At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic English department and drive curriculum improvement for student success.
- Company: A forward-thinking academy focused on character, community, and high expectations.
- Benefits: Leadership role with professional development, supportive team, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of English education and inspire students to achieve their best.
- Qualifications: Proven classroom experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for teaching.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 € per year.
We are seeking an ambitious, inspirational Curriculum Leader of English to lead a committed team and drive rapid improvement in curriculum, teaching and outcomes. This is a pivotal role at a school that places character, high expectations and community at the heart of everything we do. As an academy on a strong improvement journey, we believe outcomes in English are crucial to the life chances of our students and want to support you in delivering the best results possible.
About the Role
As Curriculum Leader English, you will shape the strategic direction of the department across Key Stages 3 and 4, implementing a knowledge rich, well‑sequenced curriculum that enables every student to achieve highly. You will lead on curriculum, assessment, teaching quality and the professional development of your team, modelling excellent practice and securing consistently strong classroom delivery. You will also play a central role in championing reading, writing and oracy across the school, ensuring that literacy is a powerful driver of equity and aspiration for all students. The English department is already one of the strongest in the academy, and you will build on this foundation to secure exceptional outcomes at GCSE. The opportunity to lead whole‑school literacy will be available for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Curriculum design and development.
- Quality assurance and teaching standards.
- Assessment, data analysis and intervention.
- Line management and professional development.
- Championing reading, writing and oracy across the school.
- Securing strong outcomes at GCSE.
Professional Development & Leadership
Each week, you and your team will have a timetabled co‑preparation slot for co‑planning, scripting and CPD to support rapid improvement across the department.
Our English Department
The English Department is a hardworking, collaborative team with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for students. We teach a curriculum that values:
- Rich, challenging texts.
- Excellent expositions from subject experts.
- Explicit instruction of Tier 2 vocabulary.
- Precise writing instruction based on the Hochman method.
- Oracy and structured talk.
- Rigorous assessment and responsive teaching.
What We Offer
- A leadership role with genuine scope to shape the future of English.
- A supportive senior leadership team including English specialists.
- Access to trust‑wide training, networks and expertise.
- Opportunities for career progression within a large national trust.
- A culture that values staff wellbeing, collaboration and professional growth.
Who We Are Looking For
- An excellent classroom practitioner with a strong track record of impact.
- Passionate about curriculum, pedagogy and subject knowledge.
- Skilled at developing others and building strong teams.
- Committed to inclusion and high expectations for every student.
- Motivated by school improvement and the challenge of raising standards.
- Able to inspire confidence, trust and ambition in staff and students.
About the School
We are a school that places character, community and high expectations at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we are building a culture where staff and students can flourish. As part of Oasis Community Learning, you will benefit from trust‑wide curriculum networks, high‑quality professional development, leadership coaching and support, opportunities to collaborate with national and regional leaders, and an ethos rooted in inclusion, equity and community transformation.
Curriculum Leader for English/Head of English in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Join a dynamic and supportive school environment where you can truly make a difference as the Curriculum Leader for English. With a strong focus on character, community, and high expectations, we offer extensive professional development opportunities, a collaborative culture, and the chance to lead a committed team in driving exceptional outcomes for our students. As part of Oasis Community Learning, you'll have access to trust-wide resources and networks that empower you to shape the future of English education while prioritising staff wellbeing and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curriculum Leader for English/Head of English in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. Ask about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your passion for curriculum and pedagogy. Think of specific examples from your past roles where you’ve driven improvement in teaching and outcomes. We want to see that fire in your belly during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk! Be ready to demonstrate your teaching style or share a mini-lesson during the interview. This is your chance to show how you can inspire students and lead your team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Curriculum Leader for English/Head of English in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for English shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and improved outcomes in your previous roles. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of young learners.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Curriculum Leader, you'll be guiding a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed others, fostered collaboration, and driven improvements in teaching and learning. We love seeing candidates who can inspire confidence in their teams!
Be Specific About Your Achievements:Use data and concrete examples to illustrate your impact in previous positions. Whether it's improving GCSE results or implementing a new curriculum, we want to know how you've made a tangible difference. Numbers and success stories speak volumes!
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our community-focused school!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum design and development aspects of the role. Familiarise yourself with the key texts and teaching methods mentioned in the job description, like the Hochman method. This will show your passion for curriculum and pedagogy during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved teaching standards in your previous roles. Highlight your experience in professional development and how you’ve built strong teams. This is crucial as the role involves line management and developing others.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Be ready to discuss how you’ve championed inclusion and high expectations for every student. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented to ensure equity in literacy and how you’ve inspired confidence in both staff and students.
✨Engage with the School’s Vision
Research the school’s ethos and values, particularly around character and community. Be prepared to articulate how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their improvement journey. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.
