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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the English department to achieve excellence in teaching and learning.
- Company: Ofsted ‘Good’ school in Portsmouth focused on staff development and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, TLR, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' love for language and literature in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in English, QTS/PGCE, and proven secondary teaching experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious and inspirational Head of English seeking a leadership opportunity at an Ofsted ‘Good’ school in Portsmouth? This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Head of English to lead and develop a successful English department within a high-achieving secondary school in Portsmouth, starting in February or April 2026.
About the Role
- Role: Head of English
- Start Date: February / April 2026
- Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Key Stages: KS3–KS4, with potential for A-Level
- Salary: Competitive, paid to scale (MPS/UPS) + TLR
We are seeking a dynamic and committed Head of English to provide strategic leadership for the department, ensure high-quality teaching and learning, and inspire a love of language and literature across the school. The successful candidate will combine strong subject expertise with the ability to motivate both students and staff to achieve outstanding outcomes.
About the School
This Ofsted ‘Good’ school in Portsmouth places a strong emphasis on staff development, wellbeing, and collaboration. Leaders invest heavily in professional growth and encourage innovation, creating an environment where teachers and middle leaders can thrive. The school’s strong academic performance is underpinned by a dedicated and supportive staff body.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the English department, driving excellence in teaching, learning, and outcomes.
- Develop and implement an ambitious and coherent English curriculum across KS3–KS4 (and KS5 where applicable).
- Support, mentor, and inspire English teachers to deliver outstanding lessons.
- Monitor student progress, assessment, and attainment to inform improvement strategies.
- Promote reading, writing, and literacy across the wider school community.
- Contribute to whole-school initiatives and the broader leadership of the school.
What’s on Offer
- A supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
- Excellent professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Enthusiastic and motivated students with a strong commitment to learning.
- Competitive salary with TLR and a comprehensive benefits package.
Essential Requirements
- A degree in English or a related subject.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or PGCE.
- Proven experience teaching English at secondary level.
- Demonstrable leadership experience or readiness to step into a middle leadership role.
- A passion for English and a commitment to raising standards and outcomes.
How to Apply
If you are an inspiring English specialist ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your CV outlining your experience and suitability for the role as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application.
Rare Head of English Vacancy in Portsmouth! employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rare Head of English Vacancy in Portsmouth!
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local events, and connect with people in the Portsmouth area. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to share your love for English and how you inspire students. Bring examples of your teaching methods and successes to the table – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the school! Familiarise yourself with their values, achievements, and challenges. This will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their success as Head of English.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate educators like you to join our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Rare Head of English Vacancy in Portsmouth!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of English role. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific achievements in teaching English that align with what we're looking for. This shows us you're serious about the position!
Show Your Passion: In your application, let your passion for English shine through! Share examples of how you've inspired students and colleagues alike. We want to see your enthusiasm for language and literature, so don't hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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, especially for KS3 and KS4. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement an ambitious curriculum that inspires students and meets their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience and how you motivate and support teachers. Think of specific examples where you've inspired others or driven improvements in teaching and learning.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for English
Be prepared to share your love for language and literature. Discuss how you promote reading and writing within the school community and how you plan to instil this passion in both students and staff.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Research the school’s ethos and values. During the interview, align your answers with their commitment to staff development and collaboration, showing how you can contribute to their goals and initiatives.
