Skip to content ↓

Work with Us

Vacancies:

We currently have the following vacancies:

Associate Assistant Principal - Quality of Education (KS3 and Literacy)

Job Title:              Associate Assistant Principal – Quality of Education (KS3 and Literacy Lead)

Location:             Corby Technical School

Salary:                  L9 – L10

About Corby Technical School and the role

An exciting opportunity has opened up for an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team at Corby Technical School and contribute to the continued success of this outstanding and high achieving school in Northamptonshire.  We offer an exceptional working and learning environment where students are placed at the heart of the learning experience.  Corby Technical School is a very fast paced environment with all the exciting challenged and opportunities you would expect to find in a fully comprehensive school, and with this brand new roles comes the potential to be a part of our aspirational and driven team.

We are looking for an inspirational teacher and confident leader with experience of whole school initiatives and a proven track record of sustained impact.  This role offers the prospect of championing KS3 and whole school literacy.  The successful candidate will work with our senior leadership team and the English department to lead the development and improvement of Literacy across the school.  As part of the quality of education team and in addition to the specific responsibilities they will also significantly contribute by supporting with our whole school QA programme, developing staff and supporting their professional development and the role will focus on ensuring that students who join the school have the best possible start to their journey by ensuring early identification of learning needs or gaps and ensuring that the education they receive meets those needs.

At Corby Technical School, we believe in open and transparent leadership.  We are a team who are very receptive to making changes where an opportunity for improvement is identified.  We encourage our leaders to lead by example, be professional ambassadors for the school and contribute positively, upholding the school values.  Leaders at Corby Technical School are always flexible in their work, responding to the needs of the school, and are motivated to ensure that an exceptional education is provided for our young people.  We are seeking to appoint a leader with high aspirations for staff and students alike, who models professionalism in every aspect of their work.  They will be a determined and resilient individual with high levels of integrity, a commitment to effective teamwork and a strong vision for the school.

We want to be able to appoint the vey best candidate and will therefore welcome applicants from any subject specialism.  Corby Technical School is an inclusive organisation that seeks to ensure equality of opportunity for all.  If you think this looks like the right role for you, we would love to hear from you!

About Brooke Weston Trust

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission – to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we improve our students’ achievements by making long term commitments to the community and championing new approaches to improve the life chances for young people.

Our members of staff are essential to realising this vision, and a happy, motivated and supported team will deliver the best possible experiences for our young people.

We place great emphasis on creating a supportive and collaborative working environment in all our schools, where all staff can share best practice through our colleague networks. Brooke Weston staff get access to first class professional development through our Ambition Hub, which is also home to the Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub.

How to Apply

If you think you can contribute in this role and to our organisation we welcome your application!

Further details about the Academy, the above position and details of how to apply can be found on our website https://www.corbytechnicalschool.org/  or by telephoning 01536 213100.  Applications may be submitted in writing addressed to the Principal or electronically to recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org.

Safer Recruitment

Care and respect for others are the values that lie at the heart of our Trust. The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. It expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts require proof of identity and as the role is working with children and young people this will also be subject to an enhanced disclosures barring service check. In line with safer recruitment requirements, individuals shortlisted for a role in school will have online checks conducted on their name across social media platforms and google.

A copy of the Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found here - Safeguarding and Child Protection

The Trusts position on the recruitment of Ex-Offenders can be found under section 7 of the Trust SCR, Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy - Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy

Closing date:      Monday 5th February 2024 – 12.00pm

Interview date: TBC

Please be aware that if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

BWT Application Form

Job Description

Teacher if Digital Art Photography and Creative Media

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Teacher of Digital Art, Photography and Creative Digital Media who will contribute to our dynamic and well-resourced Art department. Beyond a passion for traditional art forms, we are looking for a practitioner with a flair for Creative Digital Media, capable of guiding our students in maximising their creative use of technology. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in utilising technologies such as the Adobe Design Suite and will be adept at integrating digital arts seamlessly into the curriculum.

We currently deliver Art to all key stages and have recently introduced GCSE Art Photography, we intend to offer this course at A level from September 2024.  In addition to the Art courses, our digital curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum, including the OCR Cambridge Technical in Creative iMedia and our Level 3 BTEC in Creative Digital Media Production. The flexibility of these courses allows us to welcome applications from individuals with diverse specialisations and expertise in digital arts. We envision a teacher who not only excels in delivering outstanding Art lessons but is also committed to nurturing students' digital creativity.

As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in one of the most sought-after areas of our curriculum. The Creative Digital Media courses at both Key Stage 4 and A level are among our most highly subscribed, showcasing the immense interest and enthusiasm our students have for digital creativity. With the recent introduction of Art Photography, the proposed candidate has the unique opportunity to specialise not only in Art and Photography, but also in the dynamic and creative elements offered by our Creative Digital Media courses.

If you are a highly creative individual with a passion for both traditional and digital art, eager to contribute to a vibrant and successful school environment, this is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking Art department with ample support and growth prospects.

At Corby Technical School we are motivated by: 

  • Supporting our students to become the most employable students they can be and promoting lifelong learning
  • Providing our students with an ambitious and balanced curriculum, teaching core knowledge to secure foundations to enable excellent progress 
  • Enhancing learning by providing opportunities for students to develop their character and cultural awareness 
  • Teaching the core British values, encouraging students to become moral and confident contributors to society 
  • Inspiring students to be resilient and motivated learners 

          As part of the Brooke Weston Trust, you have fantastic opportunities to: 

  • Work with a subject network of five secondary academies to discuss and share curriculum and teaching ideas 
  • Make links with colleagues in our five Primary academies, to develop a shared knowledge of a curriculum that works from EYFS up to Year 13 
  • Develop your leadership through our Leadership Academy, learning from established leaders from across the Trust 
  • Have access to the Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub, that is based at Brooke Weston Academy 
  • Get free breakfast, lunch, tea and coffee through our inhouse catering. All Trust staff benefit from this. 

To find out more about working for our Trust and the benefits available to staff, please check out our ‘work with us’ page here, and our BWT Join Us Guide.

We are looking for a September 2024 appointment and would welcome visitors if you wish to tour the school prior to application to experience our unique culture and learning environment in person. To arrange a visit please contact Sarah Young on 01536 213100 or at recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org.

How to apply

If having read the advertisement, job description and person specification, you are motivated to apply for this position at Corby Technical School these are your next steps:

  • Please complete all sections of the application form.  Please note that a CV will not be accepted without a completed application form. 
  • Write a letter of application on no more than two sides of A4 (11 point text). Your letter of application should outline your previous experience and how this makes you a suitable candidate for the position for which you are applying.

Please submit your application form by e-mail to: Mrs Sarah Young at  recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts working with children and young people will be subject to an enhanced disclosures barring service check.

Closing date for applications:  Thursday 23rd February 2023 – 12.00pm

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

BWT Application Form

Job Description

Person Specification

Please see 'My New Term' by clicking here.

If you would like to express interest in future vacancies, please complete an Expression of Interest Form and return to recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org

Expression of Interest Form


At Corby Technical School, we pride ourselves on doing things a little differently. Here is an outline of what you can expect from us...

Our Commitment to you

  • During induction, new staff have a colleague assigned to help you to feel part of the community
  • Regular support to guide you towards a Corby Technical School approach and help you to settle in during the first couple of weeks
  • Bespoke programme of CPD and regular Performance Development Discussion meetings
  • Subscription to Health Assured to support your wellbeing
  • Membership of the Chartered College for Teachers
Equality and Diversity

Corby Technical School is an inclusive organisation that seeks to ensure equality of opportunity for all. We want our colleagues to have the confidence to challenge our processes and communications as we constantly strive to refine our approach together. Please see the Single Equality Policy for the Brooke Weston Trust for more information.

Wellbeing

We recognise that working in education can be a demanding job and therefore it is important that we are attuned to our own wellbeing and that of others. Corby Technical School are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all their colleagues and teams. Brooke Weston Trust are subscribed to Health Assured provision where staff can access information and support confidentially 24/7. If employees have any concerns or need further assistance, they are welcome to reach out. We are here to support you.

Continuous Professional Development

A key focus for us at Corby Technical School is the continuous development of all staff. All staff are provided with a comprehensive package of Professional Development opportunities, tailored to individual needs. The Brooke Weston Ambition Hub and Teaching School Hub who offer a range of high quality CPD throughout the year enhance our provision at CTS. If you have ambitions that require this to take a certain direction or focus, please talk to your line manager at any point. We will do everything we can to facilitate a developmental plan that suits your needs.

Communication

At Corby Technical School we believe in open and transparent leadership: Decisions are explained clearly and shared openly. As a relatively small staff community, we encourage face-to-face communication and limit email interaction to necessary exchanges of information where possible: We will always strive to address things efficiently and in person. You will be part of a department or team with direct lines of communication through clear line management. You will also have the opportunities to network with colleagues across the Brooke Weston Trust to facilitate sharing of best practice.

Life Long Learning

We encourage staff to participate actively in the enrichment curriculum within the school. Think about what skills and interests you have - or would like to develop - beyond your current role. Engage in your own development, regardless of your career stage. We believe in lifelong learning for all and that as adults in education we should demonstrate a passion for learning.

Strong Leadership

Every adult in the school community is a leader of people, and some hold leadership responsibilities within the school. We encourage our leaders to lead by example, be professional ambassadors for the school at all times, and contribute positively, upholding the school values.

High Quality Teaching

Our core mission is to provide an exceptional education for the young people in our care. This should always be our number one priority. It is every member of staff’s responsibility to ensure that they strive to follow the guidance within our Quality of Education handbook, and follow the school Behaviour Policy, to ensure that there is a consistent approach across the school, and students are given the very best opportunity to thrive in their learning.

As part of the Brooke Weston Trust, you have fantastic opportunities to:

  • Work with a subject network of five secondary academies to discuss and share curriculum and teaching ideas
  • Make links with colleagues in our five Primary academies, to develop a shared knowledge of a curriculum that works from EYFS up to Year 13
  • Get subject-specific support and coaching from our Trust Director of English. 
  • Develop your leadership through our Leadership Academy, learning from established leaders from across the Trust
  • Have access to the Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub, that is based at Brooke Weston Academy
Click on the staff profiles below to meet some of our staff members, and find out what it is like to work at Corby Technical School.

Arron Gourlay

Arron Gourlay has been at Corby Technical School for over eight years. As someone who grew up in the town, he feels a strong sense of pride about his place of work, so we caught up with him to find out more about his career at the school.

Arron, what is your current role & how did you get to this point?

I'm currently Assistant Principal, in charge of data and progress. I started here in 2014 as an unqualified teacher of computer science. Prior to that my background was in music technology (in schools), but I came to Corby Technical School to develop my career in a new field.

My career has progressed as the school has grown over the eight years that I’ve been here. After qualifying, I worked my way up to becoming Director of Computer Science and subsequently the Raising Standards Leader for key stage 4. Following that role, I was promoted to Assistant Principal.

That’s an impressive career trajectory. How has the school, and indeed Brooke Weston Trust supported your development?

When I first joined the school, I was unqualified and my experience was mostly limited to sixth form and one-to-one teaching, so the support that I got from colleagues and senior teachers was absolutely critical to my development.

I was given an awful lot of support to improve my teaching and get the best outcomes for our students. I received a lot of mentoring from high-level, experienced members of staff. This really helped me to become the teacher I am today.

Reflecting back, I’m impressed by the opportunities I had to express my own ideas and bring them to life, with support and guidance (of course). I wasn't shoe-horned into a certain way of practice, but have been able to express myself. This creative freedom really helped me develop my leadership skills within the school.

Furthermore, the built-in CPD here is fantastic. We have a lot of in-house training both on a departmental level and a whole school level every single week.

The school nominated me in the early stages of my leadership career to be part of the ‘SSAT Leadership Legacy Programme’, which is an external teaching body that supports schools. I was part of a cohort of 100 people nationally, going to networking events and visiting outstanding schools to work with exceptional school leaders.

From a Trust perspective, I was part of the first cohort of the ‘Brooke Weston Trust Leadership Academy’. This is a year-long program, giving teachers the opportunity to attend seminars with prominent leaders both in and out of education. From this, I gained a valuable network across schools in the Trust and completed a placement in another trust school to shadow a senior leader in the area of leadership I wanted to pursue. Having an insight into the next level of leadership was really useful. I am now supporting the Leadership Academy and will have a member of the current cohort shadowing me in my school to support their leadership journey which is a fantastic opportunity to share the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career.

Within Brooke Weston Trust, the opportunities for growth and progression are significant for ambitious staff. People who show creativity and drive will be recognised and rewarded and that’s what’s so great about working here.

What it's like to work at Corby Technical School?

We’ve always had a positive community culture amongst colleagues. We're very much ‘in it together’! The staff are driven to get the absolute best outcomes for all students (both academically and pastorally). The connection that our staff have with one another is invaluable and something I think is really powerful.  

I'm from Corby, so I have a personal connection with the town and I’m very proud to work with young people in the community I grew up in. To have the opportunity to make a difference to the students here is an enormous privilege. Students at Corby Technical school progress exceptionally well during their time here and I’m very proud to work in a school that creates that environment for our children.

Any advice for aspiring teachers?

I would tell anyone who’s new to teaching: don’t think that you can't express yourself within the profession. With the right guidance and mentoring, you can break boundaries and be creative to excite and enthuse students in your subject.

What’s the secret to great teaching?

Patience and understanding is so important. A recognition that the people you're teaching are teenagers and children. It’s also about adapting to their needs - recognising any difficulties that a student might be having and tailoring your teaching strategies to make sure that you're meeting their needs.

Staying calm and focused on delivering the curriculum to them in an accessible way is also key.

Finally, teacher well-being is essential and something we take very seriously at Corby Technical School. It’s important that teachers ensure they take time for themselves and their families. As a school, we strive to ensure that our teachers have a good work-life balance and are not overburdened.

Do you have any hobbies?

Not hobbies as such, but I have 2 young children, a 3 year old and a 1 year old, so they keep me incredibly busy!

Thank you Arron!

Sarah Bartlett

Sarah Bartlett has been at Corby Technical School for just over a year. We caught up with her to find out what she’s enjoying about the school and her role so far…

Sarah, what is your current role & how long have you been here?

I am Director of Modern Foreign Languages, and I joined Corby Technical School last January (2022).

What did you do before this?

I worked at an Academy in Kettering for seven years, as a French and Spanish teacher.

What drew you here?

Being at Corby Technical School has allowed me to get back into Middle Management, doing the role that I love. Prior to having my children, I was Head of Modern Languages at a school in Portsmouth. It is a role that I have always intended to return to, and this job was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.

What is it like to work at the School? 

Having had experience of many schools, I can appreciate just how friendly and supportive Corby Technical School is, as a workplace. Colleagues introduced themselves and offered support from the very first day, and everyone was so welcoming. No problem is too small, and we work hard every day to support each other. It is very non-judgemental place to work. I have been totally supported at every step and have already made some great friends. My department is second to none and I am so privileged to work with them as they are an inspiration and make me laugh every day.

Any advice for aspiring teachers?

My advice would be to stay passionate about your subject and keep abreast of changes and new initiatives in teaching. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt. If you are enjoying what you teach that passion will hopefully be communicated to the students.

What is the secret to great teaching?

The secret to great teaching is knowing your students; enabling them to feel successful whilst building their confidence to take risks and resilience to challenge. So, relationships are everything. Building trust and using praise are key to this in my opinion.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am an avid reader and always have a book on the go. I also enjoy cooking, any kind of travel, and being outdoors; either working in my garden or enjoying the countryside with my family and our wire-haired dachshund, Jasper.

Thank you Sarah!

Chloe Patrick

Chloe Patrick is a Year 8 tutor and Music Teacher in her second year at Corby Technical School. We chatted to her before Christmas to find out more about her and what she enjoys about working here...

Chloe, can you tell us a bit about your role?

I'm a Y8 tutor, a Music teacher and the school Music Co-ordinator, meaning that I organise musical events and support all of the Music clubs, including the choir and Peri Music lessons (where external teachers teach students individually or in pairs). As you can imagine, it’s been a very busy time in the run-up to Christmas!

How long have you been at CTS and what did you do before?

This is my second year of teaching full-time here, but I also did my teacher training at CTS. My PGCE was conducted between here and Corby Business Academy, so I've actually been here for three years. Before becoming a teacher, I worked at an Optician, which was completely different!

What inspired you to get into teaching?

I've always really liked working with people, but working at the opticians made me realise that I missed being creative and that I wanted to work with young people. In the last 3 years, I’ve learned that I'm really suited to it! I can't imagine what else I'd be doing now. It’s definitely the right path for me.

What is it like working at CTS?

I really like it here. It’s a supportive environment to work in. Anna Jenkins was my mentor when I first started but she still supports me now in lots of ways. The staff are really friendly and even though I'm on my own (in a department) I'm never short of people to talk to. Importantly, the students are great! Once you make that effort to get to know them, you get a lot back from them.

How is your development being supported this year?

I'm in the 2nd year of my ECT program (through ‘Teach First’), so after a pretty intensive 1st year (last year), my development is focussed on the practical side of teaching. I still have some seminars to attend and a mentor that I meet with every fortnight, which is really great for supporting my learning.

What are you looking forward to this coming year?

I'm excited about the musical events we have coming up, but my main focus is growing ‘Music’ as a subject. For the first time, we’re offering Music as a GCSE subject, plus the Key Stage 3 students will have weekly Music lessons (rather than sharing the teaching slots with drama).  I'm also excited to be a form tutor to my Y8’s as I enjoy the pastoral side of things.

How do we get young people enthused about Music?

I think the key is to build their confidence and create an environment where it's OK to try things (even if they don’t work). A lot of the work I do with the students is in the practice rooms, in small groups, to help with this.  It’s also important to have lots of variety because I believe there is something for everybody. So we make the lessons as varied and comfortable as possible.

How has the teaching of Music changed in recent years?

It’s a lot more practical and structured nowadays. We have a set topic each term that students work on, trying out new techniques each week and putting it all together in a performance (or project submission) at the end. I think this helps to motivate the students and give them clarity on what’s expected of them.

Do you work with any other schools across Brooke Weston Trust?

I’m in regular contact with Clive Wears (Director of Music at Corby Business Academy) and we’ve collaborated (informally) on some joint events, including a piano masterclass (where a concert pianist came in to teach students), but I’d like to do more of this across the Trust so that we can integrate our strengths (CBA have an amazing brass department) and share resources.

What are your hobbies?

I’m a flute player, but I can often be found teaching myself the drums or ukulele (for an upcoming Music lesson!). In my free time I really enjoy yoga, reading and long walks.

Thank you Chloe!

 

See a brief insight into a day in the life of our school, here: