At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department, driving curriculum and student success from KS3 to KS5.
- Company: High-performing secondary school in Newham with a strong academic reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative teaching environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: UK QTS, English-related degree, and proven track record in improving student outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 40317 - 62496 € per year.
A high-performing secondary school in Newham is seeking a Head of English from September 2026. This is a permanent opportunity for an experienced English Teacher to lead a successful department across KS3–KS5, taking full responsibility for curriculum, outcomes and staff development within a well-established academic setting.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold UK QTS and an English-related degree
- Have a proven record of strong pupil outcomes at GCSE and A-Level
- Demonstrate the ability to lead, manage and develop a team effectively
- Maintain high expectations for achievement across all key stages
This school achieves consistently strong results, with a Progress 8 score above +0.4 and over 75% of students achieving grade 4+ in English GCSE, alongside a strong proportion attaining grades 7–9. A-Level outcomes are equally secure, with students progressing to competitive university courses. Systems for assessment, feedback and curriculum delivery are clearly embedded, allowing leaders to focus on sustained improvement.
In this role, you will:
- Lead curriculum planning with clear sequencing from KS3 to KS5
- Oversee assessment, intervention and progress tracking across the department
- Drive improvements in attainment through targeted academic strategies
- Develop teachers, including ECTs, through coaching and structured support
You will benefit from:
- Fully resourced schemes of work and centralised planning
- A collaborative department with shared moderation and consistent practice
- Dedicated curriculum time for reading, writing and oracy development
- Access to leadership CPD and subject-specific training
- Strong uptake and performance at both GCSE and A-Level
If you are an experienced English Teacher ready to step into a Head of English role in Newham from September 2026, this is an excellent opportunity to lead within a school with strong outcomes and a clear strategic direction.
English employer: RIBBONS AND REEVES
Join a high-performing secondary school in Newham that prioritises academic excellence and staff development. With a collaborative work culture, fully resourced schemes of work, and access to leadership CPD, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. The school's strong results and commitment to continuous improvement make it an exceptional place for educators looking to lead and inspire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local teaching events, and connect with people in the industry. 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. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around curriculum planning and student outcomes. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed teams or improved student outcomes in previous roles. Highlight specific strategies you've used to drive success in the classroom and beyond.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you that Head of English role!
We think you need these skills to ace English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of English role. Highlight your experience with curriculum planning and team leadership, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about leading an English department and how you can drive improvements in attainment. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of how you've improved pupil outcomes or developed teachers in your previous roles. Numbers and results speak volumes, so let us know what you've accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s super easy and ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBBONS AND REEVES
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum from KS3 to KS5. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead curriculum planning and ensure clear sequencing. This shows that you’re not just a teacher, but a leader who can drive improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or developed staff. Highlight your experience with coaching ECTs and how you’ve maintained high expectations for achievement. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Be ready to talk about pupil outcomes and how you’ve used data to track progress and implement interventions. Schools love candidates who can back up their strategies with solid evidence of past successes.
✨Engage with the School’s Vision
Research the school’s ethos and achievements, especially their strong results at GCSE and A-Level. Show enthusiasm for their strategic direction and how you can contribute to maintaining and improving those outcomes.
