Head of English

A dynamic and forward-thinking secondary school and sixth form in Braintree is seeking to appoint a passionate and dedicated Head of English to lead a vibrant and well-established department from September 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated leader who is committed to fostering a love of literature and language, inspiring both students and staff to achieve their full potential.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the English department, delivering an outstanding curriculum while nurturing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. As Head of English, you will work closely with senior leadership to drive academic success, promote innovative teaching practices, and ensure the continued development of an exceptional department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the English department to ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Develop and implement a cohesive and challenging curriculum for Key Stage 3, 4, and 5.
• Inspire and motivate both students and staff to reach their academic and personal best.
• Monitor and analyse student progress, using data to inform teaching strategies and interventions.
• Lead on the development of schemes of work and ensure consistency in teaching practices across the department.
• Manage department resources effectively, including staffing, budgets, and learning materials.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive department culture focused on professional growth.
• Promote and support extra-curricular activities, such as reading initiatives, drama productions, and literary events.
• Maintain strong communication with parents and guardians, ensuring student progress is regularly communicated.

Key Requirements:

• A degree in English or a related subject, with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience of successful leadership within an English department, ideally in a secondary school or sixth form setting.
• A passion for literature, language, and education, with a commitment to inspiring students to achieve their potential.
• Strong knowledge of the national curriculum and exam specifications, including GCSE and A-Level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• A clear understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies, with experience in using data to drive student progress.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and a desire to contribute to the wider school community.

The school offers a supportive leadership team, a collaborative working environment, and excellent opportunities for professional development. This is an ideal role for an ambitious leader looking to make a real impact in a thriving school community.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For immediate consideration, please apply directly to this advertisement with a copy of your CV, highlighting your relevant work experience and contact details.

Job Details:

Role: Head of English
Phase: Secondary (11-18)
Contract: Fulltime, Permanent
Start: September 2025
Salary: MPS/UPS, Dependent on experience with TLR
Area: Braintree, Essex

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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