Teacher of English, Film and Media

Samuel Ward Academy

Teacher of English, Film and Media

Contract: Full-time, Permanent 

Salary: MPR/UPR

Start date: January 2027

Samuel Ward Academy is looking to appoint a qualified, optimistic, and enthusiastic Teacher of English, Film and Media to join our friendly and professional school. Alongside teaching English and KS4 Film Studies and AAQ Media in the Samuel Ward Sixth Form, the successful candidate will have the opportunity of an excellent support and induction package, as we undertake to challenge ourselves to provide the very best education for our students and the community. There will also be the opportunity to make connections and find support from teachers across Unity Schools Partnership which includes secondary, special and primary schools.

This is an excellent opportunity for an inspirational teacher, with a passion for ensuring that each student can flourish and succeed academically within an environment that also prioritises enrichment and ‘whole-child’ development. We are a warm, welcoming school, at the heart of our community, committed to creating rich and fulfilling futures for each child. We ensure that our students aspire to be their very best, tackle challenges bravely and work together with compassion to build an inclusive community in which each individual can flourish. We are an Ofsted Good school with the ambition to be a great school. You will join a staff dedicated to promoting a positive culture of tolerance, respect and excellence.

The successful candidate will be a teacher who has the ability to motivate, challenge and inspire our students. You will be a highly skilled, innovative and enthusiastic practitioner with a determination to achieve the highest outcomes. Whatever your career stage, you will be ambitious to have an impact, and to continue to develop your teaching practice.

All staff at SWA benefit from close links with colleagues in the other secondary schools in the Unity Schools Partnership. You will join a highly visible and supportive SLT in a school with a sensible approach to workload and a calm, respectful working environment, alongside a professional and dedicated team of staff.

Samuel Ward is a successful 11-18 co-educational academy. We are situated in pleasant surroundings on the western edge of Suffolk, within easy reach of Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. We benefit from a modern building and excellent facilities, each teacher is given lap-top and iPad, and benefits from a two-week October half-term alongside a ‘Well-being Day’ each academic year. Candidates are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about us and to see our Staff Well-being Charter. We encourage prospective applicants to come and visit us during the school day.

Please contact Tom Johnston, Headteacher for more information, an informal conversation or to make a pre-application visit (email Kirsty Franks, Headteacher’s PA on  View email address on tes.com ) 

Closing date: Weds 14 October 2026, 09:00am* 

Interviews: 20 October 2026

*Early applications are encouraged as we may interview on a rolling basis upon receipt of applications

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.