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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic English department, inspiring students across Key Stage 3, GCSE, and A Level.
- Company: Benenden School, a prestigious institution at the forefront of girls' education in the UK.
- Benefits: Generous pay structure, responsibility allowances, meals for staff, and access to leisure facilities.
- Other info: Enjoy strong links with the library and opportunities for exciting educational trips.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team that promotes a love of English and embraces innovative teaching methods.
- Qualifications: Experienced English specialist with leadership skills and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head of English to lead our successful, supportive and innovative team, providing inspiring education across Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level. The English department is one of the largest departments within the school, accommodated in a dedicated classroom suite and English office.
The Head of Department is supported by a Second in Department who has specific responsibilities for curriculum design and subject management at Key Stage 3 and who leads one in every three department meetings. All staff are experienced English specialists who actively promote a love of English. The department is a popular option for A level, offering both English Literature and Language A Levels.
The English Department is a collaborative, energetic and highly motivated team who work together to get the best possible outcomes for all the students across the school. We meet weekly, taking it in turns to focus on a specific key stage for our discussions and we always have improving pedagogy at the heart of these meetings.
We have a collaborative approach to all of our teaching, and we use electronic resource banks to share resources and best practice with each other. We enjoy strong links with the library and the librarian team, who support poetry and creative writing activities.
We support our teaching, wherever possible, with trips such as taking students to The Globe to see Shakespeare performances or taking GCSE or A level students to poetry conferences. We are very forward looking in terms of embracing technology, such as using OneNote and Teams to share resources with each other and the students electronically, while balancing this with some traditional pen-and-paper approaches to prepare students for examinations.
Benenden is one of the leading boarding and day schools in Britain, founded in 1923 and situated in 250 acres of attractive parkland in Kent. There are 500 students in the school, aged 11-18. Benenden is at the forefront of girls’ education in the UK, with innovations including the Benenden Diploma, a new centenary curriculum with “elective” courses, and the Professional Skills Programme, preparing the Sixth Form for the future world of work.
Meals are provided for staff on duty. The school’s leisure facilities, including a fitness gym and swimming pool, are available for staff to use when possible. Benenden offers its own generous pay structure, responsibility allowances and benefits.
Closing Date: 9:00am Monday 11 May 2026. Please note that applications will be considered on submission, and we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees. The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact. They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times; this appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Head of English employer: Benenden School
Contact Detail:
Benenden School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Benenden, especially those in the English department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just help us stand out when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off our passion for English! Prepare to discuss our favourite teaching methods or innovative ideas we’ve used in the classroom. This will demonstrate that we’re not just about the curriculum but also about inspiring students.
✨Tip Number 3
Get familiar with the school’s ethos and recent initiatives. Knowing about the Benenden Diploma or the Professional Skills Programme can help us align our vision with theirs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for English shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and what innovative teaching methods you’ve used. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the subject.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of our English department. Highlight your experience with Key Stage 3, GCSE, and A Level, and mention any collaborative projects or technology you’ve embraced in your teaching. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Benenden School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Head of English, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the curriculum across Key Stage 3, GCSE, and A Level. Brush up on the latest educational trends and be ready to discuss how you would enhance the existing curriculum and support your team in delivering inspiring lessons.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you foster collaboration within a team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved pedagogy, as this will resonate well with the interviewers who value a supportive and innovative environment.
✨Engage with Technology
Since the school embraces technology, be ready to discuss how you've integrated digital tools like OneNote and Teams into your teaching. Share any experiences where technology has enhanced student engagement or improved learning outcomes, as this aligns with their forward-looking ethos.
✨Connect with the School's Values
Research Benenden School's mission and values, especially their commitment to girls' education and innovative programmes. Be prepared to articulate how your vision for the English department aligns with these values and how you can contribute to the school's overall goals.