Vacancies
Willingdon Community School
Vision Statement
We are Willingdon
We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, honest and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.
This makes us Willingdon
Join our team of professionals
Vacancies at Willingdon
Willingdon Community School is part of East Sussex County Council, this authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau).
As part of the application process, you will be asked to declare information relating to previous employment dismissals and criminal convictions. For further details about why we ask for this and what you should or shouldn’t declare, you can visit the Disclosure and Barring Service or Ex-offenders and employment on GOV.UK.
For further information about what is required in this process please go to http://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
Equal opportunities
East Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit.
Positive Staff Comments
“It's a great school with great staff!”
“Willingdon is more than just a school, it is a community that work and strive for success collectively. We are all one team who want to share success with pupils and other staff members.”
“I work at Willingdon as I believe it is a great school that really cares about you as a person and the goals you wish to achieve.”
“There is a strong sense of community and pride with students and staff. Great colleagues and a sense that everyone's opinions and ideas are valued.”
“The support you receive from colleagues and the leadership team is huge. Your talent is recognised and there is career progression if that's the path you want to take. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else!”
“School with community at its heart”
Support Staff Wellbeing Session
Current Vacancies
TEACHING STAFF VACANCIES
TEACHER OF SCIENCE
Part time / 3 days per week / Permanent
MPS - UPS £32,916 - £51,048 per annum
Part time preferred/ Full time considered
Potential for TLR opportunities for the right candidate
Start date September 2026
Required for a September 2026 start, a high quality Teacher of Science to join a successful and experienced team within this high achieving school. This high attaining department is looking for either experienced or newly qualified teachers with a passion for Science and a commitment to the success of all pupils. The ability to teach across KS3&4 is essential.
The Science team at Willingdon currently consists of ten teachers. They are supported by a team of Science Technicians. The Science department is a vibrant inclusive group of individuals all striving to encourage more students to study science beyond school and college. We have expanded our range of extra-curricular activities this year to include things such as STEM clubs, robotics groups, advanced science programs, trips to the national science museum, entering Olympiad competitions, but we are always looking for new and exciting ventures.
In Years 7 and 8, students follow the Collins Scheme of Work. Students are taught biology, chemistry and physics modules, each module lasting for approximately eight lessons. Knowledge and skills acquired by students are assessed at the end of each module. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the ideas covered at KS4 and provide them with the essential prior knowledge required to embark on the GCSE curriculum. In Years 9, 10 and 11 all students work towards completing biology, chemistry and physics GCSEs. Each class currently has one teacher to deliver all of the specialisms. The modular approach started at KS3 is continued into KS4 and modules from each specialism are taught in rotation. At the end of each module, students sit a summative assessment which generates an attainment grade for that module.
Regardless of past levels of success, the striving for excellence never stops.
Teacher of Science - Recruitment Pack
Closing Date: Thursday, 14th May 2026 (by noon)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT FOR DRAMA
Full time / Full year / Permanent
MPS-UPS £32,916 – £51,048 per annum plus TLR2a
Leadership possibilities for the right candidate
Start date September 2026
We are looking for a dynamic and engaging leader who will be innovative in the design and development of the Drama curriculum and will be well placed to generate and sustain the love and importance of Drama to our community. The post is suitable for a someone aspiring to lead a department or an experienced Head of Drama.
We hope to find a candidate who is ambitious, enthusiastic and highly motivated. The Head of Drama will lead on the KS3 and KS4 drama curriculum. The Drama department consistently achieves outstanding outcomes at GCSE. The successful candidate would be joining a dynamic department in a high achieving school, which greatly values Drama within the curriculum. We also value extra-curricular opportunities in Drama, either working alongside other local schools or attending theatre trips and giving our students the opportunity to spectate live performances.
All of our staff are lifelong learners and reflective practitioners. We pride ourselves on giving departments ample time for subject specialist CPD and to allow in depth conversations on drama pedagogy to develop better student understanding. We are also keen to see our Drama department work collaboratively with others across the curriculum, in particular, with Music and Dance.
Head of Dept for Drama - Recruitment Pack
Closing Date: Monday, 4th May 2026 (by noon)
We advise applying promptly for this vacancy as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.
SUPPORT STAFF VACANCIES
ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT ASSISTANT - RECEPTION
Single Status Grade 4, £25,185 - £25,583 per annum (pro rata)
Actual pro-rata salary is £14,323 – £14,549 per annum
Permanent/23.75 hours per week/40 weeks per year (part time/term time only + 1 week during the school summer holidays)
(paid for 46.2 weeks per year to include holiday entitlement) (*pay award pending)
Working 7.45am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday
Extra hours could be available to the right candidate for additional work
We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated Receptionist/Admin Support Assistant to provide and maintain a professional Reception service to our school visitors and staff. The role includes delivering an efficient administrative support to staff in order that team priorities are achieved, ensuring confidentiality and other controls are maintained, and safeguarding procedures are consistently adhered to.
The successful candidate will provide a proficient and sensitive front of house service in dealing with students, parents, carers, visitors and staff.
Admin Support Assistant-Reception Job Description
Admin Support Assistant - Reception Recruitment Pack
Closing Date: Monday, 11th May 2026 (by noon)
PASTORAL SUPPORT LEADER
Single Status Grade 5 £25,989 - £26,403 per annum
Full time/Term Time only
Full time hours 39 hours per week/40 weeks per year
Actual pro-rata salary for full time working hours of 39 hours is £24,271 - £24,658 per annum
(Paid for 46.2 weeks per year to include 6.2 weeks holiday entitlement)
Start date September 2026
We are looking to appoint a highly motivated individual to play a key role in supporting our Head of Year and Assistant Headteacher for a nominated year group, in relation to student progress, welfare and behaviour. To liaise with both students and parent/carers where appropriate.
The successful candidate will need to have excellent people skills and be able to empathise and build rapport with young people whilst maintaining an authoritative approach. The role also requires someone with administrative experience and familiarity with a range of computer applications, although training will be provided.
Pastoral Support Leader Job Description
Closing Date: Monday, 11th May 2026 (by noon)
To Apply
Please download the relevant application form from below, completed applications can be e-mailed to recruitment@willingdonschool.org.uk or posted to:
Willingdon Community School
Broad Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN20 9QX
Information about the interview arrangements will be sent to the shortlisted candidates.
Note to Candidates: If you have not heard from the school/establishment within 4 weeks of the closing date, you should normally assume that on this occasion you have not been selected for interview.
Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
To apply for all vacancies, please download and complete the applicable application form from below and return via email to: recruitment@willingdonschool.org.uk
or by post to:
Willingdon Community School
Broad Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN20 9QX
NB: we advise applying promptly for our vacancies as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.