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- Tasks: Lead the English department and inspire students to excel in their studies.
- Company: Join Sutton Valence School, a historic institution with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy healthcare membership, fitness facilities, fee remission, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in diverse teaching methods required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a beautiful village setting.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint an outstanding teacher, leader and administrator as Head of English in the Senior School with responsibility for overseeing the continued development of the subject. The post is available from September 2026. The Head of Department is accountable for the progress of the pupils, the quality of the teaching within lessons, the behaviour, attainment and progress of pupils within lessons, and the reporting of pupils' progress to parents. The successful applicant will be able to teach a diverse range of techniques and processes. Applicants should have excellent organisational and time-management skills, and enjoy leading and working as part of a team, with an ability to provide effective guidance and support to all colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Accountable for the progress of pupils
- Quality of the teaching within lessons
- Behaviour, attainment and progress of pupils within lessons
- Reporting pupils' progress to parents
- Overseeing the development of the subject
Qualifications
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to lead and work as part of a team
- Ability to provide effective guidance and support to all colleagues
- Experience teaching a diverse range of techniques and processes
About Us
Sutton Valence School (SVS) has been inspiring pupils since 1576. Our greatest strength is our community. Staff, pupils and parents enjoy mutual respect and kinship that allows each individual to embark on a unique educational journey; a journey fuelled by self-confidence, hard work and high academic standards. It is a Co-Educational Day and Boarding School for ages two to 18 and a member of various organisations such as HMC, BSA, IAPS and ISBA. It is a School with a great heart that values individuality and ensures that every pupil enjoys their own, unique journey through formative years of their education. The Senior School is located in the beautiful traditional village of Sutton Valence in Kent. It currently has 560 pupils (11-18), with around 20% boarding either part or full time. The Prep School – just a few minutes' drive or a short walk down a lovely track – has around 260 students aged 2-11 between its three phases – Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep.
Benefits
- Benenden healthcare membership
- Fitness facilities
- Fee remission
- Free school meal
- Free parking
- EV scheme
- And more!
Closing date 28th January 2026
Application process
We welcome early applications, and we may interview candidates and appoint before the closing date. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and a declaration of medical fitness. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the School's Child Protection policy may be found on the website, which all applicants are expected to read prior to interview. Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.
Head of English - September 2026 employer: Sutton Valence School
Contact Detail:
Sutton Valence School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sutton Valence School. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership skills. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved teaching methods. We want to see how you can inspire others!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for English! Be ready to discuss innovative techniques you’ve used in the classroom. We love candidates who can bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic educators who fit our community vibe.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English: When writing your application, let your love for the subject shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and what innovative techniques you plan to bring to the role.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of English, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to showcase your leadership experience and how you've successfully guided colleagues in the past. We want to see how you can foster a collaborative environment!
Be Organised and Clear: Your application should reflect your excellent organisational skills. Keep it structured and concise, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance. A well-organised application speaks 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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sutton Valence School
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
As a Head of English, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject. Brush up on the latest teaching techniques and processes, and be ready to discuss how you can enhance the curriculum. Show them your passion for English and how you can inspire both pupils and colleagues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or department in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Progress Tracking
Since you'll be accountable for pupil progress, come prepared to talk about how you would monitor and report on this effectively. Share any systems or methods you've used previously to track attainment and behaviour, and how you communicate this to parents.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
With excellent organisational and time-management skills being a key requirement, think of ways to illustrate your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure that everything runs smoothly within your department.
