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- Tasks: Lead and innovate English curriculum to transform student outcomes and inspire teaching staff.
- Company: Dynamic school committed to excellence and student success.
- Benefits: Cycle to Work scheme, professional development, wellbeing support, and fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young people's lives through strategic leadership in English education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for improving educational outcomes.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace striving for diversity and dedicated to safeguarding children.
The predicted salary is between 77209 - 84769 £ per year.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to oversee the development, improvement and outcomes of English at a strategic level and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people. We are seeking an exceptional leader who will drive excellence, inspire others, and transform outcomes across all phases of learning. In this role you will work closely with the Assistant Principal responsible for Teaching and Learning and will act as a consultant, mentor, and coach, empowering our subject team to deliver for our students.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the development, improvement and outcomes of English at a strategic level, ensuring an evidence‑informed curriculum aligned with the Ofsted framework and the latest educational research.
- Drive excellence and inspire teaching staff as a consultant, mentor, and coach, empowering the subject team to deliver high‑quality instruction.
- Lead curriculum innovation and collaborate with the Assistant Principal to support all phases of learning, including post‑16 provision.
- Champion a culture of ambition, providing the necessary tools, confidence and expertise to secure exceptional outcomes for all students.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience in roles such as Head of Department, Director of Faculty, Lead Practitioner, Senior Leader or consultant across multiple school settings.
- Strong track record of impact and commitment to raising standards, with evidence of exceptional results and whole‑school impact.
- Excellent communication and inspirational leadership skills; ability to motivate and support staff.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of curriculum development, evidence‑based research and latest national guidance.
- Passion for English specialists; dedication to improving GCSE and post‑16 outcomes.
- Evidence of classroom expertise and ability to lead by example as an accessible, responsive and accountable member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Benefits
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Staff mentoring and professional development support
- On‑site staff car park and fully refurbished fitness suite
- Dedicated staff wellbeing programme, including Mental Health first‑aiders
- Resources to support the wellbeing and success of our students
We strive to achieve a diverse workforce, fully representative of our society and ethnic makeup. We are keen to attract applicants from a diverse pool of candidates and are determined to be a fully inclusive employer and a great place to work for all staff, regardless of heritage or background. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Salary: L15 – £77,209 to L19 – £84,769. Full time – Required: September 2026 (Part‑time will be considered for the right candidate).
School Improvement Lead - English employer: Shirley High School Performing Arts College
Contact Detail:
Shirley High School Performing Arts College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Improvement Lead - English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t underestimate the power of personal connections when it comes to landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school’s ethos, recent achievements, and challenges they face. We want to show them that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you’ve inspired others. We need to demonstrate that you’re not just about results, but also about empowering your team to achieve excellence together.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward for you.
We think you need these skills to ace School Improvement Lead - English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of School Improvement Lead - English. We want to see how you can drive excellence and inspire others, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership skills!
Showcase Your Impact: We love seeing evidence of your past successes! Include specific examples of how you've improved outcomes in previous roles. Whether it’s raising standards or leading curriculum innovation, let us know how you’ve made a difference.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about English and dedicated to improving student outcomes. Share your vision and what motivates you to apply for this role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shirley High School Performing Arts College
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest educational research and Ofsted framework related to English. Prepare to discuss how you would implement evidence-informed strategies to improve outcomes, as this will show your commitment to excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated teaching staff in previous roles. Highlight your experience as a mentor or coach, and explain how you empower others to achieve high-quality instruction.
✨Demonstrate Your Impact
Prepare to discuss your track record of raising standards and achieving exceptional results. Use data and anecdotes to illustrate how your leadership has made a difference in student outcomes across various school settings.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for English
Convey your enthusiasm for the subject and your dedication to improving GCSE and post-16 outcomes. Share your vision for curriculum innovation and how you plan to champion a culture of ambition within the team.