At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead English and Literacy development for students with dyslexia, delivering engaging lessons.
- Company: Welcoming specialist school near Rye with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Full-time role in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with emphasis on wellbeing and personalised learning.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on students' confidence and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in teaching English, especially to students with learning difficulties.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
If you're an inspiring English specialist with a passion for literacy development, inclusive teaching, and leading others to deliver exceptional practice, this role could be an exciting next step. A welcoming specialist school near Rye is seeking a committed Head of English to lead the development of English and Literacy from Year 7 to Sixth Form, ensuring high-quality, tailored teaching for students with dyslexia and co-occurring learning needs.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced teacher and middle leader who thrives in a nurturing, collaborative environment and wants to make a genuine impact on young people's confidence, communication skills, and long-term success.
About the School
This school is well known for its inclusive values, strong sense of community, and specialist support for learners with dyslexia. Staff work collaboratively, leadership is supportive and approachable, and the school places great emphasis on wellbeing, personalised learning, and building positive relationships with students and families. You'll be joining a team that celebrates progress in all its forms and believes in empowering every learner through high-quality teaching and consistent, evidence-informed literacy practice.
If you're motivated by meaningful progress and enjoy leading others through creativity, clarity, and compassion, this role will feel like a natural fit.
Your New Role
As an English and Literacy Teacher, you will deliver high-quality, differentiated English teaching across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 (with potential involvement in Sixth Form as required). Your focus will be on supporting students with dyslexia through specialist, evidence-based teaching strategies. You will plan and deliver engaging, structured lessons that develop core literacy skills, including phonics, reading, spelling and written expression. Using multisensory approaches and assistive technologies, you will ensure lessons are accessible, appropriately challenging and tailored to individual learning needs. You will assess and monitor student progress closely, using data to inform planning and ensure effective progression. The role also involves delivering targeted interventions, supporting small groups or individuals, and maintaining accurate records including Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Working collaboratively with colleagues, including learning support staff and teaching assistants, you will help deliver a consistent and effective approach to literacy development across the school. You will also contribute to whole-school literacy strategies and ongoing curriculum development. In addition, you will play a full part in the pastoral life of the school as a Form Tutor, contribute to PSHE, and support the wider boarding and co-curricular environment.
What You'll Need to Succeed
- Qualified Teacher Status and a degree in English (or significant relevant experience)
- Experience teaching English in a school setting
- Strong understanding of literacy development, including phonics, reading and spelling
- Experience supporting students with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties
- Ability to adapt teaching and resources to meet a range of learning needs
- Knowledge of evidence-based literacy interventions and multisensory teaching approaches
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to assess progress effectively and tailor teaching accordingly
- Commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing
- A positive, flexible approach and willingness to contribute to wider school life
What You Need to Do Now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to send your most recent CV, or contact us directly for more information. If this job isn't quite right for you but you're exploring new opportunities, please get in touch for a confidential conversation about your next career move.
Head of English and Literacy in Rye employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
This welcoming specialist school near Rye is an excellent employer, renowned for its inclusive values and strong community spirit. With a focus on staff wellbeing and professional development, the school fosters a collaborative work culture where educators are empowered to make a meaningful impact on students' literacy and confidence. Joining this team means being part of a nurturing environment that celebrates progress and prioritises tailored teaching strategies for learners with dyslexia and other learning needs.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English and Literacy in Rye
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for English and literacy shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives, especially those with dyslexia or learning difficulties.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss not just your teaching methods but also how you’d handle challenges in the classroom. Think about scenarios where you’ve had to adapt your approach and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English and Literacy in Rye
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience with literacy development and supporting students with dyslexia, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about English and literacy. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in inclusive teaching environments.
Showcase Your Teaching Strategies:In your application, mention any evidence-based teaching strategies or multisensory approaches you’ve used. We want to see how you adapt your lessons to meet diverse learning needs!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of literacy development, especially around dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Be ready to discuss evidence-based strategies and how you've implemented them in your teaching.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about inspiring students and leading a team. Share your enthusiasm for English and literacy, and give examples of how you've motivated students in the past. Let your passion shine through!
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the school values teamwork, be prepared to talk about how you've worked with colleagues in the past. Highlight any collaborative projects or initiatives you've led or been part of that improved literacy outcomes.
✨Tailored Teaching Approach
Discuss how you adapt your teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs. Bring examples of how you've differentiated lessons or used multisensory approaches to engage students with varying abilities.
