At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: Join a high-performing secondary school in Tower Hamlets with a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Professional development, motivated students, and convenient transport links across East London.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for ambitious educators looking to step into leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student outcomes and drive improvements in teaching and learning.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in English leadership or middle 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.
Apply via this website with an up-to-date CV and contact details. For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please call Daniel Uwaifo.
Head of English in London 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.
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We think this is how you could land Head of English in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of English in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Smart Teachers, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Teachers
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Smart Teachers might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Smart Teachers.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
