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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire both students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: Join Oak Academy, a forward-thinking school with a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a culture that values work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student learning and drive positive change in education.
- Qualifications: Passionate about English with strong leadership and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the Role
Are you an ambitious and inspiring English specialist ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? We are seeking a dynamic Head of English to lead our department and play a pivotal role in shaping outstanding teaching and learning across our secondary provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strong, visible leadership as Head of Department
- Line manage and develop English staff, supporting and challenging them to achieve excellent outcomes
- Drive improvements in student attainment, progress, and engagement across all key stages
- Design, implement, and evaluate creative and inclusive schemes of work
- Monitor teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure consistently high standards
- Use data effectively to inform strategic planning and targeted interventions
- Promote excellent behaviour, attitudes to learning, and a positive classroom culture
- Lead curriculum development, enrichment opportunities, and parental engagement
- Contribute to whole-school strategy as a valued member of the middle leadership team
About You
- Is an excellent classroom practitioner with a passion for English
- Has the ability to inspire both students and staff
- Demonstrates strong leadership and organisational skills
- Is committed to raising achievement and closing attainment gaps
- Can use data confidently to drive improvement
- Thrives in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment
- Is dedicated to inclusive education and student wellbeing
What We Have to Offer
- A visible and approachable senior leadership team and an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers and support staff.
- A strong support network both within the school and across Authentic Education.
- All staff are part of a professional learning community in which evidence‑informed CPD is designed to meet individual needs.
- Strong potential for career progression.
- A culture that respects work‑life balance and an ongoing commitment to wellbeing with a dedicated Wellbeing Champion.
- An Employee Assistance Programme including in‑the‑moment support and counselling sessions with an external provider.
- Staff benefits include free eye testing for DSE users through Specsavers, free will writing through Dunham McCarthy Solicitors and reduced‑price corporate gym membership through BH Live.
- A competitive pension through Teachers' Pensions or The Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff.
Head of English at Oak Academy employer: Oak Academy
Contact Detail:
Oak Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English at Oak Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Oak Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can align your vision with theirs, so come ready with ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams and improved student outcomes. We love a good success story!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English at Oak Academy
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 staff in the past. We want to see your enthusiasm and commitment to raising achievement.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Department, strong leadership is key. Make sure to showcase your experience in managing teams and driving improvements. We’re looking for someone who can support and challenge their colleagues to achieve excellent outcomes.
Use Data to Your Advantage: Don’t forget to mention how you’ve used data to inform your teaching strategies and improve student outcomes. We love seeing candidates who can confidently analyse data and use it to drive improvement in their department.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our job description. Use the language we’ve provided and align your experiences with the key responsibilities. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get your application in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in English education and be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum and any recent changes in educational standards that might affect your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved student outcomes in the past. Think about specific strategies you've implemented and how they made a difference, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the English department effectively.
✨Data is Your Friend
Be ready to talk about how you've used data to inform your teaching and leadership decisions. Have some examples handy that show how you've driven improvements in student attainment and engagement through data analysis.
✨Engage with the Whole School Vision
Understand the school's overall strategy and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to it as Head of English. Show enthusiasm for collaboration and how you can work with other departments to enhance the learning experience for students.