Lead Practitioner for Personal Development (PSHE), Character Education (CE) and Careers

Job Description

Lead Practitioner for Personal Development (PSHE), Character Education (CE) and Careers

Required from September 2026

We are seeking to appoint a permanent full-time Lead Practitioner for Personal Development (PSHE), Character Education (CE) and Careers with effect from 1 September 2026 to join our Senior Leadership Team, to provide strategic and operational leadership across both campuses.

As a member of SLT, the postholder will attend SLT meetings, contribute to the SLT duty rota, and support key academy events, including careers events (e.g., Careers Fair, options and progression events), as required.

The postholder will lead the Personal Development curriculum (PSHE/RSE), Character Education and impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for Key Stages 3-5, ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and assessment; driving continuous improvement; and supporting all students to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for success in education, employment and adult life.

Key elements of the role include:

· Strategic leadership of Personal Development (PSHE/RSE), Character Education and Careers/CEIAG, ensuring policies, curriculum and practice align with the academy's vision, values and statutory guidance.

· Delivering high-quality, impartial 1:1 CEIAG (up to 10 hours per week) for learners, including students with SEND, and coordinating careers activities to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks and the Quality in Careers Standard.

· Working with senior and middle leaders to design, implement and refine a coherent Personal Development and Careers programme (KS3-KS5), including assemblies, tutor time, enrichment and extra-curricular provision.

· Maintaining up-to-date expertise in statutory guidance (PSHE, RSE and Personal Development) and contributing to whole-academy self-evaluation and improvement planning.

· Monitoring and evaluating impact through lesson visits, work scrutiny and feedback from students, families and staff, using insight to inform ongoing refinement and targeted support.

· Building productive partnerships with local authorities, employers and community organisations to strengthen provision and share best practice.

· Fulfil Senior Leadership Team responsibilities, including attendance at SLT meetings, completion of SLT duties, and active leadership/participation in key careers events across both campuses.

We are looking for a colleague who demonstrates:

· Qualified Teacher Status (primary or secondary) and a strong understanding of PSHE, RSE, Character Education, CEIAG statutory guidance and the Gatsby Benchmarks.

· Outstanding classroom practice and the ability to support and develop staff through coaching, training and the sharing of best practice.

· Proven experience of leading whole-school initiatives, holding others to account and evaluating impact to raise standards and improve outcomes.

· Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, parents/carers, colleagues and external partners.

· A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, student wellbeing and safeguarding.

Personal Qualities

Applicants should be hardworking, enthusiastic and committed to delivering high-quality Personal Development and Careers education for students in Years 7 to 13. You will be a reflective practitioner with high integrity, a collaborative approach and a willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.

Leadership is an important aspect of the role and candidates should have experience as a manager of leading, motivating and line managing staff effectively to raise standards and evaluate the impact of initiatives.

Responsibilities of the Post Holder

A full job description and person specification can be found on the recruitment page of this advertisement.

Pastoral

All qualified and experienced full time teaching staff are expected to fulfil both an academic teaching role and a pastoral role in the academy and act as a tutor to a group of assigned students.This involves staff in all aspects of tutorial work including guidance, pastoral support, first level safeguarding, monitoring and encouraging progress, contact with parents, writing reports, compiling student references and the delivery of part of the academy's personal tutorial programme during the timetabled tutorial period.For a full-time post, a firm commitment to this aspect of teaching is essential.

Wider Contribution

Full-time teaching staff may also have opportunities to contribute to the extra-curricular programme.This is very wide ranging and can often enable staff to contribute particular skills and interests where they meet academy needs.Applicants should indicate if they have particular interests, and this would be discussed at the time of interview.This includes attendance at academy events and careers events, and undertaking SLT duties as required.

We are looking forward to hearing from candidates who have ambitions for leadership and are ready for a post which has a high level of challenge. You will be part of an excellent team and will be given extensive support to develop to your full potential both in this role and beyond.

Remuneration

Annual salary will be in accordance with the academy Teachers' Pay Scale within the Leadership Pay Scale of L6 - L10 (starting at L6). Salaries are reviewed by national negotiation with effect from 1 September each year. Progression is subject to a satisfactory annual performance development review process.

We can offer you:

· A highly supportive and friendly working environment

· Cycle-to-work Scheme

· 24/7 Free Employee Assistance Programme (offering individual support, information and advice including financial, legal and home-life and work-related issues)

· CPD opportunities and Internal Promotion

· Up to 25% Gym Membership

· Free staff car park

· Essex Working Well Wellbeing Service (health and wellbeing support and guidance)

· Access to Workplace Health Champions

· Access to Mental Health First Aiders

· Healthcare cash plan

Application Process

If you are interested in the position and wish to discuss the post prior to application, please email HR at hr@plume.essex.sch.uk, to arrange a telephone conversation.We are very proud of our academy and what we can offer new members of our collaborative team.The Director of HR and the Joint Heads of Academy will be pleased to discuss the post and provide more information about the post and the academy in general.

To apply please complete the Online Plume Academy application form (https://plumetrust.face-ed.co.uk/Vacancies/Detail?campaignRef=SCH-PT-0145).This must be completed and submitted to by the closing date and time stated (unaccompanied CVs or third-party application forms will not be accepted).

Closing Date: noon on Monday, 11 May 2026

Interviews: Friday, 15 May 2026

Plume Academy remains fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Information about the School

Work at a place where you feel valued and recognised. An environment where imagination and creativity counts. Work with us.

Currently the third largest secondary school in Essex as a single academy trust and growing, we are focused on enhancing our future structure and have roles where we are seeking people who can bring fresh perspectives and new variety for the benefits of our students. At Plume Academy you will find the space to develop your talents, the freedom to contribute and the opportunity to grow as part of our welcoming and inclusive family. Employing over 250 staff, from teaching and learning to management and administration, you will find opportunities at every level, across both of our campuses.

Our people share a determination to push boundaries, think differently and achieve more. As an employee, you’ll play a crucial part in assisting with our continual development. In return, we will support, nurture and reward you with benefits from training and development to responsibility recognition.

Plume had a successful Ofsted inspection in November 2023 and was judged a ‘good’ Academy. Ofsted acknowledged the high quality of teaching and excellent relationships in the Academy.

Plume Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are therefore subject to satisfactory DBS and Immigration Checks, demonstration of ability, together with the receipt of references.

If you would like to telephone the HR Department prior to completing the application form, they would be pleased to discuss the role in further detail and arrange a visit to the academy.

We look forward to hearing from you!