Head of English

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job title: Head of English

Location: Westbourne School, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 2EL

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £45 000.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

Start: January 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Are you a creative and ambitious English teacher looking to step into leadership? Do you want to shape an inclusive curriculum, lead a team with purpose, and help pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs find their voice — in literature, in language, and in life?

At Westbourne School, part of Acorn Education, we’re on the lookout for a Head of English who can lead with passion and purpose, and who’s committed to transforming learning — and lives.

About the Role

As Head of English, you’ll lead the English curriculum across the school — delivering engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to pupils with varied educational experiences, including SEMH and ASD. You’ll develop schemes of work that encourage creativity and confidence while meeting national curriculum standards.

You’ll collaborate with a skilled and committed team to create dynamic, inclusive learning environments, and use a wide range of strategies to support literacy development — from phonics to poetry, grammar to creative writing.

This is your opportunity to shape not just lessons, but lives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, delivery and assessment of English across all key stages
• Create an inclusive, supportive classroom culture that nurtures confidence and curiosity
• Develop and implement differentiated learning strategies for pupils with SEMH and ASD
• Support and coach staff to deliver consistently high-quality English lessons
• Foster a love of reading, writing, and communication across the whole school
• Track pupil progress, set aspirational targets, and celebrate success
• Contribute to whole-school development as part of the leadership team
• Champion creativity and innovation in your curriculum area

Who we are looking for

We want someone who leads by example — academically strong, emotionally intelligent, and committed to equity in education. You’ll need to be both passionate about English and deeply aware of the challenges and potential of pupils with additional needs.

• A qualified teacher (QTS desirable)
• A confident and passionate English specialist
• Strong understanding of SEMH and Autism — with the ability to adapt teaching and build positive relationships
• Committed to both academic and social/emotional development
• High expectations for every pupil, no matter their background
• A natural leader with the ability to inspire pupils and colleagues alike
• Excellent communicator, resilient and reflective in your practice
• A full UK driving licence

About Us

Westbourne School caters for pupils aged 11-18 and we are growing to 85 pupils across two sites. You will be responsible for planning and delivering various subjects across the curriculum.

Differentiation and individualised learning strategies are vital skills required to meet the needs of all our pupils who will have had varying degrees of success in their educational lives.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

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