Principal Teacher of Languages - Preston Lodge High School

Vacancy Information

Temporary until 10th August 2025.
Days of Work:
Monday - Friday
To start asap.

Preston Lodge High School is a non-denominational secondary school serving the communities of Cockenzie, Port Seton, Longniddry and Prestonpans.  Our roll is currently 1060, and the school is very easily commutable from Edinburgh.  The strengths of our school are:

• The high morale, sense of belonging and positive ethos of the school community
• The contributions of young people to improvements and our improvements in many Insight measures.
• The nurturing, inclusive work of staff across the school in supporting young people’s learning and wellbeing
• The strong, positive relationships between staff and students

Our motivated staff, students, parents, carers, and the community we serve, have worked hard to further improve all aspects of our school, and staff love working at Preston Lodge. We are a happy school, and new staff report very positively on our school’s culture and ethos. At a time of great uncertainty in education, we work together to provide the best education possible for all of our students.

Languages have made a significant contribution to much-improved attainment, and we have a major focus on ensuring that all students achieve five qualifications before leaving. Last session we were pleased that only three students left school without five qualifications. Our new PT Equity keeps all staff focused on closing the attainment gap, and Languages have a key role to play in that area.

Our school library works closely with our Languages team, and Derek France, our School Librarian, was recognised as the UK School Librarian of the Year 2022. Our School Library is at the centre of developing literacy, but is also at the centre of our work in developing our school as an inclusive, nurturing and enabling home for our young people

Having made significant steps forward in our approach to literacy development, we are delighted to be advertising this key post as we plan for further developments for the remainder of this session. We have two PTs Languages. This post - with more responsibility than the other - has line management responsibility for all English and Modern Languages staff, but only subject responsibility for English. Working closely with the PT Languages who has subject responsibility for Modern Languages is a key role for the successful candidate. As part of the selection process we will share details of the current breakdown of responsibilities within Languages, which will be reviewed once an appointment is made.

This is an exciting time for Preston Lodge High School, and the community it serves. Further details about the school can be found on our website at http://www.prestonlodge.net. and there is a wealth of information about the school and its culture in the Publications section - do take a look at our weekly PLus newsletter to find out more about who we are!

Gavin Clark

Headteacher, Preston Lodge High School, Park View, Prestonpans      

Job Details

Teaching relevant subject through S1-S6.

Subject to the policies of the school and the education authority the duties of teachers, promoted and unpromoted, are to perform such tasks as the Head Teacher shall direct having reasonable regard to overall teacher workload related to the following categories-

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 parents, support staff and other professionals
Undertaking appropriate and agreed continuing professional development
Participating in issues related to school planning, raising achievement and individual review
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 Regulated Work with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.

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.