Lead Practitioner - English in Paignton

To model exceptionally high-quality teaching and learning and contribute to whole-school pedagogical excellence. To lead on the development and implementation of high-impact teaching, curriculum and assessment practices within English and across the wider school. To coach, mentor and develop colleagues to improve the quality of teaching and secure strong outcomes for all students. To support the Head of English through delegated leadership responsibilities that contribute to the effective running of the department. To consistently pursue excellence by improving standards and outcomes for all students, with a particular emphasis on achievement and outcomes in English.

1. Exemplary Teaching & Professional Practice

• Teach English across the age and ability range in a manner that inspires, challenges and motivates all students.
• Model outstanding practice through high-quality planning, delivery and assessment, setting clear and ambitious expectations for all learners.
• Keep up to date with subject knowledge, educational research and pedagogy, ensuring practice remains innovative, evidence-informed and aligned with whole-school priorities.
• Ensure curriculum delivery is coherent, engaging, and aligned with national curriculum requirements.
• Provide opportunities of high quality intervention, where necessary and appropriate, for students within the English team, to support outcomes.

2. Teaching & Learning Leadership (Lead Practitioner Responsibilities)

• Act as a highly visible, expert practitioner, supporting the development of teaching quality across the school.
• Provide structured instructional coaching and developmental feedback to colleagues, including modelling, team-teaching and lesson study.
• Lead and design high-quality CPD sessions for English staff and whole-school audiences, ensuring training is research-informed and practical.
• Lead or support teaching & learning projects, contributing to pedagogical research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
• Advise staff on effective teaching strategies for disadvantaged students, SEND learners and those with additional needs.
• Support colleagues with the effective use of assessment for learning, modelling best practice in feedback and responsive teaching.

3. Curriculum, Assessment & Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with the Head of English to refine and enhance the structure, sequencing and delivery of the English curriculum.
• Support the development of high-quality curriculum resources, including exemplar materials, assessments and knowledge organisers.
• Lead or support departmental quality assurance through lesson visits, book looks, planning reviews and analysis of student work.
• Monitor and analyse assessment outcomes for allocated groups or year teams, ensuring data informs teaching and curriculum adjustments.
• Advise on and support moderation and standardisation processes across the department.

4. Departmental Leadership (Delegated by Head of English)

• Provide leadership for delegated year groups, units, or curriculum strands (e.g., KS3 writing, GCSE Literature, reading strategy).
• Act as the primary point of contact for parents and carers for those delegated groups.
• Support the coordination and delivery of department-wide initiatives such as reading programmes, revision strategies, intervention plans or enrichment opportunities.
• Deputise for the Head of English during absence or when required, including supporting departmental meetings, strategic planning and communication.

5. Coaching, Mentoring & Staff Development

• Mentor trainee teachers, early career teachers and colleagues new to the school, ensuring their development is well supported.
• Deliver bespoke professional development activities, including coaching cycles, drop-in clinics, collaborative planning and micro-CPD.
• Support colleagues in understanding school, local and national data to inform teaching decisions and planning.
• Promote collaborative working by modelling strong teamwork and supporting others in cultivating positive professional relationships.

6. Wider School Contribution

• Work as part of the whole-school Teaching & Learning team to support strategic improvement priorities.
• Contribute to the development of whole-school policies and ensure they are effectively implemented within English.
• Contribute to and support the consistent implementation of a rigorous and impactful literacy policy.
• Support outreach work or collaboration with other schools in the Trust where appropriate.
• Promote high expectations for behaviour, routines and culture, modelling the school’s values in all interactions.

7. Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and uphold all aspects of the Teachers’ Standards.
• Participate fully in appraisal, quality assurance and CPD programmes.
• Engage positively with parents, carers and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, including tutor responsibilities, student events, clubs and enrichment.
• Undertake break/lunch/after-school duties as required and ensure the safety and welfare of students at all times.
• Carry out other duties as reasonably requested by the Headteacher.