Head of English

Overview

• Job Ref No. ECC5415-290S
• Position Type: Head of Department/Faculty
• Pay Range: 42,908 - 61,000
• Position Start Date: 01/09/2026
• Contract Type: Full-time
• Contract Term: Permanent
• Application Close: 26/02/2026 Midnight
• Date of Interviews: w/c 9th March 2026

At King Harold Academy, leaders have high expectations for both the curriculum and pupils' behaviour. Pupils are happy and feel safe. They have positive attitudes to their learning, and are respectful of each other. Ofsted, July 2022.

King Harold Academy is a school with a clear and ambitious vision: to become one of the kindest, hardest-working, highest-achieving schools in the UK. We are a superb community school with incredible students, supportive parents and talented, committed staff members. KHA is a genuinely lovely working environment. We have the privilege of teaching polite, friendly and ambitious children who enjoy coming to school and love seeing their teachers and peers each day. Visitors often comment on the positive, happy energy our staff and pupils exude.

The successful candidate will relish the opportunity to work alongside our staff members, and feel welcomed and valued in their role. Here are some examples of what current English teachers say about working here:

• A supportive, inspiring, and motivated team. Ms Harris, Lead Practitioner.
• An incredibly strong department who look out for and work together as a team. Everyone always helps each other out. Ms Scibetta, Second in English.
• Weekly department time is invaluable, giving us the chance as a team to get into the minutiae of what we're trying to achieve. Mr Saunders, Director of English and Reading.

Our expectations of pupils and staff at King Harold are extremely high - because we care about getting the very best for children. We live by a clear set of values that drive everything we do:

• Kindness
• Hard Work
• Ambition

These values shape all aspects of the work we do: the curriculum we teach, our behaviour policy, our teaching framework, our enrichment programme, our approach to teacher wellbeing, our interactions with parents and students - everything we do.

As a Head of English, you will join our wonderful English Department. We’re rapidly developing a culture that enables our pupils to flourish academically and personally, and can secure their best futures: the best universities and apprenticeships; the best jobs; the best career paths; the best experiences. Come and join us on this mission!

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Kind, Hard-Working and Ambitious
• A passion for teaching English;
• Experience of teaching KS3 and KS4 English, with a proven track record of success.
• Proven leadership experience with demonstrable impact on pupil outcomes.
• The highest aspirations and expectations for all students, yourself and our school;

King Harold Academy also benefits from being part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT). As an employee of TKAT you will benefit from:

• A wide variety of opportunities for professional development, including the potential to develop your career at more than one TKAT academy;
• Opportunities to work flexibly, where possible;
• Our support for your wellbeing at work;
• The rewards of working to improve the life chances of our pupils.

Application packs can be downloaded from our website www.kha-tkat.org. Completed application forms should be sent or emailed to Mrs Campbell at michaela.campbell@kha-tkat.org. If you would like to arrange an informal conversation with the Headteacher prior to application, please contact Mrs Campbell. Please note that CVs will not be accepted unless accompanied by a fully completed application form.

Health and Safety: King Harold follows the TKAT, Essex and Government guidelines in order to protect students, staff and visitors to the school.

Safeguarding: TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full Safer Recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. TKAT is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of any protected characteristic for example race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit. This includes applications from individuals wishing to work full time, part time or on a flexible basis.

Closing date: Thursday 26th February 2026

Interviews: w/c Monday 9th March 2026

King Harold Academy is committed to the protection and safety of its students and the successful candidate will be subject to DBS, Barred List and two reference checks as part of the School's Safeguarding Procedures. The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post in accordance with the Immigration Act 2016.

Information about the School: King Harold is a vibrant 11-16 mixed comprehensive school where each student is valued. The school is part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), whose aims are to raise achievement and establish best teaching practices as an “Accredited Schools Group”. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.