Reading Leader

About the job

Key information

• 18.5 hours per week
• 39 weeks per year (term-time only + INSET days)
• Permanent B
• TCT Points 5-6, starting from £10,906.02 per annum (actual)

About West Somerset College

West Somerset College is a thriving and ambitious secondary school and sixth form set in the beautiful coastal town of Minehead. As the only secondary provider serving the West Somerset region, the College plays a vital role within its community and is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. West Somerset College offers a supportive and forward-thinking environment where staff are empowered to make a real difference, contribute to student success and develop their careers as part of a dedicated and passionate team.

What will I be doing?

As Reading Leader, you will play a key role in promoting a culture of reading across the school, helping students develop their literacy skills, confidence and enjoyment of reading. You will lead reading initiatives, deliver targeted interventions, and manage the school library as a vibrant and inclusive learning space.

Working closely with students, staff, parents and volunteers, you will support literacy development across the curriculum and contribute to the wider life of the school.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and promoting reading initiatives, including reading interventions and whole-school DEAR activities.
• Delivering targeted reading support for individuals and small groups.
• Training and supporting staff and volunteers delivering reading interventions.
• Monitoring student progress and adapting support to maximise outcomes.
• Managing and developing the school library and its resources.
• Training and supporting student librarians.
• Promoting reading for study, leisure and enjoyment across the school community.
• Building positive relationships with students and parents.
• Providing administrative support to the Exams Officer during mock and public examination seasons.
• Contributing to the vision, culture and ethos of the Trust and wider school community.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual who is passionate about literacy and helping young people succeed.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• Experience of working with children or young people.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong literacy and IT skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

What is in it for me?

We care about our staff and are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment. In addition to salary, we offer:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of over 19%
• Employee Reward Scheme, including high street discounts and access to a staff wellbeing centre
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to on-site gym facilities at selected locations
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives and aspirations of young people across West Somerset.

DBS check

A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Supporting documents and information

Closing date for applications: Sunday 20 September 2026, at 11:59pm

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, generous employer pension contribution, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding Statement

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).

Apply on the West Somerset College website

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