Class Teacher

Location:       Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Station Road, Penshaw, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 7JZ
Grade:          Main Pay Scale 1 - 6 / Upper Pay Scale 1 - 3 (£32,916 to £51,048 per annum, pro rata)
Hours:          Full Time (1.0FTE), Temporary Contract to Cover Maternity Leave

Our Lady Queen of Peace is a popular primary school serving the thriving Parish of St John XXlll, Washington and Penshaw.  Our happy pupils are excited to learn and to contribute to the school community.  They aspire highly and are guided by nurturing, talented staff and dedicated governors who seek excellence for all.

We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, a family of secondary, middle, primary and first schools in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Our schools are located in Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham Bishop Wilkinson is the largest catholic education trust in the North East of England.

“The school’s rules ‘ready, respectful, safe’ are clear in daily life…The school’s inclusive environment makes every child feel welcome and valued”. (Ofsted 2025)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated teacher to join Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School for 2 terms cover Maternity Leave.

We are looking for a class teacher who will:

• Be passionate about teaching and learning, ensuring that every child reaches their potential.
• Be an exceptional classroom practitioner with high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and achievements.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to working as part of a team.
• Be supportive of the Catholic Ethos of the school.
• Be a dedicated, motivated and skilful teacher who is passionate and reflective about learning and teaching.
• Be creative, enthusiastic, flexible and work well as part of a team.
• Have the ability to drive and accelerate progress.
• Have experience teaching within Key Stage 2. 

We can offer:

• A strong Catholic ethos, centred around the importance of kindness where everyone is valued.
• Enthusiastic and friendly children who are keen to learn in a kind, caring and supportive environment.
• Supportive and committed Governors and parents.
• The chance to be innovative in supporting improvement within our school. 

How to Apply:
To complete an online application form please click the 'Apply Now' button.

Visits to the school are welcome.  Please contact Mrs Peta Ludford, School Business Manager to make an appointment.

Closing Date:          Noon on Friday 2nd October 2026
Shortlisting Date:  Tuesday 6th October 2026
Interview Date:     Wednesday 14th October 2026

Required from: January 2027

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.