Head of School, English

Head of School, English

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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South Essex College Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage English provision, ensuring learners achieve their full potential.
  • Company: Join South Essex Colleges Group, a dynamic and ambitious educational institution.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, free breakfast, and a generous pension contribution.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Must have a teaching qualification and degree in English or related subject.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced manager in English to lead and manage our cross college English provision at South Essex Colleges Group. This role will be responsible for the 16-19 study programme provision and will work in conjunction with the Head of School Maths, reporting to the Executive Director of Curriculum Innovation. We are looking for a motivated and suitably qualified individual to join our experienced team. This is an exciting time for South Essex Colleges Group as we have recently agreed our ambitious strategic plan for the next four years and are working to grow and develop the curriculum across the College Group.

Key Responsibilities

  • The post holder will ensure the needs of our learners come first and that every learner will be provided with opportunities to achieve their full potential within a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment.
  • You will be required to deliver high quality learning and teaching ensuring that you are maintaining standards expected by the College, awarding and professional bodies, industry, stakeholders and learners.
  • You are expected to develop appropriate teaching techniques and materials which enable all learners to achieve their full potential and take account of educational initiatives.
  • This role is based across all of our sites at Southend City College, Thurrock College and Basildon College.

Qualifications and Experience

  • A recognised teaching qualification (PGSE / CertEd / DTLLS or DeT).
  • Hold a degree in English Literature, English Language, or combined, or a closely related subject.
  • Proven senior management experience of a varied curriculum offer in a large, diverse education provider, particularly within GCSE English.
  • Successful outstanding teaching practice.
  • Proven experience of curriculum leadership & development.
  • Be highly motivated and enthusiastic about their subject area and outcomes for learners.
  • A good understanding of the current national developments in English practice.
  • A clearly demonstrated commitment to professional development.
  • A clearly demonstrated commitment to collaborative working.

Benefits

  • Holiday – 35 days holiday plus Bank holidays and College closure days.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Free Parking Permit (subject to obtaining a parking permit).
  • Pension – 28.68% college contribution.
  • Continued Professional Development.
  • Free breakfast at most campuses (term time only).
  • Various other benefits are available, such as subsidised eye tests, contribution to flu injections, access to gyms, cycle to work schemes, RAC discounts and more depending on campus.

ONLY APPLICATIONS MADE VIA OUR COLLEGE E-RECRUIT WEBSITE WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Latest Application Date: 09-Mar-2026

Location: All Campuses

Head of School, English employer: South Essex College Group

South Essex Colleges Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a commitment to professional development, generous benefits including 35 days of holiday, and a focus on delivering high-quality education, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact across multiple campuses in Southend, Thurrock, and Basildon. Join us in shaping the future of English education and empowering learners to achieve their full potential.
South Essex College Group

Contact Detail:

South Essex College Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of School, English

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at South Essex Colleges Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the college's strategic plan and current initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to our ambitious goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your teaching techniques! Since this role is all about delivering high-quality learning, consider doing mock sessions or workshops to refine your approach before the interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our college e-recruit website! It’s the only way we’ll consider your application, so make sure you follow the process to the letter.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of School, English

Leadership Skills
Curriculum Development
Teaching Qualification (PGSE / CertEd / DTLLS or DeT)
Degree in English Literature or English Language
Senior Management Experience
Outstanding Teaching Practice
Knowledge of National Developments in English
Commitment to Professional Development
Collaborative Working
Motivation and Enthusiasm for Subject Area
Ability to Develop Teaching Techniques and Materials
Understanding of Learner Needs
Ability to Maintain Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of School, English role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing English programmes and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our ambitious strategic plan!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for English education and how you can contribute to our learners' success. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to professional development and collaborative working.

Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy: In your application, share your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with our values at South Essex Colleges Group. We’re looking for someone who prioritises learner needs and creates a supportive environment, so let us know how you do that!

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, only applications made via our college e-recruit website will be considered. So, make sure you submit your application there to ensure it gets into our hands. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at South Essex College Group

✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the current national developments in English practice. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum at South Essex Colleges Group and be ready to discuss how you can enhance it. This shows your commitment and understanding of what’s expected.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your previous management experience, especially in curriculum leadership and development. Be ready to discuss how you’ve motivated teams and improved teaching practices in your past roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the English provision effectively.

✨Engage with Learner-Centric Approaches

Highlight your strategies for ensuring that learners come first. Discuss how you’ve created supportive environments that enable students to achieve their full potential. This aligns perfectly with the college's mission and will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Be Enthusiastic and Collaborative

Express your passion for English and your commitment to professional development. Share experiences where you’ve worked collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. This will show that you’re not just a great teacher but also a team player who fits into their culture.

Head of School, English
South Essex College Group
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