Head of English

Head of English

Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students from Reception to Year 8.
  • Company: Join a highly regarded prep school in beautiful Hertfordshire.
  • Benefits: Enjoy small class sizes, a supportive community, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of English teaching in a nurturing environment that values creativity and critical thinking.
  • Qualifications: Previous teaching experience and strong subject knowledge are essential.
  • Other info: Get involved in a vibrant extra-curricular programme and make a real impact.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Head of English

Permanent | Inner London Pay Scale + TLR

Start Date: September 2026

Location: Tower Hamlets

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and inspiring Head of English to join a high-performing secondary school in Tower Hamlets from September 2026.

This is a permanent role within an Ofsted Outstanding school, supported by a strong, visible and highly supportive Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated English department and play a key role in driving continued excellence in teaching and learning.

The Role

As Head of English, you will:

Lead, manage and develop a successful English department

Drive high standards of teaching, learning and achievement across KS3 and KS4 (KS5 where applicable)

Design and deliver an ambitious, inclusive and engaging English curriculum

Support, coach and develop staff within the department

Use data effectively to inform planning and raise attainment

Contribute to whole-school improvement and leadership

The School Offers

Ofsted Outstanding judgement

Supportive and collaborative SLT

A positive, inclusive and ambitious school culture

Well-behaved, motivated students who value learning

Excellent CPD and clear opportunities for career progression

Inner London salary and TLR

Well-resourced department with a strong team ethos

The Ideal Candidate

You will:

Be an experienced English teacher with a strong track record of results

Have leadership experience or be ready to take the next step into middle leadership

Be passionate about English and committed to delivering outstanding outcomes

Have high expectations for all students and staff

Be reflective, organised and committed to professional development

How to Apply

If you are an enthusiastic and driven English specialist looking to lead a department within a thriving Inner London school, I would love to hear from you.

Applications are welcomed from experienced Heads of Department or ambitious teachers ready for promotion.

To apply please send your CV to James at Academics or call 0203 031 4860

Head of English employer: Academics Ltd.

Join a prestigious prep school in Dacorum, Hertfordshire, where you will be part of a supportive community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. With small class sizes and a vibrant extra-curricular programme, this role as Head of English offers the opportunity to inspire young minds while developing your leadership skills in a nurturing environment that values creativity and critical thinking.
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Contact Detail:

Academics Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of English

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values. Understanding what makes this prep school unique will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their community.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview and demonstrating your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss innovative teaching strategies and how you would implement them in the English curriculum. Highlighting your creativity and adaptability will show that you can lead a dynamic department effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to share examples of how you've previously inspired students and fostered a love for literature. Concrete examples will help illustrate your passion and effectiveness as an educator, making you a more compelling candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of English

Strong Subject Knowledge in English
Leadership Skills
Curriculum Development
Classroom Management
Engaging Lesson Delivery
Creativity in Teaching
Critical Thinking Facilitation
Collaboration with Colleagues
Organisational Skills
Commitment to Professional Development
Reflective Practice
Ability to Inspire Students
Experience with Common Entrance and Scholarship Preparation
Passion for Literature and Language
Contribution to Extra-Curricular Activities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the expectations and responsibilities of the Head of English position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their requirements.

Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your teaching experience, leadership roles, and any relevant achievements in English education. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for English and teaching. Highlight specific examples of how you've inspired students and contributed to curriculum development. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for joining their school community.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Academics Ltd.

✨Show Your Passion for English

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the subject during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to foster a love for literature and language in your future role.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience or potential. Highlight any previous roles where you've led a team or developed a curriculum, and be ready to share your vision for leading the English department effectively.

✨Engage with the Curriculum

Familiarise yourself with the current English curriculum and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas for its development. Show that you can deliver engaging lessons and prepare students for Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations.

✨Emphasise Collaboration

Talk about your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues. Provide examples of how you've contributed to a team environment in the past and how you plan to maintain high standards of teaching and learning across the department.

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