Teacher of Physical Education at River Academy

Job Reference #: EDV/2026/RA/12153

Location:

7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Contract Type:
Permanent
Contract Term:
Full-Time
Salary: £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (FTE)
FTE: 1.0
Closing Date: 9:00am, 23rd Feb 2026

Start Date:

1 September 2026
Positions: 1
Interview Dates:
Week commencing 1 March 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Teacher of Physical Education to join our team at River Academy. The successful candidate will deliver high‑quality PE lessons that promote physical competence, teamwork, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. You will support students to make excellent progress, contribute to curriculum development and enrichment opportunities, and play a full role in the wider life of the school and Trust.

The role includes teaching across the ability range, acting as a form tutor and contributing to enrichment and whole‑school activities. 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%.

• Plan, resource and deliver high‑quality PE lessons in line with Trust and school schemes of work.
• Inspire students to engage positively in physical activity and develop confidence, skills and teamwork.
• Ensure strong progress and attainment for all students, including disadvantaged learners, those with SEND and the more able.
• Use formative and summative assessment effectively to inform planning and intervention.
• Maintain high standards of behaviour for learning in line with Trust policy.
• Act as a form tutor, delivering high‑quality tutor and PSMSC sessions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop curriculum materials and share best practice.
• Contribute to enrichment opportunities, fixtures, clubs, trips and extra‑curricular activities.
• Prepare students effectively for internal and external assessments where applicable.
• Uphold Trust and school policies, including safeguarding, assessment, behaviour, health and safety.

You will be a motivated and reflective classroom practitioner with a passion for Physical Education and inclusive practice.

• A good honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Strong subject knowledge in Physical Education and the ability to teach across the ability range.
• Excellent classroom and activity‑based practice, with effective behaviour management skills.
• The ability to motivate, inspire and engage students in physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, colleagues and parents.
• A commitment to equality, safeguarding and overcoming barriers to learning.
• A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school and Trust, including extra‑curricular sport.

Early Career Teachers are welcome to apply.

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 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, including…