Our School
Lodestar Academy, located in Torbay, is a dynamic and highly regarded institution, dedicated to providing exceptional education for young people aged 11-18. We believe that every young person, regardless of their background or life challenges, has the potential to succeed. Our mission is to empower those, particularly those facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, who have been excluded or marginalised from mainstream education.
At Lodestar Academy, we create a safe, nurturing environment for 50 secondary-aged students who have struggled in traditional school settings. Through a tailored approach that prioritises academic achievement alongside behaviour interventions and therapeutic support, we help our students reintegrate at the same key stage as their peers and open the door to future opportunities in employment and further education.
With a recent Ofsted rating of "Good," Lodestar Academy is recognised for its commitment to the welfare of students and their families. As Ofsted put it, "The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy." Join us in helping to unlock the full potential of every student and provide them with the support they deserve.
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England.
We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.
Learn more about our Vision and Values here
Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?
We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:
- Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways for professional development including Chartered Teacher status, regular MAT meets to share best practice and range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, eye care vouchers and preferential access to Benenden Health.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
- Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
- TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
Next Steps
If you are interested in working at our school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
We strongly encourage anyone who may be interested in working at our school to contact Paula George (Office Manager) [email protected] to arrange an informal conversation about the role.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please email [email protected]