Teacher of English Upper School

Teacher of English – Ferndown Upper School

Join to apply for the Teacher of English – Ferndown Upper School role at Dorset Council

Fixed term contract – 1.0 FTE. Start: ASAP from January 2026 to May 2026.

We are looking for an outstanding and ambitious teacher to work in our strong English department. The department achieves positive outcomes at GCSE and A level and Ferndown Upper School has been placed in the top 20% of schools nationally for its GCSE and A level results for the previous three years.

• Teach English across Key Stages, including Key Stage 4 and the 6th form for English Literature and English Language A Levels.
• Employ a forward‑thinking research‑based approach to teaching and learning, using an interleaved curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time.
• Apply our systematic knowledge‑based testing and Michaela marking approach to support assessment and progression.
• Lead and support extra‑curricular activities, such as theatre trips, expert lectures (including David Crystal) and visits to literature festivals.

• Teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE or equivalent).
• Evidence of strong achievement at GCSE and/or A Level in English.
• Ability to work within a high‑performance department and contribute to a supportive culture.
• UK based – Right to Work must be established during appointment process.
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) required.
• Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; disclosure of convictions is not required.
• Commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people.

• Great students who behave – make a difference to their learning.
• Opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues.
• Tight, robust behaviour systems.
• Centralised detentions including homework detentions.
• Ongoing ‘no‑stakes’ feedback to develop continuously.
• Staff autonomy and strong staff culture.
• Centralised, shared units of work and resources.
• Excellent CPD, career development and promotion opportunities.
• Well‑kept site and a very pleasant location in beautiful Dorset.
• Private Healthcare Cash Back Plan – 24/7 GP access by phone, gym discounts, cashback for optical, dental and other appointment expenses for employees and their children.
• Access to the staff benefits and discounts portal through Dorset Council.

To apply, please click on 'Apply'.

An application form is available on our website  – follow the link to Job Vacancies.

Completed application forms should be sent to

If you require any further information, please contact Andrea Baxter on

Midnight Sunday 4th January 2026

Ferndown Upper School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Ferndown Upper School is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers. The MOJ’s guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Ferndown Upper School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Ferndown Upper School – Ferndown, England, United Kingdom