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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: Shape the future of students and advance your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Proven teaching success and a passion for English education.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with strong links to 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, 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 in London employer: OAKLANDS SCHOOLS
Contact Detail:
OAKLANDS SCHOOLS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. They can give you insider info about the school culture and what they're really looking for in a Head of English.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about your vision for the English department. Jot down specific examples of how you've led teams or improved student outcomes in the past. We want to see your passion and commitment shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! During the interview, let your sense of humour and emotional intelligence come through. Schools are looking for leaders who can inspire and motivate both students and staff, so be yourself!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our vibrant community and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English in London
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 excel.
Outline Your Vision: In your letter, clearly articulate 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 your creative 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 teams and contributed to school improvement in the past.
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 make every word count!
How to prepare for a job interview at OAKLANDS SCHOOLS
✨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. 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 and what innovative ideas you have for enhancing the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. This shows that you're not just a teacher, but a future leader.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Since the role requires working closely with colleagues, be ready to talk about your experience in team settings. Share examples of how you've contributed to professional development or collaborated on projects. This will show that you’re a team player who values collective success.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research the school’s ethos and values before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
