English Teacher – Maternity Cover
Howell's School, Llandaff
Starting September 2026
Fixed term contract to cover maternity leave, teaching commitment 0.8 FTE
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and from a range of backgrounds and experiences including race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. The GDST is a Disability Confident Committed employer, and is committed to equal opportunities in employment, training and development through an Equal Opportunities Policy.
Applications will be accepted in alternative formats, therefore should you require any adjustments to be able to complete the application form or wish to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact Helen Flynn to arrange to visit the School for a confidential conversation at your convenience.
The Role:
We require a well-qualified Teacher of English who is committed to high academic standards to teach up to A Level. The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate high standards of preparation, organisation and marking, as well as enthusiasm and competence in the subject and a lively and engaging teaching style.
We are looking for a dynamic teacher who is enthusiastic about the subject and can inspire their classes, as well as support extra-curricular activities such as preparing public speaking teams, promoting creative writing competitions and organising trips.
Skills, qualifications & experience should include:
• A well-qualified graduate with QTS or equivalent experience.
• Successful teaching experience in a range of settings across the full age range 11–18, up to and including A level, with a track record of consistently enabling learners to achieve high standards.
• A proven track record of academic success in the subject area.
• Able to demonstrate excellent behaviour management skills and a commitment to creating a positive culture of student welfare, by taking an active role in pastoral care matters.
• A proactive and innovative approach to teaching, including knowledge of the latest developments within the profession.
• A supportive and inclusive approach regarding different cultures, backgrounds, abilities and personal choices.
About the Department
The English Department is a successful, thriving department and the staff work very closely together. We usually follow the AQA examination board at both GCSE and A-level, but some current Year 11 students have been working towards the WJEC GCSE English Language and Literature legacy courses. The success rate at both levels is encouraging. Students in Years 7 and 8 are taught in mixed ability classes. This year, Year 9 students have been put into bands. At Key Stage 4 students are set and the vast majority sit GCSE examinations in both English Language and English Literature. Our A Level classes are made up of able, articulate and enthusiastic students. The class sizes vary from year to year but currently average between 7 and 10 students. We believe wholeheartedly in the value of reading and try hard to encourage all our students to become thoughtful, engaged readers.
About the School
Howell’s School, Llandaff, is one of the oldest girls’ school in Wales, having opened in August 1860. Since then, it has steadily expanded, both in terms of student numbers and physical size. The school now caters for girls from the age of 3 to 16 and girls and boys 16-18. Since 1980 it has been a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the largest organisation of independent schools in the UK. Its 25 member schools all have a reputation for consistently high academic standards, superb pastoral support and enviable co-curricular programmes.
The facilities inside the Victorian building and its more modern extensions are first-class and the opportunities for extracurricular activities, teamwork and confidence-building numerous. Academically, the school provides great added value, with results at both GCSE and A Level regularly greatly exceeding expectations.
Benefits:
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• Generous flexible private pension scheme
• Free life assurance benefit
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
The closing date for application is Sunday 19th April at 11pm, with interviews to be held shortly after.