We are hiring: English Tutor

We have an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to the learning and development of students in our Senior Alternative School. We are looking for an English tutor for academic year 25-26.

The Spartans Senior Alternative School provides attainment, personal development and nurture support for students who are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education or who find mainstream education a challenge. Young people are aged 13 to 16 years old and most face the following barriers to succeeding in mainstream education:

• Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome)

• Trauma and ACEs (past and present)

• Toxic stress at home linked to poverty, substance and alcohol abuse in parents/carers and YP, domestic violence etc

• Anxiety, low mood and anxious, emotional school refusal

A small number of our students also come from highly regulated, calm and supportive homes but the experience of being neurodivergent in mainstream schools can be trauma inducing for them. Students attend the Alternative School 1.5 days per week on Mondays and Fridays or Wednesdays and Fridays.

Title: Secondary English Tutor
Location: Spartans Community Foundation, Ainslie Park, 94 Pilton Drive, Edinburgh EH5 2HF
Rate of pay: £25 per hour

Contract Type: Independent contractor agreement

Working pattern during school year

• Monday: 9am-4pm: 5 sessions of 40 mins  and 1 hour debrief meeting 3-4pm

• Wednesday: 9am-4pm: 5 sessions of 40 mins  and 1 hour debrief meeting 3-4pm

• 6 x per year attend group staff reflective conversations (1.5 hours)

• 2 x per year attend staff training (2.5 hours)       

• Occasional hours as required and around SQA May assessment deadline

Essential Qualities

• Strong literacy skills

• HND, BA Hons or equivalent in a relevant qualification

• Expert in the use of IT to support research led by the young people’s interests

• Excellent people skills and willingness to engage in CPD to enhance practice

• Highly responsive to YP’s interests and learning preferences

• Confident to learn requirements of National 4 and National 5 curriculum with minimal support

• Keen to develop skills in trauma responsive and neuro affirming practice

• Strong team player who can confidently take initiative and hold firm boundaries for young people who can often test these

Desirable Qualities

• Experience of teaching, childcare or youth work

• Experience in trauma responsive practice

• Experience of supporting and good knowledge of the teenage brain, trauma and neurodivergence

• Interest in sporting activity and willingness to take part in sport as a way to build rapport e.g. visit gym with trained member of our staff, kick a ball on our pitches, walk with therapy dogs and their owner

 Please note that this is an independent contractor agreement and the successful applicant will be expected to have adequate insurances, follow relevant Spartans Community Foundation policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

To apply, send a covering letter outlining why you believe you are suitable for the role and why you would like to be considered. Please also include your up-to-date CV. Send your application via email to: emmaeaston@spartanscf.com by the closing date of 5pm on Friday 30th May 2025. Please title your email “English Tutor Role”.

What happens next? Successful candidates will be interviewed in mid-June. The start date is anticipated to be 13th August 2025. The successful candidate will be required to provide references and undergo an enhanced DBS check.

If you would like any additional information about this opportunity, please contact: emmaeaston@spartanscf.com

Full outline available here.