At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: High-performing secondary school in Tower Hamlets with a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a collaborative working environment.
- Other info: Convenient transport links and motivated students ready to learn.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student outcomes and drive improvements across all key stages.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in English leadership roles.
Location: Tower Hamlets
Start date: September 2026
Smart Teachers is working in partnership with a high-performing secondary school in Tower Hamlets to recruit an exceptional Interim Head of English for a September start. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced English leader or an ambitious second-in-department looking to step into a whole-department leadership role. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team of English specialists, drive high standards of teaching and learning, and play a key role in improving outcomes across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
The Role
- Lead and manage the English department, ensuring outstanding teaching and learning.
- Monitor and evaluate curriculum delivery, assessment and student progress.
- Support, coach and develop teaching staff within the department.
- Drive improvements in attainment and progress across all key stages.
- Contribute to whole-school improvement priorities and strategic planning.
- Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion and academic excellence.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Proven experience teaching English across KS3 and KS4, with KS5 experience desirable.
- Experience in a leadership or middle leadership role within an English department.
- A strong track record of improving student outcomes.
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
- The ability to inspire both students and colleagues.
The School Offers
- A supportive and ambitious leadership team.
- Well-behaved, motivated students.
- Excellent professional development opportunities.
- A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
- Convenient transport links across East London.
How to Apply
To be considered for this opportunity, please apply via Smart Teachers with an up-to-date CV. Interviews will be arranged as suitable applications are received, and early applications are encouraged.
Smart Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your suitability for the position.
For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please call Daniel Uwaifo.
Head of English employer: Smart Teachers
Smart Teachers is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and ambitious leadership team that fosters professional growth and development. Located in Tower Hamlets, the school provides a collaborative and inclusive working environment, with well-behaved, motivated students and convenient transport links across East London, making it an ideal place for educators to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
