School Staff Instructor (SSI) - CCF RAF Section

Want to make a difference to young people? 

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students. 

As a mixed comprehensive Academy with a dynamic Sixth Form, Q3 Academy Great Barr serves a vibrant and culturally diverse community of nearly 1,200 students.

Our fantastic buildings are surrounded by open, picturesque fields and woodlands, and the Academy offers a stimulating setting for teaching and learning. Our facilities are designed to inspire, with state-of-the-art classrooms and resources that support a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum. This curriculum is carefully crafted to challenge students, develop critical thinkers, and prepare them for successful futures.

Professional growth is embedded in our culture, and Q3 Academy Great Barr presents unparalleled opportunities for students and staff. If you are an individual passionate about shaping the future generation, you will be joining a community where education is valued, diversity is celebrated, and personal development is prioritised. This is a place where your talents will be valued, and your career can flourish.

We are proud to be part of The Mercian Trust, which provides us with access to wider resources, professional development, and a network of educators focused on pioneering teaching and learning methods, including digital transformation. Join us for an opportunity to be at the forefront of a transformative educational approach that champions collaboration, innovation, and excellence in teaching and learning.

Please visit our website to find out more about Q3 Academy Great Barr.

Job title: School Staff Instructor (SSI) - CCF RAF Section

One day per week (Wednesdays or alternative day by negotiation) - Term Time Only, plus up to an additional 51 days of MOD Volunteer Allowance each year

Are you passionate about inspiring young people, creating life-changing experiences, and developing leadership skills? Q3 Academy Great Barr is seeking an enthusiastic and committed School Staff Instructor (SSI) to join and lead our Combined Cadet Force RAF section.

Our small yet ambitious CCF RAF section is looking to expand, providing exceptional opportunities and experiences for our cadets. As our SSI, you'll play a vital role in supporting the Contingent Commander to grow the unit, deliver outstanding cadet experiences, and take responsibility for logistics and administrative support. Additionally, you will take a lead on the administration and organisation of our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing logistics, administration, and operational planning of the CCF RAF section
• Supporting the Contingent Commander in delivering exciting and engaging cadet activities
• Leading and managing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme
• Leading activities including range days, exercises, and expeditions (once trained and qualified)

Ideal candidate:

• Military or cadet experience is beneficial but not essential
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and qualifications
• Passionate about developing young people and committed to providing memorable experiences

This role is integral to our Trust’s commitment to increasing opportunities and improving outcomes for all students. If you share our vision, we'd love to hear from you.

Why should you work with us?

• Join an incredible team of friendly and supportive staff.
• Work with our amazing students in a positive learning environment supported by a centralised behaviour system.
• Manageable marking.
• Supportive feedback culture with no high-stakes observations.
• Rich culture of professional learning, with a high-quality CPD programme.
• Fully resourced curriculum.
• Three-week Christmas break.
• A visible and supportive SLT.
• Modern laptops for staff and visualisers in every classroom.
• Connect and unwind with regular social activities
• Access to UK Healthcare benefits, supporting your optical and dental care needs and including a free annual flu vaccination.
• Free car parking on site.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits through the Vivup Employee Assistance Programme.

For further benefits, including education sector leading CPD: The Mercian Trust - What we can offer you

Our CARE Values

At the heart of our Academy lies a clear and compelling mission: to be the most inclusive, best-performing school in our local area. This ambition is not just a statement—it is a daily commitment that shapes our culture, our curriculum, and our relationships.

We live this mission through our core values of CARE:

Why The Mercian Trust?

As one Trust we share a common purpose.  We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education.  When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community. Our recent achievements include:

Sustainable Growth - becoming one of the largest and most diverse trusts in the region

Social Mobility & Social Justice - National recognition for the Trust’s two selective grammar schools who the most successful on the number of local disadvantaged students passing the entrance and joining the schools

Increasing Opportunities - Opening brand-new purpose-built campus in Walsall Town Centre including an alternative provision for students at risk at permanent exclusion from mainstream schools alongside a Digital Skills Hub to provide professionals and employers

Pioneering Spirit - National recognition for pioneering work around youth mental health,

including establishing an in-house multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and allied health professionals delivering interventions and providing support to vulnerable students

Outward Looking - Organising and hosting the region’s first Youth Suicide Conference (2023) and Youth Violence Conference (2024) at Villa Park

Innovation and Improvement - A multi-million-pound investment in the digital infrastructure of Trust schools and our Digital Skills Hub underpinning the ongoing transformation of how staff teach, students learn, leaders lead and the whole Trust operates in readiness for the AI-supercharged careers and workplaces of the future.

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more:  The Mercian Trust - Home

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

Please take time to read our policies attached to this advert.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Previous applicants need not apply.