At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the English & Media Faculty to enhance teaching and learning.
- Company: Join Whickham School, a high-performing community-focused institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, professional development, and modern facilities.
- Why this job: Shape literacy for 1,700 pupils while leading a talented team of 15 specialists.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in secondary education with leadership skills.
- Other info: Access to coaching, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead and inspire the English & Media Faculty, driving continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Work alongside a Deputy Faculty Leader, 2 Assistant Faculty Leaders and a Lead Practitioner to deliver an outstanding curriculum. Champion our school values whilst supporting whole-school improvement priorities. Ensure every student achieves their potential in English.
Responsibilities
- Model excellence - demonstrate what outstanding English teaching looks like across KS3-KS5
- Develop others - coach and mentor colleagues using evidence-based approaches, building leadership capacity across your team
- Drive innovation - ensure our English and Media curriculum is dynamic, relevant and accessible, developing excellent English and literacy skills in every pupil
- Shape practice - plan and deliver regular subject-specific CPD that supports excellent teaching
- Lead strategically - use the Whickham Learning Model & evidence based teaching strategies to ensure consistency and quality across the faculty
- Make it real - work with engaged pupils in a school where behaviour is strong and aspiration is high
Qualifications
Essential:
- Qualified Teacher Status and a degree in English or related subject
- Successful secondary teaching experience with evidence of excellent student progress and outcomes
- Leadership experience (formal or informal) with a commitment to continued growth
- The ability to teach confidently across KS3-KS5
- Strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment and data analysis
- A passion for developing others and seeing them succeed
- Evidence-based practice grounded in research and reflection
Desirable:
- Experience leading a team or department
- Experience of examination marking
- Understanding of collaborative planning approaches
- Track record of improving departmental performance
Your personal qualities:
- You understand that great teaching is built on relationships, high expectations, and relentless focus on progress
- You’re reflective, solution-focused and committed to continuous improvement
- You can inspire and motivate both students and staff
- You’re committed to upholding our school values and creating an inclusive learning environment
Why join us
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join Whickham School and lead our thriving English & Media Faculty. This is your opportunity to shape the literacy and learning of 1,700 pupils while working with a talented team of 15 English specialists. We are a high-performing school (Progress 8 of +0.26 in 2024 and 85% achieving grade 4+ in English in 2025). We are a community that values all of our stakeholders, recognising that our staff make the difference for our pupils.
What we offer
Work-life balance and planning time:
- Reduced teaching hours to support planning and professional development
- Dedicated collaborative planning time - at least one hour every fortnight for each teacher to meet with their subject team to discuss upcoming learning episodes
- Flexible approach to work-life balance considerations
- Access to fitness facilities outside school hours
Growth and leadership:
- Join our established Faculty Leadership Group to shape whole-school practice
- Meaningful leadership development opportunities, including an annual opportunity to be seconded to the Leadership Team as an Associate Assistant Headteacher
- Evidence-based CPD that makes a real difference to your practice
- Coaching and mentoring support to help you thrive
- Access to a range of internal leadership programmes and external qualifications
Practical benefits:
- Salary sacrifice schemes including bicycle and electric vehicle leasing
- Higher priority for your children's admission to our heavily oversubscribed school
- Modern facilities with the latest display technology in every classroom
- Supportive, collaborative staff community
Faculty Leader - English in Gateshead employer: Whickham School
Contact Detail:
Whickham School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Faculty Leader - English in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Whickham School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Faculty Leader.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your leadership style. We want to see how you inspire and motivate others, so come armed with examples of how you've developed colleagues and driven improvement in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for English and media! Bring along some innovative ideas for curriculum development that align with the school's values. We love seeing candidates who are not just about teaching but also about making learning dynamic and engaging.
✨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 looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Faculty Leader - English in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for English: When writing your application, let your love for English shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and improved their learning. We want to see your enthusiasm for the subject and how it translates into your teaching.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Make sure to showcase any leadership roles you've had, whether formal or informal. Talk about how you've developed others and driven improvements in your previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can lead our team effectively!
Be Evidence-Based: Since we value evidence-based practice, include examples of how you've used data to inform your teaching and curriculum development. This will show us that you’re reflective and committed to continuous improvement, which is key for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to match our job description. Use the same language and focus on the qualities we’re looking for. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whickham School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English and Media curriculum, especially how it aligns with the school’s values. Be ready to discuss innovative teaching strategies and how you can drive continuous improvement in student outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored colleagues in the past. Highlight your commitment to developing others and how you’ve used evidence-based approaches to enhance teaching practices.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Teaching
Be prepared to share your personal teaching philosophy and how you build relationships with students. Show that you understand the importance of high expectations and a relentless focus on progress in the classroom.
✨Engage with Evidence-Based Practices
Familiarise yourself with the Whickham Learning Model and be ready to discuss how you would implement evidence-based teaching strategies. This will show your commitment to consistency and quality across the faculty.