At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate English education across diverse learner groups at Hull College.
- Company: Hull College, a dynamic institution focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 42 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to high expectations and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives and drive educational success.
- Qualifications: Degree in English, teaching qualification, and experience in curriculum leadership.
The predicted salary is between 45120 - 45120 € per year.
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Salary: £45,120 per annum
Annual Leave: 42 days per annum (excluding bank holidays and up to 3 additional discretionary days over the Christmas/New Year period)
As our Head of English, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for English provision across all learner groups, including 16‑19 study programmes, apprenticeships, adult provision, GCSE resits, Functional Skills, SEND, 14‑16 provision and vocationally contextualised delivery. You will lead rapid and sustained improvement in learner outcomes, attendance, progress, learner confidence and the overall quality of education in English. The post holder will work collaboratively across all curriculum areas to strengthen literacy, communication and oracy across the College, ensuring English is embedded meaningfully within vocational, technical and academic learning. They will champion a culture of high expectations, literacy excellence, inclusion and professional accountability, ensuring learners develop the communication, literacy and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in education, employment and modern society.
Responsibilities of our Head of English:
- Lead the strategic development and improvement of English across Hull College; ensuring English teaching is engaging, inclusive, challenging and appropriately differentiated to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Actively contribute to wider College improvement priorities and cross‑college curriculum development activity; ensuring effective curriculum planning, standardisation, assessment and internal quality assurance processes.
- Develop and implement an ambitious vision for English that aligns with the College’s strategic priorities and quality improvement agenda; driving sustained improvements in attendance, progress, achievement, high grades and learner destinations across all English provision.
- Work closely with curriculum leaders, SEND teams, safeguarding staff and pastoral services to support learner success; working collaboratively with curriculum leaders to strengthen literacy, reading, writing and communication skills across all curriculum areas.
- Support the development of contextualised English and Literacy within vocational and technical curriculum areas.
- Drive innovation in pedagogy, including the effective use of digital technologies, AI‑supported tools and adaptive learning platforms; supporting the development of modern pedagogical approaches that reflect the future of education and employment.
- Monitor and analyse performance data to identify strengths, risks, trends and areas for intervention; leading rapid and targeted interventions to improve retention, achievement and progress to at least parallel national levels.
- Lead departmental CPD and contribute to wider staff development activity across the College; developing a high‑performing team of English teachers, vocational teachers who deliver applied English, and support staff.
- Lead robust quality assurance activity including lesson visits, learning walks, work scrutiny, standardisation and performance reviews; ensuring compliance with awarding body, funding and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a culture where literacy, communication and language are recognised as essential foundations for life, work and progression; developing a culture of evidence‑informed practice, high expectations and continuous professional improvement.
What we’re looking for in our Head of English:
- Degree in English or related subject.
- Recognised Teaching Qualification.
- Successful experience teaching GCSE and/or Functional Skills English in FE or secondary education.
- Experience of leading or managing curriculum provision.
- Experience of line management.
- Proven track record of improving learner outcomes.
- Experience of leading quality improvement.
- Strong understanding of English pedagogy and curriculum design.
- Experience of supporting staff development and coaching.
- Understanding of FE funding, inspection and accountability frameworks.
- Strong data analysis and intervention planning skills.
- Ability to lead change in a complex organisation.
Desirable:
- Leadership qualification.
- Experience of contextualised or vocational English delivery.
- Experience of digital innovation or AI‑supported teaching approaches.
- Experience across multiple learner groups including adults, apprenticeships or SEND.
Hull College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All colleagues are expected to contribute to the delivery of their safeguarding strategy and values. In addition, these posts require the colleague to undertake an enhanced disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please note that this post is subject to regulated activity.
Head of English employer: Hull College
Hull College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With generous benefits such as 42 days of annual leave and a commitment to continuous professional development, employees are empowered to lead innovative educational practices that enhance learner outcomes across diverse groups. Located in Hull, the college offers a vibrant community atmosphere where educators can thrive and make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
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 employees at Hull College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your foot in the door.
✨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 but also knowledgeable about innovative teaching methods and how they can be applied at Hull College.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our vision for English and how we plan to drive improvements in learner outcomes confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of English. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved learner outcomes or led successful initiatives in English. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for English education shines through. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hull College
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English curriculum and how it integrates with vocational and technical subjects. Be ready to discuss specific strategies for improving learner outcomes and how you would implement them across diverse groups.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experiences, especially in managing teams and driving improvements. Think of examples where you’ve successfully led change or enhanced teaching practices, and be ready to share how you foster a culture of high expectations.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your data analysis skills! Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used performance data to identify trends and implement targeted interventions. Highlight any specific tools or methods you’ve employed to track progress and improve retention.
✨Embrace Innovation in Teaching
With the rise of digital technologies and AI in education, be ready to share your thoughts on innovative teaching approaches. Discuss any experience you have with adaptive learning platforms or how you’ve integrated technology into your lessons to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
