Teach17

Sedbergh School in Cumbria is looking for a Teacher of Physics to join its Science Department for a short period of temporary cover. For a Physics teacher who is available immediately, this is an unusual opportunity to teach GCSE and A-level pupils at one of the country’s best-known boarding schools.

Here are 17 things to know about the role.

1. This is a Teacher of Physics position at Sedbergh Senior School. The successful candidate will join the school’s Science Department and report to the Head of Science.
2. The job is part-time and fixed-term. The detailed job description confirms that this is short-term cover running until October half term.
3. The school would like someone to start as soon as possible. This could therefore be particularly interesting for a Physics teacher who is currently available for short-term work.
4. You will teach Physics across Years 10 to 13. That means working with pupils studying both GCSE and A-level Physics.
5. The role is about more than simply covering lessons. The teacher will be expected to plan and teach well-structured Physics lessons, with appropriate pace, challenge and support for different pupils.
6. Supporting individual pupils is part of the job. Sedbergh expects the successful teacher to offer extra help when pupils need it and to use constructive feedback to build confidence and raise achievement.
7. Assessment and examination preparation are included. The teacher will set assessments and help prepare pupils for public examinations under the direction of the department.
8. Both written and verbal feedback are expected. The job description also includes writing academic reports to keep pupils and parents informed about progress.
9. Sedbergh is looking for a strong classroom practitioner. Its person specification asks for experience of teaching Physics in a school and experience covering GCSE and A-level teaching. A degree or equivalent is listed as essential.
10. The advert says the position could suit either a newly qualified or an experienced teacher. Interestingly, the separate person specification lists QTS as desirable rather than essential, although previous Physics teaching experience is listed as essential.
11. There is a pastoral element to the post. The successful candidate is expected to become a Non-Resident Tutor in one of Sedbergh’s nine boarding houses and deliver PSHE to their tutor group.
12. Getting involved beyond Physics matters at Sedbergh. The school has an extensive extracurricular programme and asks applicants to explain any activities, interests or skills they could contribute outside the classroom.
13. Accommodation may be available. The job description specifically states that this can be discussed at interview, which could be particularly useful for someone considering the role from outside Cumbria.
14. Sedbergh is a historic co-educational boarding school. Founded in 1525, the school celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2025 and is based in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, close to the Lake District.
15. The wider school setting is a significant part of the job. Sedbergh places considerable emphasis on boarding, pastoral care and extracurricular life, so the role could appeal to someone who enjoys contributing to school life beyond their own subject.
16. The salary is described as competitive and there are several staff benefits. These include free lunches with boarders during term time, free use of the swimming pool and gym outside pupil-use times and access to the Cycle to Work Scheme.
17. Applications are due by 26 September 2026, but applying early would be sensible. Sedbergh says it may interview suitable candidates before the deadline and could close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Applications are made through the Sedbergh School vacancies page, where the teaching application form, job description and person specification can also be found.

Start date: As soon as possible
Contract: Part-time, fixed-term temporary cover until October half term
Closing date: 26 September 2026
Location: Sedbergh, Cumbria
Salary: Competitive

Find out more about Sedbergh School:
Sedbergh School website

View the vacancy and apply:
Sedbergh School vacancies

For further information, applicants can contact the Sedbergh School People Team at thepeopleteam@sedberghschool.org.

Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to the appropriate child-protection checks, including checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.