Learning Practitioner (ESOL)

SC ESOL

Location

Sunderland

Salary

£25,949 to £30,468 per annum pro rata

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Fixed Term - Ends 31/07/2027

Closing Date

23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 07 July 2026

Reference

0426-26

About the College

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

You will be an organised, compassionate and collaborative team player with the drive to develop strong working relationships across the college to create meaningful opportunities for ESOL learners. You will be passionate about supporting both 16-18 and adult ESOL learners to develop their confidence, wellbeing, integration and future aspirations.

You will be ambitious and innovative in your practice, actively contributing to pedagogical development and curriculum enhancement. You will be committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment, using trauma-informed approaches and actively promoting the college’s College of Sanctuary values.

About the Role

As a Learning Practitioner, the successful candidate will have responsibility for planning and delivering ESOL provision to both 16-18 study programme learners and adult learners, across pre-entry to Level 2. If you are passionate about ESOL / EAL and have a strong track record of providing outstanding teaching and learning to drive excellence, innovation and learner success, then this is the ideal job opportunity for you.

The role of our ESOL team is pivotal in maintaining outstanding learner achievement and destinations. We work with learners with a variety of backgrounds and educational experience, including care experienced and sanctuary-seeking students. As a College of Sanctuary, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment that values and champions the lived experience, knowledge and skills of our diverse student community.

This is initially a fixed term role until July 2027 at which point its continuation will be reviewed.

Role Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare high-quality, sequenced learning through the holistic, progression-focused schemes of learning, lesson plans and learning resources.
• Deliver excellent teaching, learning and assessment to both 16-18 and adult learners that enables students to achieve their individual learning goals and aspirations.
• Create a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes attendance, engagement and achievement.
• Promote and utilise innovative digital learning technologies and platforms, supporting the development of students' digital literacy and future readiness.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver effective, engaging and meaningful personal development and enrichment activities for learners.
• Develop, share and embed effective ESOL pedagogy within and across teams to maintain high standards and curriculum currency.
• Carry out formative and summative assessments at key points throughout the year, providing timely, constructive feedback that supports improvement and achievement and informs planning.
• Maintain accurate tracking records, assessment plans and learner progress data in line with college requirements.
• Maintain effective communication with learners, parents/carers (where appropriate), employers and external stakeholders to support learner progress and outcomes.
• Contribute to learner reviews, progress monitoring and target-setting processes, including statutory reviews for Looked After Children.

Qualifications

• A recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, CertEd, Diploma in Education and Training, or equivalent), or commitment to completing within 2 years.
• Level 5 ESOL-specific qualification (e.g. CELTA/DELTA) or equivalent.
• Level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics (minimum GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent).
• Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date professional knowledge in ESOL teaching and practice.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of planning and delivering inclusive, engaging sessions that meet the needs of learners from diverse linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Experience of designing holistic programmes which embed language development alongside personal development skills, digital skills and employability skills.
• Experience of managing learner behaviour effectively within inclusive classroom environments, using positive behaviour strategies to promote engagement, respect and a productive learning atmosphere.
• Experience of maintaining accurate learner records and using data and feedback to evaluate and improve teaching, learning and assessment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with learners, colleagues and external stakeholders in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Excellent digital skills, with the ability to confidently use a range of digital tools and learning technologies to support high-quality teaching, learning, assessment, innovation and learner engagement.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and ESOL teaching methodologies that support language acquisition and learner progression.

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.