Vacancies

Our Vision - Why join us?

“The school has cultivated a sense of fun and belonging alongside raising standards.” — Ofsted, March 2025

Richard Rose Central Academy is an ambitious, inclusive and rapidly improving 11–18 school situated in the heart of Carlisle, on the doorstep of the Lake District and Scottish Borders. As part of United Learning, one of the country's leading education groups, we are committed to bringing out ‘The Best in Everyone’ and providing an exceptional education for every young person in our community.

Our vision is simple but ambitious: “To enable the young people of our community to shine on the world stage of their choosing.” We believe that every child, regardless of background or starting point, deserves the very best education, the highest expectations and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary things.

Over recent years, Central Academy has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a school facing significant challenges, we have established a culture built upon high expectations, excellent behaviour, strong teaching and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Our progress was recognised by Ofsted in March 2025, when the Academy was judged Good in all five inspected areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, personal development and Sixth Form provision.

Our academic outcomes continue to strengthen, with improving GCSE results and an exceptionally successful Sixth Form. In 2026, 54% of A-level entries achieved grades A*–B, with students progressing to prestigious universities, apprenticeships and exciting career pathways. Increasing demand for places reflects the confidence that families have in the education, opportunities and experiences we provide.

However, we are not content to stand still. Our ambition is to become an excellent school in every sense, where outstanding academic outcomes sit alongside exceptional personal development, strong character and a genuine sense of belonging. Our three character virtues of Respect, Ambition and Resilience underpin everything we do and shape the culture experienced by students and staff every day.

Central Academy is a school where staff can thrive. We recognise that excellent schools are built by excellent people, and we are committed to providing colleagues with the professional development, support, resources and leadership they need to succeed. Clear expectations, established routines and a shared approach to teaching and learning create an environment where teachers can focus on what matters most: delivering excellent lessons and making a difference to young people's lives.

As part of United Learning, colleagues benefit from the expertise, collaboration and professional opportunities of a national network of schools, whilst being part of a close-knit Academy community that values teamwork, innovation and professional growth.

This is an exciting time to join Central Academy. We have established strong foundations, achieved significant improvements and developed a culture in which students and staff are proud to belong. Yet our greatest achievements are still ahead of us.

We are looking for ambitious, talented and committed individuals who share our belief that every young person deserves an excellent education and who want to play a meaningful part in the next chapter of our journey.

If you share our ambition, believe in the power of education and want to be part of a team determined to achieve excellence, we would be delighted to welcome you to Central Academy.

Benefits

Core Benefits

• A contributory pension scheme, relevant to your role (including access to Teacher and Local Government Schemes);
• Occupational sick pay;
• Independent school fee reduction scheme for your children;
• Tailored Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through the United Learning Institute.

Working at Central Academy

• An Academy making rapid, sustained improvement;
• Excellent facilities and resources;
• Access to professional development programme;
• A chance to become part of one of the largest groups of Academies in the country;
• Caring, dedicated and friendly students who want to learn and fulfil their potential;
• Colleagues who are supportive, friendly and who are committed to each other’s professional development;
• Opportunities to be creative and to inspire your students.

Flexible Benefits

• Childcare vouchers;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Dining card;
• Gym membership;
• Health screening;
• Retail savings.

United Learning

By joining Central Academy you will also become part of United Learning - a unique group of independent and state schools working together to bring out the ‘best in everyone’. Our vision is to provide excellent education, which prepares all young people to progress in their learning and to make a success of their lives.

United Learning focuses sharply on the evidence of what makes it more likely that young people will progress and succeed, applying that to classroom practice and allowing schools to continue to learn and develop. It is a priority to provide teachers with excellent professional support and development, so that every child receives an excellent experience. The approach is underpinned by a sense of moral purpose and commitment to doing what is right for children and young people, supporting colleagues to achieve excellence and acting with integrity in all our dealings within and beyond the organisation, in the interests of young people everywhere.

The development programmes offer access to tailor-made training no matter your career stage, alongside unrivalled opportunities for your career development across both the maintained and independent sectors. Our Performance and Development Reviews (PDR) encompass personal aspiration, impact on pupil achievement and identification of continuous professional development and training that is right for you and your future. For more information please visit our dedicated careers site.