At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the English department to achieve excellence in teaching and student outcomes.
- Company: Join a supportive school focused on wellbeing and innovative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with experience in supporting diverse learning needs.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a peaceful woodland setting.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: From £44,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 40.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota: Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:40pm | Tuesday 8:30am–5:00pm (training)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
The Head of Faculty (English) plays a central leadership role in driving excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement across the English department. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Curriculum/Inclusion leads, you will develop and deliver a broad, inclusive, and engaging curriculum that meets the needs of learners at all key stages. You will lead, inspire, and support your team to ensure consistently high standards and positive outcomes for every student.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of an ambitious, high-quality English curriculum across all key stages and sites
- Raise standards of pupil attainment and achievement within the faculty, ensuring accountability for outcomes
- Monitor pupil progress and work closely with staff to implement targeted support and interventions
- Ensure the curriculum is broad, balanced, relevant, differentiated, and regularly reviewed to meet national developments and school priorities
- Manage and deploy faculty resources effectively, including financial and physical assets, to support departmental and school development plans
- Undertake regular audits, monitoring, and quality assurance checks to maintain high standards in teaching and learning
This role is ideal for an ambitious, reflective English leader passionate about curriculum excellence, staff development, and enabling every student to achieve their potential.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
- Experienced: Strong understanding of SEMH needs, with experience supporting pupils who may also present with ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
- Knowledgeable: Comfortable teaching all three areas of English (Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening)
- Creative & Flexible: You’ll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs
About Us
The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school near Newton Abbot in Devon, providing education for young people with complex needs. Set in a peaceful woodland environment and supported by a nearby care farm, we combine academic and vocational programmes with outdoor learning and therapeutic approaches tailored to each pupil’s individual strengths and needs. Our experienced staff work closely with every young person to remove barriers to learning, foster personal and social development, and create a caring, inclusive environment that enables pupils to achieve positive outcomes and build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for their future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.
Benefits include:
- Life Assurance & Pension scheme
- Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay**Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
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.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
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.
Head of Faculty - English employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Faculty - English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to teaching and how they support students with complex needs. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in joining #teamOFG.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of Faculty – English. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨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 amazing team at The Greater Horseshoe School.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty - English
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 in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at The Greater Horseshoe School.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with SEMH needs and your leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining #teamOFG.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English curriculum and how it aligns with the school’s goals. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for engaging students and how you can raise standards of pupil attainment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you inspire and support your team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or implemented changes that improved teaching and learning.
✨Understand SEMH Needs
Since the role involves working with pupils who may have complex needs, brush up on your understanding of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) requirements. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to support these learners effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the school's vision, the challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution.