Head of Department (English) (Norwich)

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

Start Date: August 2026

Jane Austen College is seeking to appoint an outstanding Head of Department for English. We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence outcomes and someone who has had a clear impact at a subject level. The successful candidate will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure they succeed. In this role, you will be able to engage with our raising achievement strategy to ensure English outcomes at the school are significantly better than national benchmarks.

Responsibilities

• To have a clear vision for English teaching across the school.
• To be a role model to the department and beyond.
• Align classroom practices with the school’s improvement plan and national standards.
• Lead initiatives that promote innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies.
• To lead on the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop pupil mastery in the subject.
• Curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress.
• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to quality assure the subject area.
• Design and deliver CPD within department meetings.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy’s ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision sessions which will include Saturdays and school holidays.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL pupils, and maintain high standards of pupil work.

Essential qualifications

• An appropriate degree
• Qualified Teacher Status
• 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 ambitious standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.
• Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.

Desirable qualifications

• Other relevant qualifications in the sector (e.g. NPQLT, MEd, etc.).
• Existing curriculum or pastoral leadership experience (e.g. second in department).
• Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.
• Experience mentoring and coaching trainee and early-career teachers.

Benefits

• 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.

Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. 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. We are an equal opportunities employer.