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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic English department and inspire students to excel in their studies.
- Company: Join a supportive secondary school committed to educational excellence and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while fostering creativity and high expectations.
- Qualifications: Must have QTS, experience teaching English, and previous leadership roles.
- Other info: Strong safeguarding knowledge is essential; background checks required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and passionate English teacher ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have the vision, leadership skills, and subject expertise to lead a high-performing department? We are seeking an ambitious and dedicated Head of English to join our secondary school and drive excellence in teaching and learning.
Location: Braintree
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2025
Salary: £40,000 – £60,000 yearly (depending on experience)
About the Role:
As Head of English, you will lead a committed team of teachers in delivering an engaging and ambitious English curriculum across all key stages. You will be responsible for raising attainment, developing innovative teaching practices, and ensuring every student achieves their full potential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and develop the English department
- Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, and delivery
- Support and mentor colleagues to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
- Use data effectively to monitor progress and raise achievement
- Foster a culture of high expectations, creativity, and collaboration
- Contribute to whole-school improvement and strategic planning
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a strong academic background in English
- Proven experience teaching English at KS3, KS4 (and ideally KS5)
- Previous leadership or departmental responsibility (e.g. 2i/c, Lead Practitioner)
- A clear vision for English education and the ability to inspire others
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
- A commitment to student progress and inclusive teaching practices
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay rates
- Support for your professional development
- A supportive and collaborative work environment
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and advancement
- An opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young lives.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS on the update service.
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply now' to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch within 24 hours. We look forward to hearing from you.
Head of English Department employer: GSL Education - Chelmsford
Contact Detail:
GSL Education - Chelmsford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English Department
✨Tip Number 1
Research the school and its current English department. Understanding their curriculum, teaching methods, and recent achievements will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading their team.
✨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 discussing how you would fit into the existing team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the English department. Think about innovative teaching practices and strategies for raising attainment that align with the school's goals, as this will showcase your leadership potential.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to highlight your experience in mentoring and supporting colleagues. Providing examples of how you've fostered collaboration and high expectations in previous roles will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in teaching English, leadership roles, and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a department. Use specific examples that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for English education and your vision for leading the department. Address how you plan to raise attainment and foster a culture of high expectations, creativity, and collaboration among staff and students.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise any previous leadership or departmental responsibilities you've held. Discuss how these experiences have prepared you for the role of Head of English and how you can support and mentor colleagues effectively.
Showcase Your Commitment to Student Progress: Include examples of how you've previously contributed to student success and inclusive teaching practices. This will demonstrate your commitment to ensuring every student achieves their full potential, which is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at GSL Education - Chelmsford
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of English, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or project in the past, focusing on your approach to mentoring and supporting colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for English Education
Be ready to articulate your vision for the English curriculum. Discuss innovative teaching practices you would implement and how you plan to raise attainment across all key stages.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since using data effectively is crucial for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to monitor student progress and improve teaching outcomes in your previous positions.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Student Progress
Highlight your dedication to inclusive teaching practices and student achievement. Share specific instances where you've made a positive impact on students' learning experiences.
