At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic English department and inspire students through innovative teaching.
- Company: A vibrant secondary school in London committed to academic excellence.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership, professional development, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a profound impact on student achievement and foster a love for literature.
- Qualifications: Outstanding English teaching experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse community that values creativity and critical thinking.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: February (or earliest availability)
Are you an ambitious and visionary English specialist ready to lead a high-performing department in one of London's most dynamic secondary schools? This wonderful school is seeking an exceptional Head of English to shape the strategic direction of the faculty, drive outstanding outcomes, and inspire a culture where literature, language, and critical thinking flourish. The school is proud of its diverse community, its strong behaviour culture, and its commitment to delivering an academically rigorous curriculum that encourages curiosity, independence, and high aspiration.
With English at the heart of the school's academic identity, this role offers a rare opportunity for an experienced leader or an outstanding practitioner seeking progression to make a profound impact on student experience and achievement. As Head of English, you will lead a large, enthusiastic team of teachers dedicated to ensuring every learner is challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed. You will have the autonomy to develop a knowledge-rich curriculum, craft forward-thinking pedagogical approaches, and cultivate a departmental culture built on collaboration, ambition, and creativity.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the English department, ensuring consistently high-quality teaching across KS3-KS5.
- Lead curriculum design, sequencing and development that reflects academic ambition and cultural breadth.
- Use data intelligently to drive achievement, close gaps, and secure strong progress for all groups of students.
- Deliver and model exceptional classroom practice, championing high expectations and intellectual challenge.
- Mentor and develop colleagues through coaching, CPD and supportive quality assurance.
- Oversee English Literature and English Language GCSE and A-Level provision, ensuring outstanding results.
- Enrich the school experience through literacy initiatives, reading programmes, competitions, trips, and cultural events.
- Contribute to whole-school strategy as part of the extended leadership team.
The School Offers
- A highly supportive leadership team committed to staff development and professional growth.
- A collaborative English department with a strong reputation for innovation, creativity and academic rigour.
- Students who are motivated, respectful, and eager to embrace challenge.
- Outstanding professional development opportunities including leadership coaching and external training.
- A diverse and vibrant school community where literature and the arts are highly valued.
- Modern facilities, excellent resources, and strong support for curriculum enhancement.
Who they’re Looking For
- An outstanding English teacher with a clear vision for excellence in English education.
- A leader who can inspire, motivate and support a passionate team of practitioners.
- Someone with exceptional subject expertise, strong communication skills, and a commitment to raising achievement.
- A reflective, strategic thinker with the ability to drive improvement and lead change with integrity.
Applications are warmly welcomed from candidates committed to academic excellence and the transformative power of English. If you’re ready to lead one of the school’s most influential departments and shape the future of young people across London, we encourage you to apply.
Head of English in London employer: Kpi Education
Contact Detail:
Kpi Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've inspired a team or driven change. We love to hear about your experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a department and foster a collaborative culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate educators who are ready to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English: Let your love for English shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and fostered a love for literature and language in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We want to see how you've led teams or projects before. Talk about your experience in mentoring colleagues, driving curriculum changes, or any initiatives you've spearheaded that improved student outcomes.
Be Data-Driven: Mention how you've used data to inform your teaching and leadership decisions. Show us how you've closed achievement gaps or driven progress for different groups of students in your previous positions.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use the same language and key phrases from the listing to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kpi Education
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for the English department. Think about how you would shape the curriculum and inspire your team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate and support your team. Think of instances where you've successfully mentored colleagues or led initiatives that foster collaboration and creativity within a department.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Familiarise yourself with how to use data to drive student achievement. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've implemented in the past to close achievement gaps and ensure strong progress for all students. This will show your analytical skills and commitment to excellence.
✨Engage with the School's Culture
Research the school's values and community. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture of high aspiration and academic rigour. Mention any relevant literacy initiatives or cultural events you've been involved in that align with the school's mission.