What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic teacher to join the English department, which is one of the largest in the school. There are currently eight members of the English teaching staff; all are subject specialists. The post is part-time, teaching English Language and Literature to Years 7-9, across three days per week, at 0.5-0.6 FTE.
English at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School (TWGGS) is a thriving and extremely popular subject which achieves outstanding results at all levels. At GCSE 57% of pupils in 2025 gained grades 9-7 for English Language, with 62% achieving grades 9-7 in English Literature; at A level 72% of pupils gained A*-B grades. English is a popular subject at A level with consistently strong cohort numbers of 60 to 80 pupils across the Lower and Upper Sixth each year. A number of A level pupils go on to study English and related subjects at top universities with notable success.
There are five purpose‑built English teaching rooms equipped with whiteboards and visualizers and we have an extremely well‑stocked library of teaching texts in a dedicated English Office.
All English teachers are expected to cater for the needs of a large number of gifted and talented pupils, as well as pupils with a wide range of Special Educational Needs. In Years 7-9, students follow schemes of work that cover the requirements of the National Curriculum but also aim to challenge, enthuse and extend.
Over the course of each year, a Shakespeare play or modern play, a novel, a selection of poetry, short stories and a variety of non‑fiction texts are studied. A creative and analytical assessment is completed within the course of each of these units of work. At GCSE, students currently follow the AQA specifications for GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. In the Sixth Form, pupils follow the Edexcel A Level Literature specification.
The department offers a wide range of extra‑curricular activities at all key stages, enriching the three skills areas of English: speaking and listening, reading and writing. We have thriving reading groups, including participation in the Carnegie Medal shadowing scheme; a creative writing club run by sixth form pupils; and a sixth form literary appreciation society. We aim to take each year group on an educational visit: for example, Year 7 have recently visited Shakespeare’s Globe for an introductory talk and acting workshop; sixth formers have taken part in the English & Media Centre’s Poems of the Decade conference in London and visits to Charleston and Monk’s House in Sussex; and GCSE pupils have taken part in workshops at the British Library. There is also an exciting programme of other events: for example, World Book Day celebrations for Year 7 and our annual Drama Festival for Year 8.
The post arises as a result of a maternity cover and offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate to join a highly successful, supportive and inspirational department, building even further on its success. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about the subject, an outstanding classroom teacher and keen to join a department eager to inspire pupils to develop their skills to the very highest level.
What the school offers its staff
* Teachers Pension Scheme
* Access to training and development
* Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
* Free tea and coffee
* On site parking
* Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme – wellbeing and advice
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free lunch on parents’ evenings and on your birthday
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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