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- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students to achieve excellence.
- Company: A vibrant, high-performing school in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of English education.
- Qualifications: Proven teaching success and ambition for senior leadership.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and collaboration with prestigious institutions.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Closing date for applications: 9am Wednesday 4th March 2026
Head of English employer: OAKLANDS SCHOOLS
Contact Detail:
OAKLANDS SCHOOLS 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's culture and what they're really looking for in a Head of English.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in English education. Bring fresh ideas to the table that show your passion for the subject and how you can elevate the department even further.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've motivated students and colleagues in the past. We want to see your vision for the English curriculum and how you plan to inspire others!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your commitment to the school’s values.
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 passion translates into teaching and how it can inspire students to excel in English.
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!
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 in your past roles.
Keep It Concise and Engaging: Remember, your application should be no more than 2 sides of A4. Keep it concise, engaging, and to the point. We appreciate clarity and creativity, so let your personality shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at OAKLANDS SCHOOLS
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to clearly outline your vision for the English curriculum. Think about how you can enhance the department's strengths and what innovative ideas you can bring to the table. This will show that you're not just a great teacher but also a forward-thinking leader.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Be ready to discuss specific examples of your teaching successes and how they have positively impacted student outcomes. Highlight any initiatives you've led or contributed to that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to excellence in education.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research the school’s ethos and values thoroughly. During the interview, connect your personal teaching philosophy and experiences with what the school stands for. This shows that you’re not only a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in contributing to their community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the school's future plans for the English department or how they support professional development. It demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to be an active part of the team.
