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 fully resourced teaching materials.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on sustained improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while leading a collaborative 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 - english and employer: RIBBONS AND REEVES
Join a high-performing secondary school in Newham as the Head of English, where you will lead a dedicated team in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to academic excellence, this school offers fully resourced schemes of work and access to leadership training, ensuring you have the tools to drive student success and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Experience the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in a thriving educational setting that prioritises both student achievement and staff growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land English - english and
✨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 performance in previous roles. Highlight specific strategies you've used to drive results, as this will resonate well with hiring managers.
✨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 take advantage of our resources and guidance.
We think you need these skills to ace English - english and
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of English role. Highlight your achievements in leading teams and improving student outcomes, as these are key to impressing us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about English education and how your leadership style aligns with our school's vision. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable results. Mention specific improvements in pupil outcomes or successful initiatives you've led. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 ready to discuss how you would lead curriculum planning and ensure clear sequencing. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to student outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or developed staff in the past. Highlight specific strategies you've used to improve pupil outcomes and how you maintain high expectations across all key stages.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy
Be prepared to talk about how you use assessment data to track progress and drive improvements. Discuss any targeted academic strategies you've implemented that have led to strong results, especially at GCSE and A-Level.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Research the school’s ethos and achievements, particularly their impressive Progress 8 score. Show enthusiasm for their strategic direction and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing success in English education.