Career Opportunities
To view current vacancies at Arnold School, see our listings on the UCST/ULT careers website.
For information on vacancies at other UCST schools and ULT academies, visit the UCST/ULT careers website.
Why Teach at Arnold?
Our Reputation
Arnold was founded in 1896 and continues to attract pupils of the highest calibre from the Fylde Coast and surrounding areas. Our notable alumni include: Sir William Lyons, the founder of Jaguar Cars; Dr Michael Smith, who received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1993; James Armfield CBE, High Sheriff of Lancashire, (43 caps for England Soccer, 15 as captain); Alderman Rhodes Marshall (Honorary Freeman of Blackpool and twice Mayor of Blackpool); Jonas Armstrong, (Theatre and TV actor; Christopher Lowe, (One of the 'Pet Shop Boys'); and Jenna Coleman, (TV actress), among many others.
Our Pupils
Arnold pupils are highly motivated, hardworking, well-mannered and a pleasure to teach. Examination results at GCSE and A level are consistently excellent, with strong value added at each stage. One of the most enjoyable aspects of teaching at Arnold - and one often commented on by new members of staff - is the happy and respectful relationship between our teachers and our pupils.
Our Staff
We operate professionally as a close and mutually supportive team, with a shared enthusiasm for working with young people and bringing out the best in them. Our staff give willingly of their time and this is recognised and appreciated by our pupils and their parents. Our teachers have a passion for their subject, a belief in young people, good humour, energy, initiative and a genuine sense of teaching vocation, which is fully rewarded by working at Arnold.
Our Facilities
As part of our commitment to ongoing development, a recent building project included a new Reception area, a complete refurbishment of the teaching staff Common Room, a new music recital room, a music technology room as well as several rehearsal and practice rooms. In 2008, following our membership of UCST, every classroom was equipped with an interactive Promethean whiteboard, which is supported by the latest ActivInspire software and ActivExpression pupil handsets. Our school also has four dedicated ICT suites and, as we continue to innovate in our use of information and communication technology in the classroom, every Year 7 pupil will be provided with an iPad in September 2011, to complement developments with our VLE. Our superb sports facilities include an all-weather Astroturf playing surface, a modern sports hall with one of the best climbing walls in the region, a well-equipped fitness suite and extensive playing fields. A new building plan for our school is in its final stages, supported by substantial investment in from UCST. We also have our own outdoor activity centre at the foot of Helvellyn in the Lake District, which hosts a variety of activities.
Our Opportunities
Through our membership of UCST all teaching staff benefit from a high standard of professional training. All schools within the UCST group communicate frequently and mutual support is always available, at all levels. The Group provides tailored INSET days for schools as well as a full range of INSET courses throughout the year for individuals to attend. Staff also benefit from a Group-funded Masters qualification in education, and the UCST Teacher Leader project mirrors the AST scheme in the Maintained Sector. The UCST pay scale offers appropriate remuneration, as well as incremental progression and one-off bonus payments at the Headmaster's discretion for exceptional service. The school contributes in full to the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme and there is a fee-remission scheme for children of staff, who are educated at the school. Lunch is provided free of charge each day to all staff.
Our Extra-Curricular
Whilst the pursuit of high academic standards is undoubtedly important, all our pupils take advantage of the broad range of experience which our school offers, to nurture creativity and to encourage a spirit of voluntary contribution to the school and the wider community. In recent years Arnold pupils have raised tens of thousands of pounds to support charities both at home and abroad. Our main games are rugby, football, hockey, cricket and athletics, with strong fixture lists and several national and regional titles. This extensive programme provides competition and challenge for all pupils and touring sides have travelled as far afield as Argentina, Chile, the Caribbean, Canada, Australia and South Africa. As well as sport we also offer a Combined Cadet Force in all 3 sections, Duke of Edinburgh at bronze and gold levels, Young Enterprise, an Academic Society, debating, dance, chess and much more. Drama and music also feature prominently and inspire countless pupils each year to take part in top quality productions, concerts and recitals.
Our Location
Blackpool, which has a population of about 140,000, is a resort both nationally and internationally recognised, with its own airport. The town has benefitted from significant investment and new building in recent years, resulting in much improved facilities and amenities. Arnold is situated in South Blackpool, just 5 minutes from the end of the M55. The school is only 10 minutes from St Annes and 15 minutes from Lytham, both of which are delightful Victorian seaside towns of charming character. Preston, the Ribble Valley, the Lake District and Manchester are all within easy reach by direct motorway access, offering outstanding countryside, excellent shopping and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Our Future
With the financial and educational support of the UCST group, Arnold is looking forward to a future of continued development and further innovation. This is an exciting time for our school and we are seeking the highest quality of applicant to join our team and help us maintain our deserved reputation for excellence in the region.
For further information about our school, please visit our website at www.arnoldschool.com, which is updated daily with news and events.
Our most recent ISI inspection report is also available through our school website, as well as at www.isi.net
For further information about the UCST group, please visit www.ucst.org.uk .
