Overview
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our small Trust, as a humanities teacher, at the James Marks Academy (JMA) in Welwyn Garden City. The JMA initially opened in September 2023 to 20 pupils, but now supports 53 (including sixth form) with this rising to 65 in September 2025 with 72 when full. We therefore need to expand our staffing. If you want to know what it is really like to teach in the JMA, prior to making an application, please feel free to contact mark.reynolds@jamesmarks.herts.sch.uk. I would encourage prospective candidates to take the opportunity to speak with somebody who has lived experience of teaching all the pupils at the JMA.
Post context
This post has arisen as a result of expansion: the Trust has an exceptional staff retention record. In the most recent anonymous staff survey, 100% of staff responded either “strongly agree” or “agree” to “I am proud to be a member of staff”, and “I enjoy working at this school”. This is reflective of our commitment to professional development, staff wellbeing and work-life balance.
The pupil cohort at our school is best described as those with high anxiety and ASC, for whom a traditional SEMH school would be deemed inappropriate. Our pupils are typically average to high ability, though we are inclusive of all. To support our pupils\' needs, class sizes are small, which enables teachers to truly know their pupils and build incredibly positive relationships with them. Our school environment is incredibly calm, yet vibrant and purposeful; it is testament to the fact that, with the right teachers and in the right environment, young people with complex additional needs can absolutely thrive.
Our founder school, Roman Fields, was joined by Forest House Education Centre in September 2022, with the JMA making up the three educational provisions in the Trust. Roman Fields was graded Ofsted “outstanding” in June 2024 and holds the National Autistic Society\'s “Specialist Advanced” award.
Role and requirements
We are looking for an outstanding teacher with a passion for inclusive education and high expectations to support the delivery of this core subject at the JMA. We offer tailored CPD opportunities, and if you are ambitious and looking for the next step in your career, this will be available as we grow. We want someone with a passion for humanities, who possesses the ability to engage and excite pupils. We pride ourselves on the quality of relationships throughout the organisation. As an academic provision, we seek to inspire curiosity and a love of learning. We are therefore committed to ensuring that learning is engaging and involves discussion, debate and the kinds of challenges that spark imagination.
What we offer is the opportunity to make a real difference and join a successful team committed to ensuring what we continue to offer is the very best. Our website contains countless genuine comments from parents; which are supported by the Ofsted report and Autism Accreditation report that best demonstrates the ethos and approach of the Trust, which are on the Roman Fields website.
How to apply
We would ask that you return the completed application form (compulsory), DBS Declaration (compulsory) and Equal Opportunities Form (optional) by the closing date either by emailing it to mandy.crow@jmatherts.co.uk or posting it to Mandy Crow, Roman Fields Academy, 11 Box Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP3 0DF. Please note this is where the central functions are managed for the Trust, you will be employed at the JMA in Welwyn. Please note we do not accept CVs.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to our pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, receipt of two satisfactory safeguarding references and interview. In addition, a prohibition order check and a pre-employment medical questionnaire will be carried out.
Safeguarding
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to our pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, receipt of two satisfactory safeguarding references and interview. In addition, a prohibition order check and a pre-employment medical questionnaire will be carried out.
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