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- Tasks: Lead the English department, inspire students, and drive high literary attainment.
- Company: Well-regarded independent secondary school on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, potential accommodation, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and foster a love for literature in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree in English and QTS/PGCE; leadership experience required.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role starting January 2026 with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-regarded Independent Secondary School (Boarding and Day, with Sixth Form) located on the Isle of Wight, England, is seeking a dynamic leader to become Head of English. This permanent, full-time role will commence in January 2026.
The Opportunity & School Profile: The school requires a leader who can manage the English department, inspire a profound love for literature, and drive high attainment in advanced literary analysis and sophisticated language use from Key Stage 3 through A-Level.
Core Responsibilities & Teaching Scope:
- Department Leader: Managing all aspects of the English curriculum, budget, and staff development.
- Literary Analyst: Delivering instruction in English Language and Literature up to A-Level.
- Driving Attainment: Cultivating strong critical analysis and sophisticated essay writing skills.
Compensation & Benefits:
Essential Requirements include a relevant Degree in English and QTS/PGCE. Proven departmental leadership or significant second-in-charge experience is essential. The salary is highly competitive, compensated on the school's independent pay scale. Accommodation may be available for Boarding School staff, along with a generous pension scheme.
Head of English – Isle of Wight Independent School employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English – Isle of Wight Independent School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. 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 and curriculum. We should be ready to discuss how we can inspire students and enhance their literary skills, showing that we’re not just a fit but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for literature! Bring examples of innovative teaching methods or projects we've led that sparked a love for reading and writing. This will help us stand out as a candidate who can truly drive attainment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at this fantastic school.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English – Isle of Wight Independent School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Narrative: When writing your application, think of it as telling your story. We want to know about your journey in education and how it has shaped you into the leader you are today. Make sure to highlight your passion for English and how you inspire students.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As the Head of English, you'll be managing a team and driving the curriculum. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past and the impact it had on student outcomes.
Be Specific About Your Vision: We’re looking for someone who can cultivate a love for literature and drive high attainment. In your application, outline your vision for the English department. What innovative ideas do you have to engage students and enhance their learning experience?
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English curriculum from Key Stage 3 to A-Level. Familiarise yourself with the latest educational trends and how they apply to literary analysis and language use. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just a teacher, but a leader who can inspire both students and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve driven attainment or improved departmental performance. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can cultivate a love for literature while also managing budgets and staff development.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to explain how your vision for the English department aligns with their mission. Showing that you understand and appreciate the school's culture will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to professional development, how they measure success in the English department, or what challenges they currently face. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
