At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English faculty, mentor teachers, and oversee curriculum quality.
- Company: Prestigious independent school in Hackney focused on academic excellence.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, generous CPD funding, and reduced timetable for leaders.
- Why this job: Shape future scholars and inspire a love for literature in bright students.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, degree in English Literature, and proven leadership experience.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent resources and strong transport links.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
A prestigious, independent senior day school in Hackney is seeking an exceptional Head of English to lead their highly academic faculty from January 2026. This role involves setting the strategic direction for English, teaching A-Level/Pre-U English Literature to high-ability students, and overseeing curriculum quality across the entire faculty. You will mentor the team and ensure rigorous academic standards and exceptional scholarship preparation.
Experience and Qualifications:
- QTS (or equivalent) and a degree in English Literature (Masters or PhD highly desirable)
- Proven experience leading an English faculty with demonstrably high academic outcomes
- Extensive experience with the Oxbridge/Russell Group application process for Humanities
- Capacity for inspiring leadership, curriculum strategy, and budget management
School Information:
- This prestigious school offers beautiful grounds, excellent library resources, and a culture that values academic freedom.
- The working environment is supportive of academic specialism, offering generous CPD funding and a focus on high-quality teaching over bureaucracy.
- Exceptional library resources and dedicated study facilities
- Generous CPD funding and reduced timetable for academic leadership
- Excellent transport links within London
Salary: Highly competitive Independent School Leadership Scale (L14–L18 equivalent)
Application: To apply for this Head of English position, please send your CV. Early applicants are warmly encouraged.
Head of English – Academic & Scholarship – Hackney (Independent) in London employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English – Academic & Scholarship – Hackney (Independent) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who have experience with independent schools. They might have insider info on job openings or can even 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 leadership style aligns with their commitment to academic excellence and literary scholarship.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven academic success in previous roles. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact on student performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English – Academic & Scholarship – Hackney (Independent) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your experience in leading English faculties and any impressive academic outcomes. Tailor it to reflect your passion for literary scholarship and your commitment to high standards.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; tell us how you've inspired teams and driven academic excellence. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to mentor and lead in a dynamic educational environment.
Emphasise Your Academic Background: Since this role is all about academic rigour, make sure to highlight your qualifications in English Literature. If you have a Masters or PhD, flaunt it! We want to see how your academic journey has shaped your teaching philosophy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, early applicants are warmly welcomed, so don’t wait too long!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum and teaching strategies relevant to A-Level/Pre-U English Literature. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in literary scholarship and be ready to discuss how you would enhance the curriculum quality across the faculty.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experiences and how you've successfully mentored teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired others or improved academic outcomes, especially in a competitive environment like Oxbridge/Russell Group applications.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Literature
Be ready to share your favourite texts and authors, and explain why they resonate with you. This role is all about driving literary excellence, so showing genuine enthusiasm for literature will help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's vision for the English department and how they support academic freedom. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.