About This Role
Upper Key Stage 2 Class Teacher
Salary: Up to £40,000
Contract: Full time (35 weeks per annum)
Start Date: September 2026
About us
At Atelier 21, we are more than a school—we are a movement to reimagine education. Catering to learners aged 4–16, we combine mainstream rigour with radical pedagogy, operating both as a school and as a research centre that impacts educators globally. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: make school relevant, meaningful, and joyful for every learner.
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we believe children are inherently competent, curious, and capable of shaping their own learning. We honour the '100 Languages of Expression' — in art, dance, design, drama, construction, storytelling and more — as authentic modes for learners to explore and articulate their understanding.
Atelier 21 offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) from age 11, ensuring our learners develop deep skills, critical thinking, and the dispositions needed to contribute and thrive in a rapidly changing world—not just to pass exams.
About the role
As Upper Key Stage two teacher at Atelier 21, you will:
Be responsible for up to 15 learners or a mixed class for up to 25 learners with a Teaching Partner.
Plan and facilitate Skill Slams in Literacy, Maths, Science—explicit, focused lessons linked to real-world meaning and inquiry.
Lead Big Studies: Project based learning integrating PSHE, Arts, Humanities, Science etc., grounded in learners’ interests and questions.
Design provocations that stimulate curiosity and hands-on learning.
Guide and enable self directed learning and independent projects.
Plan outdoor and nature-based outings (Forest School, Beach School, etc.) including Wild Fridays.
Differentiate instruction in a mixed age / mixed stage setting.
Use our ASK model to monitor academic progression and learning dispositions.
Honouring the environment as the third teacher which creates a culture of joy, enquiry, creativity, and friendship.
Facilitate semi-democratic practices through class and school meetings.
Personal specifications
Essential criteria:
Qualified Teacher Status (Not suitable for ECTs)
At least three years’ teaching experience.
Alignment with Atelier 21 values and ethos
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Creative thinker
Adaptable, resilient, passionate and willing to go the extra mile
Belief in children’s rights and agency
Desired criteria:
Ability to take a lead a subject across the Primary
Knowledge of Reggio Emilia approach
Experience with play based / project based / self-directed learning
Familiarity with Learning Power Approaches (e.g. Guy Claxton)
Specialist skills or interests (Arts, Outdoor Education, STEAM, etc.)
Why Join Us?
Be part of an innovative, future focused school leading change in education
Collaborate with a passionate, supportive team
Enjoy ongoing professional development opportunities
Make a meaningful impact on learners’ lives
Application Process
If you’re excited by this vision and see yourself as part of transforming how school can be, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please complete the school’s application form and email it to: hr@atelier21schools.co.uk . Please note that CV’s cannot be accepted.
Applications close on 13 April. Interviews will begin on 21 April, although we may interview exceptional candidates earlier. We therefore encourage early applications.
Safer Recruitment Statement
Atelier 21 Future School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity with children.
All applicants will be subject to safer‑recruitment checks, including:
an Enhanced DBS check (or a new one if you are not on the DBS Update Service)
online and social‑media screening in line with KCSIE
verification of employment history
references requested prior to interview
You must not apply if you are currently barred from working with children or have ever been prohibited from engaging in regulated activity.