Teacher of PE (Maternity Leave cover)

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff.  Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school.  We value the contribution of all team members. 

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us.  Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well-qualified Teacher of Physical Education to join a thriving and high performing department that works across the whole school (3-18 years). This role will mainly be based in the Senior School.   This role is offered on a fixed term basis from end of October 2025 through to the end of the 25-26 academic session (backfill for a maternity leave cover).

 The ideal candidate will have achieved success in performing and/or coaching in at least one of our main sports: hockey, rugby, netball, tennis, athletics and cricket.   

 Department background / information:

There are currently seven full-time teachers and two part-time teachers in the PE Department, who work across the whole School. All members of the Department teach across the age and ability range.

The whole school core PE curriculum consists of the following activities: Athletics, badminton, basketball, climbing, cricket, dance, dodgeball, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, health related fitness, hockey, netball, orienteering, pickleball, rounders, short tennis, tennis, swimming, touch rugby and volleyball.

The majority of Senior School core PE lessons take place at the Senior School campus, whereas academic PE lessons make full use of the whole school’s facilities across all campuses.

 The Senior School facilities include a gym hall and a Strength and Conditioning Centre. Facilities at the Junior School campus comprise of gym hall and playing fields, including two Astroturf pitches; tennis courts; a separate sports centre which houses a large multi-purpose sports hall, fitness and weights and cardio rooms; dance studio; squash court and a climbing wall.   There is also a state-of-the-art indoor golf centre.  

The School’s main playing fields are located at New Field, a short walk from the Senior School Campus, which include four rugby pitches and two full size astro-turf hockey pitches.

Main Responsibilities

The PE Department delivers core PE to our pupils, as well as teaching SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher to students in S3 and above. An ability and willingness to work with pupils of all ages across the ability range is therefore necessary.  The team also deliver SCQF Level 5 Community Sports Leadership and SCQF Level 6 Sports Leadership courses.

In addition to teaching timetabled Physical Education and Games, delivery of extra-curricular sessions is expected, as well as involvement with sports fixtures on Saturday mornings.

The ability to coach at least one of our core sports (hockey, rugby netball, cricket, athletics and tennis) to a high level would therefore be an advantage.  

Also included are those duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy:  

1. To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
2. To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
3. To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
4. To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
5. To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
6. To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time-to-time reasonably request.
7. To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications/Experience (E=Essential D= Desirable) 

• GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree – Essential
• Have experience delivering the SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher - Desirable
• Willing to be part of the school’s Games programme, leading or providing coaching support to one of the teams (this includes weekend matches) - Essential
• Experience of playing to a high level and/or coaching one of the major sports (Hockey, Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis or Netball) – Essential
• Experience of coaching hockey to a high level - Desirable
• Should have drive, enthusiasm and a dynamic approach to the teaching of PE - Essential
• Positive contributions to curricular development initiatives – Essential
• Excellent organisational skills – Essential
• Able to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative – Essential
• Proficient in using IT as part of classroom activity where appropriate, but also in communicating with colleagues, parents and students and organising team activity – Essential

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.