Vacancies
Current Vacancies
Teaching Assistant – click here
Apprentice Teaching Assistant – click here
Cover Supervisor – click here
Welcome to our Vacancy page
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.
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, Friday 3rd July 2026
Teacher of Mathematics
0.6FTE (Working Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
Temporary post for 1 year in the first instance
Salary scale Teacher pay scale (MPS/UPS)
Start date 1st September 2026
Interviews week commencing 6th July
Thank you for your interest in the Teacher of Mathematics post.
You can view and download the full application booklet pack.
The pack contains information about our Mathematics Department, an MPS and UPS Job Description, a Person Specification as well as information about our school and the local area.
Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 13th May 2026
Teacher of Science
(Biology or Physics Specialism preferred)
Full Time, Permanent
Salary scale Teacher pay scale (MPS/UPS)
Start date 1st September 2026
Thank you for your interest in the Teacher of Science 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, Wednesday 13th May 2026
Teacher of English/Media Studies
0.6, Permanent
Salary scale Teacher pay scale (MPS/UPS)
Start date 1st September 2026
Thank you for your interest in the Teacher of English/Media Studies 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, 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 4th September 2026
Apprentice Teaching Assistant - 2 vacancies available
Required September 2026
Salary: Minimum £8.00 per hour
Duration: 18 month
We seek to appoint two Level 3 Apprentice Teaching Assistants to support students, teachers, the school and curriculum to ensure that students achieve their very best. Full details of the vacancies can be found on the Gen2 website Level 3 Teaching Assistant – Dowdales School in Furness (South Cumbria) – GEN II Engineering & Technology Training Ltd
Candidates are to apply directly to Gen2, the closing date for these vacancies is 9am on Friday 4th September 2026.
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
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, Monday 29th June, 2026
Required September 2026
HLTA - Resourced Provision
Permanent position
30 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Term time plus an additional 2 weeks contracted hours (pro rata)
SALARY SCALE PCD8ii starting at £32,061 (equating to £22,833 per annum pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work with individual students and small groups within resourced provision to meet their individual needs and ensure progress within our inclusive mainstream 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:
- 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 29th June 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.
Dowdales School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust Safeguarding processes and procedures that promote a culture of Safeguarding amongst our staff and volunteers. 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 29th June, 2026
Required September 2026
Senior Teaching Assistant
Permanent position
30 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Term time plus an additional 2 weeks contracted hours
SALARY SCALE PCD7 £28,598 (equating to £20,366 per annum pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint a Senior Teaching Assistant to work under the guidance of teaching/senior staff and within an agreed system of supervision, to implement agreed work programmes with individuals/groups, in or out of the classroom. This could include those requiring detailed and specialist knowledge in particular areas and will involve assisting the teacher in the whole planning cycle and the management/preparation of resources. You will plan, deliver and assess learning with small groups of students providing support to help students achieve their very best.
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:
- Relevant NVQ Level 2 or 3 or knowledge in the relevant work area.
- Excellent numeracy/literacy skills.
- Up to date knowledge and understanding of the practices and procedures within education relating to the welfare, safety and education of children.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young, Dowdales School by 9am, Monday 29th June 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.
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, Friday 4th September, 2026
Required September 2026
Teaching Assistants
Permanent positions
30 hours per week
Term time plus an additional 2 weeks contracted hours
SALARY SCALE PCD5 £25,989 (equating to £18,508 per annum pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint Teaching Assistants to support students, teachers, the school and the curriculum to ensure that students achieve their very best. To deliver a range of learning/skills and/or personal/practical support to meet needs and/or well-being for individuals and/or groups.
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:
- Relevant NVQ 2 or equivalent qualification or two years full-time or four years part-time working as a Teaching Assistant.
- GCSE or equivalent numeracy and literacy.
- Experience of communication effectively at all levels.
- Experience of self-evaluating own learning needs and seeking learning opportunities.
- Working knowledge of national and foundation stage curriculum and other relevant learning programmes and strategies.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young, Dowdales School by 9am, Monday 13th July 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.
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, Friday 4th September, 2026
Required September 2026
Cover Supervisor
Permanent position
30 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Term time only.
SALARY SCALE PCD5 £25,989 (equating to £17,583 per annum pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint Cover Supervisors to supervise whole classes in the short-term absence of teachers.
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:
- Relevant NVQ Level 2 or 3 or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience of self-evaluating own learning needs and seeking learning opportunities.
- Experience of prioritising tasks and acting on own initiative.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young, Dowdales School by 9am, Monday 13th July 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.
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 22nd June 2026
School Administrator - Pastoral Support
Maternity Cover until July 2027 or the return of the post holder, whichever is earlier
20 Hours per week, Monday to Friday.
4 hrs per day in the morning with some flexibility around start and finish times.
Term Time Only. Additional hours may be required during school holidays, in accordance with the needs of the school.
SALARY SCALE BS4 £25,949 (equivalent to £11,704 pro rata)
We are seeking to appoint School Administrator – Pastoral Support for Dowdales School to provide support for students in relation to health, welfare and uniform requirements. You will work as part of the wider administration team to support the work of the Senior Leadership Team, Pastoral Team and Senior Administration.
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.
- A First Aid qualification or be willing to undertake a First Aid qualification.
Application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am Monday 22nd June 2026 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, Friday 15th May 2026
Peripatetic Singing Teacher
Required for September 2026
Salary and hours dependent upon qualifications and student numbers
We are seeking to appoint a part-time Peripatetic Singing Teacher to ensure that all students receive their entitlement to private music lessons and to ensure that all students, at all levels, maximise their achievement.
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:
- Ability to plan and organise for lessons to suit individuals.
- Awareness of practices and procedures within education relating to the welfare, safety and education of children. General understanding of national curriculum and other learning programmes and strategies.
- Ability to inspire and develop students’ vocal skills.
- A music qualification.
Completed application forms to be returned to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am on Friday 15th May 2026 by email recruitment@dowdales.school or post.
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
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, Tuesday 9th June, 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) Evenings strongly preferred (3.30pm – 6pm ) but mornings (6am – 08.30am) may be considered. SALARY OP1, £24,413 per annum pro rata plus a top up to the “UK Living Wage” equating to £13.45 per hour.
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 to Mrs A Young at Dowdales School by 9am on Tuesday 9th June 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. Please visit our website www.dowdalesschool.co.uk for further details.
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.