About West Berkshire

West Berkshire lies between Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire and borders the borough of Reading. The area combines rural landscape of outstanding natural beauty with urban centres in Newbury and Thatcham and the fringe of Reading, serving a high-tech industry. The M4 runs through the centre of the district providing excellent links with the M25, A4 and A339. Heathrow airport is within easy reach and London is only an hour away from Newbury.

West Berkshire has 80 maintained schools: 2 nursery, 66 primary, 2 special and 10 secondary. All our secondary schools have specialist status.

We are actively developing extended school provision including a range of educational, cultural, sports and leisure opportunities based around schools. Each cluster of schools now has a Family and School Support Worker to enable preventative work with vulnerable groups. West Berkshire is well advanced in developing integrated children's services to provide coherent support and uncomplicated access to services for children and families.

West Berkshire schools achieve high standards and are staffed by teachers and support staff who are committed to the welfare and development of children. Schools and West Berkshire Council work together to continually raise educational standards and to ensure that all our teachers have opportunities for continuous professional development. Fast track opportunities may be available for exceptional NQT candidates.

The opportunities

We encourage talented people to come and work in our schools. We have a number of career opportunities for students who have completed their PGCE or for degree level students or career changers looking for an employment-based route into teaching. Schools advertise their vacancies in the local and national press. Local papers such as The Newbury Weekly News and Reading Chronicle are regularly used. You can also visit the West Berkshire Council website or register your details on the NQT database by completing the NQT registration form available on request by e-mailing mgraham@westberks.gov.uk.

Induction training

We offer a lively induction programme and are a supportive local authority.

Skills required

We seek innovative, enthusiastic and flexible applicants with a commitment to high standards in education.

If you are:

• resourceful
• good with children and young people
• outgoing
• a good communicator and negotiator
• flexible and adaptable

we would like to hear from you!

Benefits

• Excellent induction support.
• Key Worker Housing Support: The government Key Worker Living programme provides housing support for qualified teachers via Shared Ownership purchase and the Equity Loan scheme. Occasionally short term rental opportunities may also be available.
• Childcare Benefit: A scheme to help staff with childcare costs has been set up. The scheme enables West Berkshire employees to make savings on their childcare costs.

Background and reputation

• We have excellent standards in all subjects.
• Achievements are well above the national averages.
• Full range of specialist secondary subjects including Performing Arts, Sports, Technology, Science, Languages, and Business and Enterprise.
• Rich variety of extra-curricular activities.
• High performing Local Authority judged to be very good by Ofsted.