At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a flagship English department and inspire students across all key stages.
- Company: Vibrant 3-19 Academy in a stunning, award-winning building.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, wellbeing support, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture with clear career pathways and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' love for literature and their academic success.
- Qualifications: QTS and a strong degree, with at least three years of teaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 65642 - 72010 € per year.
Are you an inspiring educator with the vision to lead a flagship department? We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of English to join a vibrant 3-19 Academy housed in a stunning, award-winning building designed by Norman Foster. Located in the heart of South Thamesmead, our academy is a community of drive and ambition. With excellent rail links and easy access via the Elizabeth Line, we offer a high-achieving environment where innovation in the curriculum is not just welcomed – it's expected.
The Role
As the Head of English, you will be the driving force behind student progress across KS3, KS4, and KS5. You will be accountable for setting the strategic direction of the department, ensuring that every student—from those just discovering a love for literature to those heading for top-tier universities—receives a world‑class education.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Formulate and implement rigorous department improvement plans.
- Curriculum Excellence: Develop innovative schemes of work that integrate new technologies and “Learning to Learn” strategies.
- Team Development: Build, recruit, and mentor a motivated team of specialists using coaching models to ensure peak performance.
- Literacy Advocacy: Lead the academy-wide literacy strategy to raise standards across all disciplines.
- Quality Assurance: Manage monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure “outstanding” teaching is the department standard.
What We Are Looking For
- Qualifications: QTS (or equivalent) and a strong relevant undergraduate degree.
- Experience: A minimum of three years of teaching experience with a proven track record of raising student achievement.
- Leadership: Experience managing change, leading others, and implementing successful monitoring and review processes.
- Skills: Exceptional ICT skills and a flair for presenting to diverse audiences, from students to governors.
- Mindset: A collaborative leader who views coaching as the primary tool for professional growth.
Why Join Us?
We don't just invest in our students; we invest heavily in our staff. You will benefit from a culture of collaboration and a clear career pathway through our dedicated Institute of Teaching and Leadership.
The Benefits Package
- Competitive Salary: L8-L12 (Outer London Scale).
- Financial Rewards: Performance and Loyalty Bonus + Outer London Allowance.
- Wellbeing: Comprehensive Wellbeing Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Security: Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).
- Environment: A purpose-built, architecturally renowned working environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Application Details
To shape the future of English education in South Thamesmead, we want to meet you. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK.
Apply Today to shape the future of English education in South Thamesmead.
Head of English employer: Randstad Education
Join our vibrant 3-19 Academy in South Thamesmead, where we prioritise both student and staff development. As a Head of English, you will thrive in a collaborative culture that champions innovation and offers clear career pathways through our dedicated Institute of Teaching and Leadership. With a competitive salary, comprehensive wellbeing support, and a stunning working environment, we are committed to providing a rewarding and fulfilling experience for our educators.
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 academy, and connect with them on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just lead to a glowing recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in English education. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their vision of innovation in the curriculum. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to showcase your leadership style and how you plan to inspire both students and staff. Grab a friend or family member and run through your ideas – feedback is key!
✨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 take the extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of 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 and fostered a love for literature in your previous roles. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of our academy. Highlight your experience with innovative curriculum development and how you plan to lead our English department to new heights. We appreciate a personal touch!
Highlight Leadership Experience:As a Head of English, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Talk about your experience in mentoring teachers and driving change within a department. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A well-organised application shows us that you value clarity and communication, which is key in education!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Head of English, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the curriculum. Brush up on the latest trends in English education and be ready to discuss how you would implement innovative schemes of work that integrate new technologies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience and how you’ve successfully managed change in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you’ve built and mentored a team, and be ready to explain your coaching approach to professional growth.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for Literacy
Articulate your vision for raising literacy standards across the academy. Be prepared to discuss strategies you would implement to advocate for literacy in all disciplines, showcasing your commitment to student progress.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the academy’s culture and values. Engaging with the panel shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
