Trainee English Teacher

Are you a graduate with a passion for English Literature, language and education? Are you considering a rewarding career in secondary teaching but want to gain practical classroom experience while earning a salary?

Grad2Teach is recruiting a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee English Teacher to join a secondary school in Romford, East London, through our structured, salaried teacher training programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring English teacher, recent graduate or career changer looking to develop their teaching skills, gain a recognised Level 4 qualification and progress towards a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

About the Role

As a Trainee English Teacher, you will become an integral part of the school's English department, supporting pupils across Key Stages 3 and 4 while developing the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to become a successful secondary teacher.

Working alongside experienced teachers and mentors, you will gradually take on greater classroom responsibilities as you progress through the Grad2Teach programme.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting the delivery of engaging English Language and English Literature lessons.

• Working with pupils of different abilities to develop literacy, comprehension, analytical and creative writing skills.

• Assisting with lesson planning, classroom activities and assessment.

• Supporting classroom behaviour management and creating a positive learning environment.

• Delivering small-group interventions and providing targeted academic support.

• Gaining experience of classroom teaching through observation, team teaching and increasing independent responsibility.

• Contributing to the wider school community and English department.

This graduate teaching opportunity offers the chance to build meaningful relationships with pupils while gaining valuable experience in a supportive secondary school environment.

About You

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic individual who is ready to take the next step towards becoming a qualified English teacher.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor's degree, ideally in English Literature, English Language or a closely related subject.

• A genuine passion for English and inspiring young people to develop their communication and literacy skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Confidence working with secondary-aged pupils.

• A professional, reliable and proactive approach.

• A willingness to learn from experienced teachers and respond positively to feedback.

• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.

• Previous classroom experience, tutoring or experience working with young people would be advantageous, but is not essential.

We welcome applications from recent graduates, teaching assistants, cover supervisors and career changers who are enthusiastic about pursuing a career in secondary education.

Training & Progression with Grad2Teach

Grad2Teach offers a flexible, salaried teacher training pathway designed to help you transition into teaching while gaining practical experience in a real school environment.

Phase One – Classroom Experience & Level 4 Qualification

During Phase One, you will:

• Work in a salaried, school-based role within the English department.

• Complete an NCFE-accredited Level 4 customised qualification through Grad2Teach.

• Develop essential classroom skills in planning, assessment, safeguarding and behaviour management.

• Follow structured training aligned with the Core Content Framework (CCF) and Teachers' Standards.

• Receive ongoing mentoring, observations and professional development support.

• Build the confidence and practical experience needed to progress into formal Initial Teacher Training.

Phase One allows you to establish strong teaching foundations before taking on the responsibilities of a full teaching timetable.

Phase Two – PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status

Once you are ready to progress, Grad2Teach will support your transition into Phase Two.

Through our partnership with Coventry University's National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE), you can work towards a PGCE with QTS while continuing to teach in school.

During Phase Two, you will:

• Take increasing responsibility for planning and delivering your own English lessons.

• Teach independently with a structured timetable.

• Complete university-led training, academic assignments and professional development.

• Receive mentoring and support from both your school and Grad2Teach.

• Work towards achieving your PGCE with QTS, preparing you for a long-term teaching career.

Successful completion of the PGCE route also provides 60 credits towards a Master's degree.

Why Choose Grad2Teach?

• Earn while you train: Gain a salary while developing your teaching career.

• Real classroom experience: Learn directly in a secondary school environment.

• Recognised qualifications: Achieve a Level 4 qualification during Phase One.

• Flexible progression: Move into Phase Two when you and your placement school are ready.

• Expert support: Benefit from mentoring, structured training and ongoing professional guidance.

• Clear career pathway: Progress towards becoming a fully qualified secondary English teacher.

Location & Application

Romford, London Borough of Havering, Greater London, RM postcode area.

This opportunity is based at a secondary school in Romford and is suitable for graduates and aspiring teachers living in Romford, Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Upminster, Dagenham and surrounding areas of East London and Essex.

If you are passionate about English and want to make a meaningful difference in education, we would love to hear from you.