Teacher of Drama and English at River Academy

5 Days Remaining

Job Reference #: EDV/2026/RA/78604

Location:

7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Contract Type:
Permanent

Contract Term:
Full-Time

Salary: £32,916.00 – £51,048.00 Annually (FTE)

1.0

FTE MPR/UPR

Closing Date: 9:00am, 23rd Feb 2026

Start Date:

1 September 2026

Positions Available: 1

Interview Date(s):
Week commencing 1 March 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Teacher of Drama and English to join our team at River Academy.

The successful candidate will deliver engaging and inspiring lessons across Drama and English, supporting students to develop creativity, confidence, literacy and critical thinking. You will ensure students make excellent progress, contribute to curriculum development 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, performance opportunities 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 Drama and English lessons in line with Trust and school schemes of work.
• Inspire students to engage creatively and critically with literature, language and performance.
• 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, performances, trips, extra‑curricular activities and whole‑school events.
• Prepare students effectively for internal and external assessments and examinations.
• Uphold Trust and school policies, including safeguarding, assessment, behaviour and health and safety.

You will be a passionate and reflective classroom practitioner with a commitment to inclusive education and high expectations.

• A good honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Strong subject knowledge in Drama and English and the ability to teach across the ability range.
• Excellent classroom practice, with effective behaviour management skills.
• The ability to inspire creativity, confidence and engagement in students.
• 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.

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 primary,…