At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead literacy and communication initiatives for students from EYFS to Year 11.
- Company: Join Oak Tree School, a supportive environment focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support diverse learning needs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by enhancing their literacy and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with strong English and literacy teaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 51048 £ per year.
Location: Woodward Close, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5LP
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: £32,916.00 – £51,048.00 Annual (Actual), MPR/UPR based on experience, including TLR 2c allowance and SEN allowance.
Closing Date: Midnight, Sun 31st May 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 1
About This Role
Oak Tree School is seeking to appoint a Literacy and Communication Lead to provide professional leadership for reading, literacy, English and communication across the school. This is an important leadership role, supporting pupils from EYFS to Year 11, including pupils with ASD and additional complex needs. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of a whole‑school literacy and communication strategy, ensuring pupils receive high‑quality teaching, effective curriculum pathways, targeted support and clear assessment that reflects their individual needs. The role will include oversight of KS4 literacy and English pathways, including entry level, Functional Skills and GCSE routes. The postholder will work closely with speech and language therapists, the clinical team, multidisciplinary colleagues and teaching staff to embed effective communication pathways and programmes linked to pupils’ EHCP needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a whole‑school approach to reading, literacy and communication across EYFS to Year 11.
- Implement and lead an appropriate English and literacy curriculum for the range of needs within the school.
- Ensure literacy and English are taught to a high standard across the school.
- Lead assessment, tracking and reporting of pupils’ progress in literacy, English and communication.
- Oversee KS4 literacy qualifications, including entry level, Functional Skills and GCSE pathways.
- Work collaboratively with speech and language therapists, clinical colleagues, multidisciplinary colleagues and teaching staff to support pupils’ literacy and communication needs.
- Provide professional leadership, advice, resources and CPD to colleagues to improve literacy and communication practice.
- Promote a love of reading and effective communication across the school community.
- Support high standards of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, health and safety and inclusion.
- Contribute to the effective working of Oak Tree School and Maiden Erlegh Trust.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a qualified teacher with a good quality degree, QTS and a PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification. They will have the ability to teach English and literacy to a high standard and support strong pupil progress across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. They will be confident in designing, adapting and evaluating schemes of work, lessons and curriculum pathways that meet a range of pupil needs. They will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with pupils, colleagues, families and external professionals. They will be able to support colleagues through professional leadership, advice, resources and CPD, and will understand how literacy and communication support pupil access, engagement, independence and achievement. The ideal candidate will be calm, resilient, organised and committed to working in the best interests of pupils. They will maintain confidentiality, act with integrity and contribute positively to a school and Trust culture based on consistency, collaboration and respectful relationships.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service.
- ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event.
- Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles.
- Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points.
- Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible).
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes.
- Mental Health First Aid Support.
- Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across TeamMET.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Contact
For an informal discussion or application, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org.
A Literacy and Communication Lead at Oak Tree School in Wokingham employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
Oak Tree School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. With extensive CPD opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, the school fosters an environment where educators can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with diverse needs. Located in Winnersh, Berkshire, Oak Tree School provides a unique opportunity to lead literacy and communication initiatives in a nurturing setting dedicated to inclusion and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land A Literacy and Communication Lead at Oak Tree School in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Oak Tree School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Literacy and Communication Lead.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of literacy strategies and communication techniques. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also well-informed about the latest trends and best practices in education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with us. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how we’d lead literacy initiatives across different year groups.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that we’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace A Literacy and Communication Lead at Oak Tree School in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Literacy and Communication Lead. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision at Oak Tree School!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for literacy and communication shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all students.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Oak Tree School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the literacy and communication strategies relevant to the role. Brush up on current best practices, especially those that cater to pupils with ASD and complex needs. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in literacy or communication before. Think about times when you’ve collaborated with other professionals, like speech and language therapists, to enhance pupil outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in a school setting.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Oak Tree School’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs, particularly in promoting a love of reading and effective communication. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their community.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the current literacy programmes in place or how the school measures success in communication strategies. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
