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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic English department, inspiring creativity and critical thinking in students.
- Company: Join a progressive independent school known for its inclusive culture and student-centred philosophy.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent professional development, leadership opportunities, and a vibrant learning community.
- Why this job: Shape the curriculum, encourage innovation, and engage in a supportive environment focused on well-being.
- Qualifications: Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification with experience in Key Stages 3-5 English.
- Other info: Position starts in September 2025, located in beautiful Bracknell, Berkshire.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary English educator ready to lead with creativity, compassion, and academic ambition? An innovative and forward-thinking independent school is seeking a Head of English to lead its dynamic and creative English department from September 2025.
This progressive co-educational day school, located in a beautiful rural setting in Berkshire, blends academic rigour with a deeply student-centred philosophy. Known for its inclusive culture, commitment to well-being, and emphasis on inquiry-based learning, the school fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. With small class sizes, strong relationships between staff and students, and a commitment to cross-curricular collaboration, the school offers a unique environment for educators who value creativity, independence, and innovation in teaching.
The school is looking for an inspiring Head of English who can lead a department that values both literary excellence and the role of English as a tool for self-expression, empathy, and global understanding. You will oversee a curriculum that challenges and supports all learners—encouraging originality, independent thinking, and a deep engagement with texts from diverse voices.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic, compassionate leadership for the English department
- Deliver high-quality English teaching across Key Stages 3–5, including GCSE and A-Level
- Develop an inclusive, progressive curriculum that reflects contemporary literature and global perspectives
- Lead a team of enthusiastic teachers with a collaborative and developmental approach
- Encourage cross-disciplinary projects and connections between literature, media, history, and the arts
- Champion enrichment activities such as spoken word, creative writing festivals, and author workshops
- Contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school, including its pastoral and community ethos
Why This School?
- A vibrant, forward-thinking learning community where innovation is encouraged
- Freedom to shape the curriculum and explore contemporary approaches to English teaching
- A strong culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose among staff
- An emphasis on student voice, well-being, and real-world learning
- Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification (QTS/QTLS or equivalent)
- Have experience teaching English across Key Stages 3–5, with proven success at GCSE and A-Level
- Demonstrate inclusive leadership with an emphasis on creativity and critical pedagogy
- Be passionate about diverse literature, contemporary media, and student-led learning
- Have experience or a strong interest in holistic and inquiry-driven education
- Be ready to engage fully in the life of a school that values people over performance metrics
Start Date: September 2025
Location: Bracknell, Berkshire
If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead English education in a school that values creativity, voice, and intellectual curiosity, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV to express interest and we’ll be in touch.
Contact Detail:
Wayman Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of English
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to student-centred learning and inquiry-based education will help you align your vision for the English department with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members if possible. Engaging in conversations about the school's culture and expectations can provide valuable insights that you can incorporate into your leadership approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative teaching methods and how you would implement them in the English curriculum. Highlighting your experience with contemporary literature and diverse voices will demonstrate your fit for the role and your commitment to inclusivity.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for extracurricular activities related to English, such as creative writing festivals or spoken word events. This will illustrate your dedication to enriching the students' educational experience beyond the classroom.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the School's Philosophy: Familiarise yourself with the school's student-centred philosophy and commitment to well-being. Reflect this understanding in your application by highlighting how your teaching style aligns with their values.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to showcase your experience in teaching English across Key Stages 3-5, particularly your successes at GCSE and A-Level. Emphasise any leadership roles or innovative projects you've led in previous positions.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for diverse literature and contemporary media. Discuss your vision for the English department and how you plan to foster creativity and critical thinking among students.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Mention any experience you have in leading teams or collaborating on cross-disciplinary projects. This will demonstrate your ability to work within the school's culture of trust and shared purpose.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wayman Education
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for Head of English, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the department. Prepare to discuss how you would foster creativity and inclusivity in the curriculum, and be ready to share specific examples of innovative teaching methods you've implemented in the past.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Literature
Express your enthusiasm for diverse literature and contemporary media during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate various voices into the curriculum and engage students in meaningful discussions about texts that resonate with them.
✨Highlight Collaborative Leadership Skills
The school values a collaborative approach, so emphasise your experience in leading teams and fostering a supportive environment. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues to enhance teaching practices and promote cross-disciplinary projects.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Research the school's commitment to well-being and student voice. During the interview, connect your educational philosophy with their values, demonstrating how you would contribute to the wider life of the school and support its pastoral ethos.
