environment.

• Prepare students for internal and external assessments and examinations, ensuring accurate and reliable assessment and feedback.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to design engaging and challenging curriculum content and share effective practice.

• Direct and supervise support staff in lessons and ensure effective and safe use of teaching resources.

• Communicate effectively with students and parents regarding progress, targets and strategies to support improvement.

• Fulfil pastoral responsibilities as a form tutor, supporting student attendance, behaviour, personal development and wellbeing.

• Implement Trust policies including behaviour, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and other statutory requirements.

• Contribute to the wider life of the school through enrichment activities, school events, extra-curricular opportunities and Trust initiatives.

• Participate in appraisal, professional development and training activities, including supporting recruitment or teacher training when required.

• Uphold the professional standards, culture and values of the school and the wider Trust.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Holds a good quality degree and a PGCE (or equivalent) in secondary education with Qualified Teacher Status.

• Demonstrates strong classroom practice and the ability to use a range of teaching strategies to promote learning and engagement.

• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing with students, colleagues and parents.

• Manages behaviour effectively and motivates students to achieve their best.

• Uses assessment effectively to monitor progress and support student development.

• Works accurately and efficiently, including completing administrative tasks to required deadlines.

• Uses ICT effectively to support teaching and learning where appropriate.

• Shows enthusiasm for the subject and a commitment to sharing this with students.

• Demonstrates a commitment to overcoming barriers to learning and supporting student success.

• Builds positive professional relationships with students, staff and parents.

• Acts as a positive role model and contributes to the wider life of the school, including extra-curricular activities.

• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

About the School

River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.

The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties.

The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.

To learn more about River Academy, please visit the school website: www.river-academy.co.uk

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

• Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

• ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

• Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.

Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

• Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

• Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

• Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

• Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

• Mental Health First Aid support.

• Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

• Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information 

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

 Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.