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- Tasks: Lead the English department, shape curriculum, and inspire a love for literature.
- Company: Highly regarded independent school in Bradford with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, smaller class sizes, and excellent resources.
- Other info: Opportunity to teach motivated pupils and contribute to a thriving academic environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' academic journeys and foster a vibrant reading culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in English, QTS, and leadership experience in education.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an inspiring and ambitious Head of English to lead a successful English department at a highly regarded independent school in Bradford. This is a rare leadership role for an outstanding English specialist who combines excellent classroom practice with the vision and drive to shape curriculum, coach colleagues and build a thriving culture of reading, writing and scholarly discussion across the school.
The school offers a calm, purposeful learning environment with excellent behaviour, strong pastoral care and a culture that values academic excellence and enrichment. With smaller class sizes, excellent resources and highly motivated pupils, this is an outstanding opportunity to lead English in a setting where teachers can teach with depth and pupils genuinely enjoy learning.
About the Role
As Head of English, you will provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for the department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and strong outcomes across KS3–KS5. You will:
- Lead curriculum design and sequencing across KS3, GCSE and A-Level
- Drive high expectations in reading, writing, oracy and exam literacy
- Coach and support colleagues through shared planning, modelling and professional dialogue
- Use assessment intelligently to identify priorities, secure progress and stretch high attainers
- Develop a strong reading culture and enrichment offer (book clubs, debates, theatre visits, competitions)
- Contribute to whole-school academic strategy where appropriate
You will also teach English across the school, modelling excellent practice and maintaining a strong classroom presence.
The English Department
English is central to the school’s academic identity and wider culture. The department offers a rich literary experience alongside exceptional examination preparation, with a strong emphasis on reading, critical writing and articulate spoken expression.
The department values:
- Knowledge-rich teaching of literature and language
- High standards in analytical writing and academic argument
- Purposeful classroom discussion and confident oracy
- Consistent assessment and feedback to support excellent outcomes
- Enrichment that makes English feel vibrant, relevant and lived
The new Head of English will have the opportunity to build on existing strengths, refine curriculum plans and further develop enrichment and stretch pathways for high-attaining pupils.
About the School
This Bradford independent school is known for strong academic standards and a supportive culture. Pupils are respectful, engaged and ambitious, creating calm classrooms where teachers can focus on teaching and learning.
The school places strong emphasis on academic excellence balanced with wider development, offering a broad co-curricular programme and strong pastoral support. Staff benefit from a professional working environment where expertise is valued and collaboration is strong.
Key Information
- Location: Bradford
- Start Date: ASAP / next term (or by agreement)
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
- Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience
What the School is Looking For
The successful candidate will:
- Hold a degree in English (or closely related discipline)
- Hold QTS (or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification)
- Demonstrate successful experience teaching English across KS3–KS5
- Have leadership experience (Head of Department, Second in Department, KS Lead, or ready to step up)
- Show strong curriculum knowledge and the ability to drive improvement through planning and assessment
- Be an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations and strong behaviour management
- Contribute positively to wider school life, including enrichment and reading culture
Applications are welcomed from established Heads of English and ambitious candidates ready to step into leadership in a supportive independent setting.
Why Join This School
- Lead a high-profile department in a calm, high-achieving environment
- Teach motivated pupils in smaller classes with excellent resources
- Strong culture of scholarship, enrichment and co-curricular life
- Supportive leadership and a professional staff culture
- Opportunity to shape curriculum and make a lasting impact
This is a fantastic opportunity for an English leader who wants to drive excellence, inspire a love of reading and lead a thriving department in a highly regarded Bradford independent school.
Head of English – Independent School – Bradford employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English – Independent School – Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and connect with other educators on social media. 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. Bring examples of your past successes in leading English departments to the table – they want to see your impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to schools you’re interested in. Express your passion for English education and inquire about potential leadership roles. Sometimes, opportunities are created through initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a streamlined process! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and contributing to a thriving English department.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English – Independent School – Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English: When writing your application, let your love for English shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and fostered a love for reading and writing in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and expectations outlined in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the school's vision for academic excellence and enrichment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your ideas clearly and understand your approach to leading the English department.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum for KS3, GCSE, and A-Level English. Be ready to discuss how you would design and sequence lessons, and share specific examples of how you've driven high expectations in reading and writing in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience, whether as a Head of Department or in another role. Think of concrete examples where you’ve coached colleagues, modelled best practices, or contributed to a positive departmental culture. This is your chance to shine!
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with the school’s ethos and values, especially around academic excellence and enrichment. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their strong reading culture and co-curricular activities, like book clubs or debates.
✨Demonstrate Your Classroom Presence
Since you'll be teaching as well as leading, prepare to discuss your classroom management strategies and how you maintain a strong presence. Consider sharing anecdotes that highlight your ability to engage pupils and foster a love for literature and language.