Principal Teacher of Guidance - North Berwick High School

Vacancy Information

Temporary until 26th June 2026.
Days of Work:
Days of work to be agreed with successful candidate.
To start 11th August 2025.

Applications are welcome from current probationers pending attainment of full registration with the GTCS.

North Berwick High School is a secondary school in the beautiful coastal town of North Berwick, which received an excellent HMIE inspection report in June 2020. The current school roll is 1044. Expansion work to create more classrooms and improved facilities has recently been completed. Strong links have been developed with the local community and a broad range of extra curricular activities are on offer. The ethos of the school is underpinned by the NBHS values of curiosity, kindness, diligence and belonging. We aspire to excellence in learning and teaching and our school motto “Aim Higher” speaks to this ambition.

This post is responsible for the pastoral care of the pupils in one of our four houses. The post holder will provide support and advice for young people as and when needed, liaising with parents and external agencies to ensure we are providing the best possible outcomes for our young people.

It should be noted that all PT Guidance remits are flexible and can be reviewed pending the successful candidate’s skillset and prior experience.

Job Details

Subject to the policies of the school and East Lothian Council, the duties of a Principal Teacher, as a member of the school’s management team, is to perform such tasks as the Head Teacher/Depute Head Teacher will direct, having reasonable regard to the overall workload of a classroom teacher:

Tracking the attainment of all pupils in a specific department/house/year of the school. Promoting and recording pupil achievement in a specific department/house/year of the school.
Monitoring pupil attendance in a specific department/house/year of the school.
Supporting pupil’s achievement within the authority Staged Assessment and Intervention framework.
Leading, managing and guidance of staff.
Curriculum development and quality assurance ensuring that support for pupils is available, appropriate and delivered within the school’s integrated system.
Reviewing the Career Long Professional Learning (CLPL) needs as part of the PRD process.
Responsibility for the leadership, effective management and strategic direction of pastoral care and/or support for learning staff.
Contribute to the development of school policy in relation to the ethos of the school and promote the school’s positive behaviour policy.
Implementation of whole school policies dealing with pupil welfare.
Working in partnership with staff, parents, other agencies and other schools as appropriate.
Teaching assigned classes together with associated preparation and correction.
Developing the school curriculum.
Assessing, recording and reporting on the work of pupils.
Preparing pupils for examinations and assisting with their administration.
Providing advice and guidance to pupils on issues related to their education.
Promoting and safeguarding the health, welfare and safety of pupils.
Working in partnership with support staff and other professionals, as appropriate.
Undertaking appropriate and agreed continuing professional development.
Participating in issues related to school planning, raising achievement and individual review; and
Contributing towards good order and the wider needs of the school.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Job Requirements

Relevant Qualifications
Registered with GTCS as a teacher of relevant subject
Permanent Posts: GTCS Full registration (General)
Temporary Posts: GTCS Full registration (General) / Provisional registration

PVG Membership
This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.

All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.

Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/teachinginfo

Please Note - Pay arrangements for those starting after 1st day of school session
In accordance with Teachers Conditions of Service (SNCT - Appendix 2.19), Teachers who commence employment with East Lothian Council after the first day of the school session will have their salary for the remainder of the school salary year (which runs from 1 August to 31 July each year), recalculated to reflect how teachers accrue leave and pay.

In these circumstances, a calculation will be carried out upon commencement of employment and leave and pay will be adjusted. Further information will be provided to the successful candidate should this be applicable.

East Lothian Council Secondary Schools
Further details on all East Lothian Council Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here: Secondary Schools

If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us.

If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk

Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.