At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students across KS3–KS5.
- Company: A high-achieving secondary school in Bexley, part of a respected multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, TLR, £1,500 allowance, CPD opportunities, and focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression and modern facilities.
- Why this job: Shape an engaging curriculum and make a real impact on student literacy and achievement.
- Qualifications: QTS, relevant English degree, and experience in teaching and leadership.
A high-achieving and forward-thinking secondary school in the Bexley area is seeking to appoint an ambitious and experienced Head of English. This is an exciting opportunity for a current middle leader or an outstanding English Teacher ready to step into leadership, overseeing a successful department and driving excellence across KS3–KS5. You will play a key role in shaping a broad, engaging, and ambitious English curriculum, ensuring students develop strong literacy skills, critical thinking, and a genuine love for reading and language.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the English department across KS3–KS5
- Deliver high-quality English teaching and model outstanding practice
- Drive student progress, attainment, and curriculum development
- Monitor teaching standards and support staff development
- Line manage and mentor members of the English team
- Contribute to whole-school improvement and strategic planning
Why Apply?
- This school is part of a well-established and highly respected multi-academy trust, offering excellent support and long-term career progression.
- Strong academic performance and a clear focus on improvement
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team
- A culture of high expectations, consistency, and strong behaviour systems
- Access to a wide professional network across multiple schools
- High-quality CPD and leadership development opportunities
- Modern facilities and a well-resourced English department
- A strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance
The school prides itself on fostering a culture where teachers are supported to excel, with clear systems in place while still allowing subject specialists the autonomy to deliver engaging and innovative lessons.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Holds QTS and a relevant English degree
- Experience teaching English across KS3–KS5
- Proven leadership experience or readiness to step into a leadership role
- Strong understanding of curriculum development and assessment
- Evidence of raising attainment and improving outcomes
- A passion for literacy and student achievement
- Ability to inspire, lead, and develop a team
Safeguarding Statement: The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Apply Now: If you are an ambitious English specialist ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your most up-to-date CV for immediate consideration.
We also offer a referral scheme — if you know a suitable candidate for this role and we successfully place them, you will receive £100 in Amazon vouchers as a thank you.
Head Of English employer: Strategy Education
Contact Detail:
Strategy Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of English.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can drive student progress and curriculum development. Have specific examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and how you've improved outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for literacy and teaching! During your interview, share your favourite books or innovative lesson ideas that have inspired your students. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to support you throughout the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of English role. Highlight your leadership experience and any curriculum development you've been involved in, as this will show us you're ready for the challenge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for English and education. Share specific examples of how you've driven student progress and improved outcomes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, let us know your vision for the English department. How would you shape the curriculum? What innovative teaching methods would you implement? We want to see your ambition and creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strategy Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English curriculum across KS3–KS5. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and enhance it, as well as share examples of how you've successfully driven student progress in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience or how you plan to step into a leadership role. Think of specific instances where you’ve mentored others or led a team to success, and be ready to explain your approach to managing and developing staff.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Literacy
Express your genuine love for reading and language during the interview. Share your ideas on how to inspire students and foster a culture of literacy within the school, as this will resonate with their focus on student achievement.
✨Engage with the School’s Vision
Research the school and its multi-academy trust thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially regarding whole-school improvement and strategic planning.