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- Tasks: Lead a high-performing English department and inspire students to excel.
- Company: Lift Ryde, part of Lift Schools, known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, healthcare, and lifestyle perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a school with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while enjoying a beautiful island setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified English teacher with leadership experience and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 53290 - 68364 £ per year.
Salary: MPS 1 (£32,916) - UPS 3 (£51,048) + TLR of between £10,174 to £17,216 + pension + Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
A rare and exciting opportunity to lead our high performing English department.
Your new school
Lift Ryde, based on the Isle of Wight, is an 11 to 18 years secondary school and is part of Lift Schools, one of the largest MATs in the country. The school is set in spacious grounds and had a completely new state of the art building in 2017. All staff have access to a free on site gym with a range of fantastic equipment. Known as the "Garden Isle" because of its beautiful landscape, unspoilt beaches, rugged coastline and beautiful countryside; the Isle of Wight is a perfect place to raise a family. Judged as 'Good' by Ofsted in November 2022, Lift Ryde is a school that pupils feel proud to attend, with a calm and orderly environment. Staff are also proud to work at the school and recognise that leaders are considerate of their workload.
At Lift Ryde, we believe that English is not just about reading Shakespeare or writing essays. It's about developing core skills that are essential for life, education, and work. Rooted in exploration, discussion, and creativity, we provide a diverse and inclusive curriculum that encourages critical thinking, supports personal expression, and fosters a love of reading and writing.
Your new role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead our English department into the next stage of its journey. We are incredibly proud of our English department, it's made up of 12 friendly and dedicated professionals who together have supported our pupils in obtaining results that are above the national average with our 6th Form A level provision being ranked in the top 25%. Reporting to an Assistant Principal, who is an English specialist, you will have access to bespoke mentoring and support, while also benefiting from the expertise of an English Network Lead as you continue to drive forward the Trust's vision.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified teacher of English with a proven track record of working successfully in a school environment. As Head of English you will not only be an excellent practitioner, but you will also be able to effectively lead, coach, and support others to be excellent teachers. You will set a clear and strategic vision for your department, design and deliver a curriculum that is stimulating and engaging for students, and implement department wide strategies to ensure all students enjoy and excel within the subject.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access to some of the best developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and much more.
If you would like a confidential discussion before applying and/or a tour of the school please contact Jessica Billows, Recruitment Manager.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Head of English employer: Lift Ryde
Contact Detail:
Lift Ryde Recruiting Team
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 staff at Lift Ryde or other schools in the area. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of English.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos. Familiarise yourself with their curriculum and think about how you can contribute to their vision. We want to see your passion for English and how you can inspire both students and staff!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or implemented a new strategy. We love to see candidates who can motivate others and drive results, especially in a high-performing department like English.
✨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 here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Head of English, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Show us how your experience and skills align with our vision for the English department. Highlight your leadership abilities and any innovative teaching methods you've used.
Show Your Passion for English: We want to see your enthusiasm for English education! Share examples of how you’ve inspired students or created engaging lessons. Let your love for the subject shine through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the necessary forms and details there. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Ryde
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the English curriculum at Lift Ryde. Be ready to discuss how you would design and deliver engaging lessons that foster critical thinking and creativity. Show them you understand their approach to teaching English beyond just the basics.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of English, you'll need to lead and support your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached or mentored colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to set a strategic vision for a department and how you can inspire others to achieve excellence.
✨Engage with Their Values
Lift Ryde values a calm and orderly environment where students thrive. During the interview, express your commitment to creating a positive learning atmosphere. Share your thoughts on how to maintain high standards while ensuring that all students enjoy their English studies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision for the English department and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. It also demonstrates your proactive approach to leadership.