Summerhill School - English Teacher

Summary

Summerhill School is looking for an English Teacher to join our team. The school is a co-educational boarding school in Suffolk, England – the original famous alternative ‘free’ school. Founded in 1921, it continues to be an influential model for progressive, democratic education around the world.

Detail

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the oldest children’s democracy in the world, with a mixed-age group of students (children aged 13-17). Teaching experience is essential, especially the ability to offer English to first and second language students up to a GCSE level. We are looking to recruit a teacher who can offer English GCSE, Literature IGCSE, English as a Second Language GCSE and KS3 English, maintaining a beautiful atmosphere in the classroom as well as managing the school library.

What Summerhill offers:

• Freedom to use your preferred teaching method
• Freedom to manage your classroom along side experienced and supportive staff
• Friendly and welcoming school community
• A safe and comfortable living environment
• Free accommodation in school. Unlike some independent boarding schools, you are able to stay during holidays. For more information about this, please download our job description for the post.
  
• During term time, the daily meals are included
• Your utilities costs will be covered by the school, including free fibre optic internet access, electricity, gas and water charges.

The ideal candidate would be:

• A dedicated English teacher with imagination and flair.
• An organised and self-motivated; able to work without supervision.
• Able to offer lessons to students of different ages and mixed ability levels.
• Possess the appropriate academic qualifications and the relevant teaching experience as well as the confidence and ability to be in sole charge of this crucial stage of learning
• Capable of keeping up to date regarding appropriate syllabuses, new methods, etc.
• Able to maintain a safe and attractive classroom environment, organising and managing the space including the school library.
• Someone happy to live and work in a multi-national community where many children’s first language is not English.
• Sensitive to the reasons that children may not want to attend classes.
• Tolerant of differences and willing to work cooperatively with other staff.
• Up to create a Curriculum Outline and a yearly Self-Evaluation.
• Willing to take a full and active part in the life of the school.
• Good sense of humour- essential!
• The courage to live in a community of children as an equal member whilst retaining a responsible attitude towards the children, staff and community in general
• Enthusiastic to embrace A.S. Neill’s unique educational ethos and broaden your knowledge if necessary.

• Ability to work in the UK is essential
• This position is full-time and live-in
• Single accommodation included
• Essential living costs are included

Documents

• 2026 English Teacher Job description.docx PDF Document