Head of English, Wellesley Prep School in Hampshire

Wellesley Prep School is a warm, nurturing and ambitious school where English plays a central role in our curriculum. We are excited to welcome a new Head of English to lead our thriving department. We are seeking an ambitious and inspiring individual to deliver high-quality and stimulating teaching of English, while providing dynamic leadership across the department. The successful applicant will possess a strong academic background, at the heart of which is outstanding subject knowledge. Underpinned by a passionate and creative approach, the candidate will inspire a love of literature and language, and deliver excellence in all aspects of their work.

THE ROLE

• Line Manager: Director of Studies
• Hours of Work: Full Time
• Salary: Dependent on experience and qualifications, commensurate with industry standards

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Curriculum
  • The promotion of excellence in all respects.
  • The teaching of English from Year 3 to Year 8, preparing pupils for the Common Entrance equivalent examination at 13+ to a variety of leading independent senior schools nationally.
  • An awareness of how the English curriculum informs the path to CE and scholarship examinations for pupils.
  • The effective assessment, recording and reporting on the progress of pupils, incorporating effective written and verbal communication with parents.
  • Close liaison with the Head of Learning Support in order to best serve the needs of individual pupils.
  • The promotion of effective use of ICT across the curriculum.
• Areas of Management Responsibility
  • To lead and manage the delivery of excellence across the English department, ensuring effective liaison with the Head of Pre-Prep and all English teaching staff.
  • To work closely with a wide variety of colleagues – e.g. the Director of Studies, Head of Learning Support and Form Tutors – to ensure the needs of all children are met.
  • To develop and maintain comprehensive departmental Schemes of Work and Curriculum Policies alongside a detailed and accurate resources inventory.
  • To maintain careful and effective departmental records of pupil progress to ensure highly effective communication with both colleagues and parents.
  • To chair departmental meetings, inspire subject initiatives and plan appropriate individual and departmental INSET.
  • The preparation and effective operation of the departmental annual budget, liaising closely with all key stakeholders as required.
  • Attendance at Head of Department meetings and the carrying out of professional duties as a Head of Department as required by the Headmaster.
  • The leadership and planning of relevant trips, visiting speakers and literary events.
  • Ensuring members of the department comply with marking, tracking and homework policies.
  • Arranging and overseeing peer observation within the department.
• General
  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils.
  • Taking a full part in the life of the School community.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• A passion, energy and enthusiasm for working with children, coupled with an ability to inspire a love of English.
• Strong and relevant academic qualifications with outstanding subject knowledge in English language and literature.
• Excellent classroom practice.
• An up-to-date understanding of English curriculum developments.
• Experience of, or a clear understanding of, the requirements of public school admissions arrangements, including pretests and scholarships.
• First-class communication and organisational skills, coupled with the ability to use technology effectively in enhancing learning.
• Strong interpersonal skills that promote confidence in dealing with colleagues, pupils and parents.
• An effective team member, able to work flexibly and contribute positively to life in a busy and thriving school.
• An ability and willingness to undertake a full and fair part in staff duties and responsibilities.
• A positive approach to learning in role and identifying personal training needs as appropriate.
• A full and active commitment to the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people.
• A strong commitment to pastoral care.
• Further interests and skills that allow for a strong contribution to other co-curricular aspects of life in the School.
• A robust and resilient nature, coupled with a capability to work under pressure and with a sense of humour.

Qualifications

• Teaching qualification and experience in English teaching.
• Proven track record of excellent teaching and leadership (or emerging leadership potential).
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong ICT skills.

WORKING AT WELLESLEY

• Immediately responsible to: Director of Studies
• Hours of work: 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday
• Full-time
• Commencement Date: 1st September 2026
• School Term time only (to include working days prior to the return and after the departure of pupils as may be necessary for the proper performance of your duties).
• Notice Period: One school term.
• Salary: Depending on experience.
• Pension: Auto-enrolment into the School Pension Scheme.
• School lunch provided.
• On-site parking.
• Discounts across the Wellington Estates’ businesses, including Wellington Farm Shop, Wellington Country Park, Wellington Riding, The Barns at Wellington and The Iron Duke.

Job Information

• Job Category: Education
• Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
• Job Business: Wellesley Prep School
• Job Location: Wellesley Prep School, Stratfield Turgis, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 0AR