At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department and enhance educational standards for students.
- Company: Sandwell Academy, a top-performing school focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance pay, professional development, and access to a fitness centre.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching English and a passion for student development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Sandwell Academy is seeking an Assistant Director of English to join our team from September 2026.
Do you want to develop your leadership skills in a significant role that drives forward standards in one of the key departments of the School?
Do you want to work in a school that puts its children at the heart of everything it does, making a difference to their lives every day?
Do you want to work in a forward-thinking school with a progressive outlook on research-based practice?
Do you want to work in a dynamic school that provides exceptional professional development opportunities for all staff?
Do you want to work in an ambitious school that nurtures excellent talent, and is part of a trust with many opportunities for progression?
Sandwell Academy is one of the top performing schools in the region. Every year over a thousand students apply to join the Academy in Year 7, while year on year our sixth form is heavily oversubscribed. We place a real emphasis on developing the whole child, with outstanding enrichment and extracurricular opportunities providing a broad experience for our students.
We are an Academy where the culture of celebrating success in all its forms is at the heart of what we do. Giving the best possible education to our students is our core purpose, and developing our highly talented staff is the way that we do this. At Sandwell Academy we value colleagues at every stage of their career. If you are entering the profession, we offer a bespoke ECT programme that puts your needs first; to more experienced staff we provide the conditions for you to flourish and to take charge of your own professional development.
Salary & Benefits:
- Salaries are competitive.
- Successful candidates are eligible for performance related pay linked to Academy policy in addition to their salary.
- Staff enjoy working in state of the art facilities, with a calm positive and respectful environment.
- Staff are given an 80% teaching commitment, allowing them time to develop excellent lessons.
- Up to 10 days per year are allocated for professional development.
- A modern fitness centre is available for staff use free of charge.
For more information, and to request an application pack, please contact Paul Hunt at Hays Education.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 18th May 2026.
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful candidates will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check and two employment references.
Assistant Director of English employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Sandwell Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its staff and students alike, fostering a culture of success and innovation. With competitive salaries, generous professional development opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities, employees are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment. The Academy's commitment to nurturing talent and providing a balanced teaching commitment ensures that educators can focus on delivering outstanding education while advancing their careers.
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sandwell Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in English education. We want to show that we’re not just passionate about teaching but also up-to-date with innovative practices that can drive standards forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Think about how you can contribute to developing the department and enhancing student experiences. We need to demonstrate our vision and how it aligns with Sandwell Academy’s goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of your progress and any updates directly from there.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your skills align with the requirements. Highlight key phrases and responsibilities that resonate with your experience.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications to reflect how they fit into our school culture and values. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to student development.
Showcase Your Passion for Education:Let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in students' lives. Share your vision for the English department and how you plan to inspire both students and staff.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and research in English education. Brush up on curriculum changes, teaching methodologies, and any relevant policies that could impact your role. This shows you’re not just passionate about English but also committed to driving standards forward.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired others or implemented new strategies that improved student outcomes. This is a leadership role, so demonstrating your ability to motivate and develop staff will be key.
✨Align with Their Values
Sandwell Academy places a strong emphasis on developing the whole child and celebrating success. Be ready to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their mission. Share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to a positive school culture or enriched students' experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their professional development opportunities or how they measure success in the English department. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
