Why United Learning?

United Learning is a great place to work. Here's why:

Since 1884, we’ve been committed to providing the best education and opportunities for the young people in our schools.

Now with more than 80 schools in our group, we’re proud to say we’re supporting children from every walk of life, with particular emphasis on those from low-income families in areas of deprivation.

Uniquely, we unite the state and independent sectors, creating education and career development opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Supportive network of over 7,000 colleagues across the country

Comprehensive wellbeing programme with extra meeting-free INSET days

Shared curriculum and expert advice

Bespoke career pathways for every member of staff

Remuneration packages and perks

In-house educational and business support

A national network

We're a growing group, with over 70 schools across the country. That means plenty more opportunities to progress your career within United Learning, with the chance to work in contrasting schools in different regions. It also means you've got a ready-made network of colleagues across the country with whom you can share ideas, best practice and knowledge.

When you join United Learning, you'll be invited to attend our annual Best in Everyone Conference, a two-day induction providing opportunities to meet other colleagues and find out more about our work. We also host multiple teach-meets throughout the year, often with special guest speakers, and hold General Education Forums for headteachers and senior leaders, and Education Board meetings for Chairs of Governors. There are also regular networking opportunities and CPD opportunities for support staff including business managers, finance teams, HR administrators, marketing leads and more.

Your wellbeing

We love working in education, but we know it can be challenging. That’s why your wellbeing is our top priority – from emotional support to workload management. Our wellbeing programme was developed with experts Robertson Cooper, and is tailored to each school. The majority of our schools now have wellbeing leads who work with headteachers to target activities at the right level for staff. Some schools have partnered with local gyms to offer fitness classes onsite to staff; others offer an onsite car valeting service during the school day. All United Learning staff also have access to free confidential advice and counselling.

Shared curriculum and expertise

Based on a mastery approach, our shared curriculum spans key subjects and defines the essential teaching and learning for each year. It's well-stocked with lesson plans, assessments and other resources, which can be adapted depending on the class you're teaching. It allows schools the flexibility to deliver it in the way that works best for them, while ensuring that every pupil progresses.

We also have specialist subject advisors, who are experts in their field with the experience to know what works best in the classroom; they're on hand throughout the year to give advice on how to teach topics and improve your pupils' progress.

Your professional development

We want you to thrive in your career and achieve your aims – whether that’s to be a school leader, a business manager, a subject advisor in our central office, or something else! We have frequent CPD opportunities for all teaching and support staff, and a vast intranet of resources pooled from the wealth of expertise across our group. We also have access to a wide range of professional courses accredited by chartered institutions, which you can enrol in at no extra cost.

Career coaches are available for everyone, and if you want to be a coach, we provide training for that too! We believe coaching is an essential ingredient in effective professional development, building skills and knowledge, and ensuring staff feel cared for, listened to and empowered.

If you're interested in training to take on greater responsibility, have a look at our 'Step Up' programmes below:

Step Up to System Leadership

Our three-year programme helps existing Heads and Principals take the next step to Executive and Regional Director roles. Courses include an overview of the System Leader role, strategic and business leadership modules and executive coaching and mentoring.

Year 1 - Role of the System Leader
Built in partnership with Wolfe Associates and Leadership Matters; TalentQ Leadership Diagnostics and Report, 1:1 coaching, 2-day residential and reflection workshop
Year 2 – Strategic Business Leadership
Built in partnership with Ashridge Hult; two 2-day residentials and action learning
Year 3 – ILM7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors
Achieve a professional qualification in Coaching; includes four 2-day residentials, four supervision workshops, coaching practice and assignments

Step Up To Headship

Step Up to Headship is perfect for those looking to take on headship in the next two to three years.

Coaching – access to experienced internal coaches
Leadership Development Residential – two-day development programme, including 360-degree feedback & coaching
NPQH - in partnership with the Institute of Education via Leadership CoLab
ILM7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors
Achieve a professional qualification in Coaching; includes four 2-day residentials, four supervision workshops, coaching practice and assignments

Trainee Headship

Our Trainee Headship Programme is in place for those ready to lead a school now. Course delegates have access to the above, plus:

Trainee Headship Programme – a 12-month development programme offering robust preparation for Headship; including a school secondment or placement, face-to-face workshops (including the Challenges of Headship, Managing People and Managing School Finance), coaching and action planning. Also includes option to complete NPQH.

Step Up to Senior Leadership

Leadership Development Residential – 2-day development programme, including 360-degree feedback and coaching
Coaching – access to experienced internal coaches
NPQSL – offered in partnership with the Institute of Education via Leadership CoLab
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring; three 2-day residentials, coaching practice and assignments

Step Up to Middle Leadership

Introduction to Leadership – 1-day workshop
Coaching Skills – 1-day workshop
Middle Leader Schools Programme – school-led twilight workshops, self-evaluation and action planning
NPQML – offered in partnership with the Institute of Education via Leadership CoLab

NQT programme

All NQTs in United Learning schools receive training, mentoring and professional development opportunities. Our NQTs benefit from:

Face-to-face twilight training sessions held at our lead schools in Paddington and Stockport, delivered around common areas for development in the NQT year, explicitly linked to the Teachers' Standards. Topics include assessment and feedback, leadership in education, understanding SEND and Rosenshine’s Principles of what makes great teaching and learning.
Personalised visits and support – a visit from a Visiting Professional Mentor, including an offer of observation and feedback, as well as a meeting with the NQT and the professional/subject mentor. The Visiting Professional Mentor will ensure you are on track and getting all the support you need.
Subject-specific support at New Teacher Subject Days from the Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI), designed purposely for newly qualified teachers. These four-day courses offer subject-specific guidance on teaching strategies, access to subject-based resources, and contact with the latest academic research.

Remuneration packages and perks

When you join United Learning, you can look forward to receiving an exceptional salary, up to 5% above the maintained sector. As a Group that spans the public and private sectors, we also offer reduced fees at a number of independent schools. For certain roles, you can also receive a relocation allowance.

We’ve partnered with Perkbox to offer every United Learning employee over 250 discounts on shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets and more! So whether you’re looking to save money on a new kitchen or you fancy a free cup of coffee, we’ve got you covered – and you can access all the vouchers through your phone.

Currently, all staff can access discounts for:

John Lewis
Waitrose
ASOS
Currys PC World
Ray Ban
Clarks
...and many more!

In-house expert support

Based in Peterborough, with offices in London and Salford, our Central Office function exists to provide educational and business support for your school. By providing services effectively and efficiently, they ensure you can focus on educational leadership.

Our in-house experts include a Finance Business Partner to support leaders through budget-setting season and keep on-budget throughout the year. The award-winning HR team can guide with recruitment, retention and HR issues to support in building the best teams. Our marketing team and PR agency are available to help promote your school to the wider community. We also have legal advice, a dedicated IT support desk, data, health and safety, and estates experts.

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