Vacancies
We are a proud, thriving and ambitious community. We work together, as one, to ensure that everyone thrives in everything that they do. As a whole school, and as individuals, we aim high: wanting the very best for all. Everyone in Dowdales School leads by example ensuring that we treat each other as we want to be treated ourselves.
We are a community school with over 880 students aged 11-16 years on roll. Situated in the historic town of Dalton in Furness, we enjoy being on the fringe of the Lake District National Park. As an Ofsted rated ‘good’ school, we believe in high expectations, excellent teaching and ambition for every young person.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability.
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school.
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors.
How to Apply
If you are interested in any of the positions advertised please complete:
- An application form (using the guidance notes)
- A Disclosure and Barring Service Applicant Statement
Return to:
Dowdales School
Nelson Street
Dalton-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA15 8AH
Alternatively you may submit the above documents via email – click here
Please read the guidance notes before completing your application.
PLEASE NOTE: A CV will not be accepted in place of an application form.
Current Vacancies
Relief Casual Examination Invigilator – click here
Senior Science Lab Technician – click here
Shortlist and Interviews
If you are shortlisted, references will be taken up prior to your interview. Any applicants called for interview who have submitted an electronic application will be required to sign their application form at interview.
Applicants who have not received an invite to interview within three weeks of the specified closing date should assume that they have not been shortlisted.
Safeguarding Statement
Dowdales School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of its pupils, engages with young people and staff in Policy and practice developments, proactively encourages feedback and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake child protection screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CV’S AND A DOWDALES APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED.
Current Vacancies
Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 20th May 2025
Teacher of Humanities
Full Time (part-time considered), Permanent
Salary scale Teacher pay scale (MPS/UPS)
Start date 1st September 2025
Thank you for your interest in the Teacher of Humanities post.
You can view and download the full application booklet pack.
The pack contains information about our Humanities Department, an MPS and UPS Job Description, a Person Specification as well as information about our school and the local area.
Closing date: 9am, Friday 28th November 2025
Teacher of Art
REQUIRED FROM 8th JANUARY 2026
Fixed Term position to July 2026
Part time – Thursday only (0.2 FTE)
Teachers salary scale (MPS/UPS)
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Teacher of Art. The department is dedicated, forward looking and reflective, thus ensuring that teaching is constantly improving.
You will inspire and engage students to achieve their full potential. You will be part of a proud, thriving and ambitious community who work together as one.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability.
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school.
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors.
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- A good honours degree
- Experience of teaching students at KS3 and KS4
- A clear, ambitious vision for science education.
- Excellent subject knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum and methods of assessment.
Completed application forms to be returned to Dowdales School by Friday 28th November at 9am, by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure please do not hesitate to call on 01229 469800. Please visit our website https://dowdalesschool.co.uk/vacancies/ for further details.
Dowdales School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of its pupils, engages with young people and staff in Policy and practice developments, proactively encourages feedback and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The Role
Teacher MPS Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full teacher MPS job description of this role.
Teacher UPS Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full teacher UPS job description of this role.
Closing date: 9am, Thursday 9th October 2025
Network Manager
Required as soon as possible.
Permanent Position
37 hours a week. Monday to Friday (full year).
SALARY RT10, £36,363 - £37,280
We are seeking to appoint a highly skilled, motivated, enthusiastic and experienced Network Manager for Dowdales School to provide an essential service in the development, maintenance and sustainability of the school network. This is an exciting opportunity, in a good school, for a committed team player with excellent organisation skills and a keen interest in technical development within a school setting
We are proud to have:
• Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability.
• Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school.
• An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors.
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- A vocational Degree, NVQ4 or equivalent relevant experience and knowledge.
- Knowledge and experience of data analysis tools and techniques.
- Ability to work accurately under pressure with meticulous attention to detail.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am, Thursday 9th October 2025 by email recruitment@dowdales.cumbria.sch.uk or post.
If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure please do not hesitate to contact us on the above email address.
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Closing date: 9am, Friday 11th July 2025
Apprentice Teaching Assistant - 2 vacancies available
Required September 2025
Salary: Minimum £7.55 per hour
Duration: 18 months
We seek to appoint two Level 3 Apprentice Teaching Assistants to support students, teacher, the school and curriculum to ensure that students achieve their very best.
Full details of the vacancies can be found on the Gen2 website
Candidates are to apply directly to Gen2, the closing date for these vacancies is Friday 11th July, to be extended if necessary.
If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure please do not hesitate to contact Mrs A Young on 01229 469800 or recruitment@dowdales.cumbria.sch.uk
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Closing date: 9am, Friday 5th December 2025
School Administrator - Receptionist
Temporary position 15 Hours per week, Monday to Friday, 1pm - 4pm. Term Time Only. Additional hours may be required during school holidays, in accordance with the needs of the school. SALARY SCALE BS4 £25,583 (equivalent to £8,654 pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint School Receptionist for Dowdales School to ensure the smooth, efficient and effective running of the school reception and to provide administrative support to school leaders including Senior Leadership Team and Senior Admin Team.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- NVQ Level 2, or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience in relevant discipline.
Application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am on Friday 5th December 2025 by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Dowdales School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake child protection screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CV’S AND AN APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Required as soon as possible
RELIEF CASUAL EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS
Salary Scale: CE2, £24,413 per annum pro rata plus a top up to the “UK Living Wage” currently paid at £13.45 per hour.
Dowdales School is a proud, thriving and ambitious community. Here, we work together, as one, to ensure that everyone thrives in everything that they do. As a whole school, and as individuals, we aim high: wanting the very best for all. Everyone in Dowdales School leads by example ensuring that we treat each other as we want to be treated ourselves.
We are a community school with over 880 students aged 11-16 years on roll. Situated in the historic town of Dalton-in-Furness, we enjoy being on the fringe of the Lake District National Park. As an Ofsted rated ‘good’ school, we believe in high expectations, excellent teaching and ambition for every young person.
We are seeking to appoint Examination Invigilators on a casual basis for our core GCSE examinations. You would be involved in assisting an experienced team of Senior Invigilators in the setting up of examinations and would be working as a member of a team aimed at ensuring the fair and proper conduct of examination in a calm environment that enables students to perform to the best of their ability.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- The ability to give clear and concise instructions and guidance
- The ability to use initiative and good judgement
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- The ability to relate well to children and adults
Application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post.
We are taking applications on an ongoing basis. If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure please do not hesitate to call Mrs A Young on 01229 469800 or email recruitment@dowdales.school
Dowdales School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake child protection screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CV’S AND AN APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 13th April 2026
SENIOR SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Permanent position 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only plus one week additional contracted hours). SALARY SCALE PCD5 £25,989 per annum pro rata, (equating to £21,051 per annum)
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Laboratory Technician to ensure that all Science lessons and extracurricular activities are equipped and resourced to enable effective teaching by teachers and effective learning by students.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- NVQ Level 2 or 3, or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience or knowledge in relevant work area.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety and related procedures and policies and how they apply to the work area.
Application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am on Monday 13th April 2026 by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post.
Dowdales School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake child protection screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CV’S AND AN APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 11th February 2026
SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Permanent position 2 days a week (Term Time Only plus one week equivalent additional contracted hours). SALARY SCALE PCD3, £24,796 per annum plus a top up to the UK Living Wage (equating to £7,807 per annum pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Laboratory Technician to ensure that all Science lessons and extracurricular activities are equipped and resourced to enable effective teaching by teachers and effective learning by students.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- Good Numeracy and literacy skills
- Knowledge of Health and Safety and related procedures and policies and how they apply to the work area.
Application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am on Wednesday 11th February 2026 by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post.
Dowdales School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake child protection screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CV’S AND AN APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 26th January, 2026
Required ASAP
HLTA - Literacy and School Library
Permanent position 37 hours per week - Monday to Friday Term time plus an additional 1 week contracted hours (pro rata) Hours of Work 08.15 – 16.00 for 4 days, 08.15 – 17.00 for 1 day. Some degree of flexibility may be required within these hours. SALARY SCALE PCD8ii starting at £32,061 (equating to £27,453 per annum pro rata)
particularly with literacy, and to develop and manage the school library. To work with groups of students/individuals to support them with their literacy and specific subjects.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability.
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school.
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors.
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience in relevant area of work.
- Proven experience in a role of responsibility.
- Knowledge of child protection policies and procedures.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young, Dowdales School by 9am, Monday 26th January 2026, by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post. If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure, please do not hesitate to call on 01229 469800
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Relief Casual Kitchen Assistants
Required on a rolling basis
Salary Scale OP1, £12.65 per hour
We are seeking to appoint Kitchen Assistants on a casual basis to support the smooth running of the kitchen as part of our kitchen team.
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- A food hygiene certificate/equivalent qualification or an equivalent experience or a willingness to train to achieve these.
- Experience of relating well to people at all levels.
- An awareness of health and hygiene procedures.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability.
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school.
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young, Dowdales School by email recruitment@dowdales.cumbria.sch.uk or post.
If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure please do not hesitate to contact us on 01229 469800. Please visit our website for further details.
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 23rd February, 2026
Cleaning Operative
Permanent position 12.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday Term time only plus an additional 4 weeks contracted hours (pro rata) SALARY OP1, £24,413 per annum pro rata plus a top up to the “UK Living Wage” equating to £13.45 per hour. The standard cleaning shift will be either 6am-8.30am or 3.30pm-6pm, Monday to Friday, although there may be occasions where this may vary.
We are seeking to appoint a part-time Cleaning Operative to clean designated areas to ensure a clean and hygienic condition, maintain and deep clean all hard and soft floors as well as other duties required by the Site Managers.
We would welcome applications from someone who has:
- A cleaning and support services NVQ Level 1 or equivalent experience or equivalent qualification, or willingness to train to achieve these.
- A willingness to use relevant equipment.
- An ability to relate well to children and adults.
- A willingness to gain knowledge of cleaning procedures required to meet specified cleaning standards.
We are proud to have:
- Extremely high aspirations for all students at Dowdales ensuring that every young person makes excellent progress and performs to the best of their ability.
- Students with positive attitudes who enjoy coming to school.
- An enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and governors.
Completed application forms to be returned by 9am on Monday 23rd February to Mrs A Young, Dowdales School by email recruitment@dowdales.cumbria.sch.uk or post.
If you have any questions or queries about any aspect of this procedure please do not hesitate to contact us on 01229 469800. Please visit our website for further details.
The Role
Job Description
Click on the button below to view a full job description of this role.
Person Specification
Click on the button below to view a list of essential and desirable qualifications and experience required for this role.