At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: A vibrant, high-performing school in East London with a commitment to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on students' learning and growth.
- Qualifications: Proven teaching experience and a passion for English education.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and collaboration with prestigious institutions.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Head of English Required from September 2026
Salary Range: MPS/UPS +TLR 1C (Inner London Scale)
Are you a talented and dynamic practitioner? Do you aspire to senior leadership in the future? Do you wish to play a key leadership role in a high-performing and highly successful school in the heart of East London? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in this vibrant and happy school.
We are seeking an outstanding teacher and leader, who has the drive, vision and ambition to lead the English department and school to even greater success. You will already be a successful and experienced teacher with a proven track record of excellent practice in your current role. You will be passionate about English and committed to securing excellent outcomes for children of all abilities.
As a dedicated and innovative professional, you will join a dynamic team of teaching and associate staff, all determined to ensure that the school maintains its reputation for excellence. Oaklands is a high-achieving school at GCSE and A level. The English department is an experienced team, consistently high-performing with areas of outstanding practice.
We are seeking someone who is able to build further on this strength by demonstrating a clear vision for the continued excellent leadership of this key curriculum area and an unwavering commitment to outstanding extra-curricular provision for our students. You must be able to motivate and inspire students and colleagues alike, be able to develop and sustain excellent relationships and maintain a strong and visible presence around the school.
As the leader of a core department, you will also make a key contribution to the professional development of colleagues and to wider school improvement. The department benefits from established links with the English and Media Centre, RADA, National Theatre, The Guardian and the Old Vic.
In return we offer excellent opportunities for continued professional development for candidates that aspire to senior leadership in the near future.
We are keen to hear from you if you:
- Have an excellent track-record as a teacher
- Aspire to become a senior leader
- Are ambitious, hard-working and a team player
- Are emotionally literate with a good sense of humour
We can offer you the opportunity to join:
- A highly committed and dedicated staff
- A coaching-based programme of professional development
- Excellent CPD opportunities for senior leadership
- Students who love their school, are ambitious and want to learn
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of young people. The successful candidate will be DBS checked.
Please apply by letter to the Headteacher on no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your vision for the delivery of the English curriculum and pedagogy in our School and how your experience to date has prepared you for the post alongside your application. Applications and enquiries can be emailed to: hr@oaklandsschool.com
Closing date for applications: 9am Wednesday 4th March 2026
Head of English employer: Oaklands School
Contact Detail:
Oaklands School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English
✨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 you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of English.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for English! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, share your vision for the curriculum and how you plan to inspire both students and colleagues. Make it clear that you're not just about teaching but also about creating a vibrant learning environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples of your leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams, improved student outcomes, and contributed to school improvement. We want to see your track record in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Oaklands. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English: Make sure to express your love for the subject in your application. We want to see how your enthusiasm for English translates into your teaching style and how it can inspire students to achieve their best.
Outline Your Vision: In your letter, clearly outline your vision for the English curriculum. We’re looking for innovative ideas that can elevate our already high-performing department, so don’t hold back on sharing your thoughts!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Since this is a leadership role, be sure to showcase any previous leadership experiences you’ve had. We want to know how you’ve motivated and inspired others, and how you plan to do the same at our school.
Keep It Concise and Engaging: Remember, your application should be no more than 2 sides of A4. Keep it concise but engaging! We want to read something that captures our attention and makes us excited about your potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaklands School
✨Show Your Passion for English
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the subject during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so in this role. This will demonstrate your commitment to securing excellent outcomes for all abilities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for leading the English department. Think about how you can build on the existing strengths of the team and contribute to the school's reputation for excellence. Be ready to share innovative ideas for curriculum delivery and extra-curricular activities.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role requires working closely with colleagues, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to professional development and supported your peers in achieving their goals.
✨Be Yourself and Keep it Light
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. A good sense of humour can go a long way in building rapport with the interview panel. Show them that you’re not just a great teacher but also someone who can connect with students and staff alike.
