At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the English department to achieve excellence in teaching and student outcomes.
- Company: Join a supportive team at The Greater Horseshoe School, part of Outcomes First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status and experience with diverse learning needs required.
- Other info: Be part of a certified 'Great Place to Work' and grow your career in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 61600 £ per year.
Get Paid for Five Days... but Only Work Four!
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.
At Outcomes First Group, we put wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already adopted the 4DWW, with others preparing to introduce it once fully staffed—making now a great time to join #teamOFG.
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 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 in Heathfield 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 in Heathfield
✨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 English and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show you're a perfect fit for #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 the big day arrives!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining us at Outcomes First Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty - English in Heathfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Faculty role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for teaching and leading shine through in your written application. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students or improved curriculum delivery in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
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 vision. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for engaging students and how you can raise standards of pupil attainment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in developing inclusive teaching strategies. Highlight your experience in supporting staff and fostering a positive learning environment.
✨Understand SEMH Needs
Brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Be prepared to discuss how you would support pupils with complex needs and adapt your teaching methods accordingly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the school’s approach to curriculum development and staff support. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.