Lead Practitioner

Shorefields; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Colchester is seeking a dedicated Lead Practitioner: English to join their innovative team. This position requires a Qualified Teacher with a proven track record of improving student outcomes at GCSE level. The role involves pedagogical leadership, strategic data analysis, and effective change management to enhance teaching standards across the faculty. A competitive salary and a robust professional development program are offered, along with a commitment to safeguarding and diversity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive perks like discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing successful student outcomes at GCSE level.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Model outstanding evidence-based practice.
• Evaluate recent academic research to inform faculty policy.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching.

Skills

Pedagogical leadership

Strategic use of data

Staff development

Effective change management

Operational excellence

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

Position Start Date: 01/09/2026. Contract Type: Full-time. Contract Term: Permanent. Application Close: 01/03/2026 Midnight. Date of Interviews: Friday 6th March 2026.

Join a Team That is Committed to 'Building Brighter Futures' at Paxman Academy

Are you a collaborative professional who thrives in a supportive community? Ready to help students fulfil their full potential?

At Paxman Academy, we are dedicated to creating an ordered, stimulating learning environment where every student is valued, respected, and encouraged to achieve their best.

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new Lead Practitioner: English role. This role represents a significant investment in our English Faculty and a new opportunity for an experienced educator to join our wider Teaching and Learning leadership team.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that high-quality, research-informed pedagogy is consistent across the faculty and the wider school, directly influencing both student outcomes and the professional growth of our staff.

This post is offered on a full time basis (100% FTE), though part time will be considered for the right candidate.

The Role

As a Lead Practitioner, you will balance a reduced teaching timetable with strategic responsibilities aimed at elevating standards of teaching and learning. This is a role for a practitioner who remains committed to classroom excellence while possessing the leadership capacity to mentor others.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Pedagogical Leadership: Modelling outstanding, evidence-based practice and developing innovative schemes of learning that reflect the academy's curriculum intent.
• Strategic Research: Evaluating recent academic research and external evidence to inform faculty policy, particularly regarding the use of technology and assessment practices.
• Quality Assurance: Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching through structured observations, work sampling, and data analysis.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated professional who combines exceptional classroom expertise with the strategic mindset required to drive faculty-wide improvement. The successful candidate will be a Qualified Teacher (QTS) with a proven track record of securing successful student outcomes at GCSE level.

Professional Expertise and Leadership

The ideal candidate will be an outstanding practitioner currently working in a secondary setting. You will possess the ability to lead and quality assure systems that guarantee the best outcomes for both students and staff. We are looking for a leader who can demonstrate:

• Strategic Use of Data: A proven ability to use national and local data to inform actions, evaluate progress, and raise student achievement.
• Staff Development: Significant experience in coaching, mentoring, and performance management, with the ability to support colleagues in refining their professional practice.
• Effective Change Management: The skills to form and lead high-impact teams, managing challenges effectively while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
• Operational Excellence: A high level of competence in planning, delegating tasks, and managing school resources effectively.

For full details, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?

We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• A Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme for your well-being.
• Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets, and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision 'To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts', where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.

To Apply

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about the role and apply by midnight on Sunday 1st March via My New Term:

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/147080/EDV-2026-PA-45338

Interviews are set to be held on Friday 6th March.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, so an early application is advised.

We politely request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy.