Head of English (Kings Lynn) in King's Lynn

Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Point 11 (£66,368 per annum)

Start Date: September 2026

King Edward VII Academy is seeking an inspiring, innovative and dedicated Head of English; a leader who shares our belief that all pupils have the right to succeed and have access to the very best education. The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You should come with an existing track record of effectiveness but be keen to develop further as a member of the wider leadership team. This key role will give you the opportunity to work with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum development and play an important part in creating a department that aims to set the standard nationally.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To be a role model to the department.
• To lead on the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop student expertise in the subject.
• To lead the key subject areas in understanding and developing high quality and innovative provision within a world-class curriculum and excellent teaching.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.

The ideal candidate will have

Essential:

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).
• Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.

Desirable:

• Other relevant qualifications in the sector (e.g. NPQML, MEd, etc.).
• Existing curriculum or pastoral leadership experience (e.g. second in department).
• Teaching post-16 courses and supporting pupils with university admissions and careers.

We offer

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions.
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology).
• Free parking at most sites.
• Personalised CPD and development programmes.
• A structured and specific induction programme.

About Us

King Edward VII Academy is a large, diverse, and comprehensive 11-18 school with a rich and prestigious history. Thousands of students have walked the halls of this magnificent building, all in pursuit of the excellence that the academy continues to strive for today.

In October 2024, Ofsted rated King Edward VII Academy and Sixth Form as Good overall, recognising the rapid positive changes across the school. Inspectors highlighted the academy’s ambition and high standards: "The school expects high standards of pupils’ work and behaviour. It reminds pupils that every minute counts in meeting these standards. Pupils are rising to this challenge. They know that they attend an inclusive school that has improved rapidly. In the past, academic outcomes have been low. Now, however, the sense of ambition is abundantly clear. Lessons are engaging and focused. Pupils learn well."

The report also praised the school’s curriculum and teaching: "The school’s curriculum is ambitious and ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access learning alongside their peers. The curriculum sets out what pupils will learn and the order in which it is taught. High-quality training and support from the Trust have led to precise teaching. Teachers use their strong subject knowledge to present new concepts clearly. Staff are invested in the school and the community. They feel well supported by leaders who manage their workload with sensitivity. They want the very best for pupils and are proud to work at the school."

King Edward VII Academy is calm, orderly, and purposeful. Its culture is built around high expectations and consistent structures and routines, enabling teachers to focus on their subjects with expertise and passion.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.

The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools.

Closing date and interview

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Friday 27th February 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 9th March 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.