Head of English

Job Purpose - To provide strategic leadership and management of the English Department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement. The Head of English will inspire and develop staff, promote a love for English among students, and contribute to the broader school improvement agenda. Key Responsibilities 1. Leadership and Management - Develop and implement a vision for the English Department in line with the school’s ethos and strategic goals. - Lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the English curriculum across all key stages. - Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture, promoting professional development and shared best practices. - Conduct performance appraisals for department staff, offering constructive feedback and setting measurable objectives. - Oversee the recruitment, induction, and mentoring of new staff in the English Department. - Manage department budgets and resources effectively to ensure high-quality teaching and learning. 2. Teaching and Learning - Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment within the English Department. - Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching through lesson observations, work scrutiny, and analysis of student outcomes. - Promote innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies that cater to diverse student needs. - Support teachers in developing schemes of work, lesson plans, and resources that are engaging and challenging. - Lead by example, maintaining an excellent teaching practice and contributing to the department’s teaching load. 3. Student Outcomes - Set ambitious targets for student progress and achievement in English. - Track and analyze student performance data to identify trends and address underachievement. - Design and implement intervention strategies to support students at risk of falling behind. - Promote the development of literacy skills across the curriculum and foster a love for reading and writing. 4. Curriculum Development - Keep up to date with developments in English education, including curriculum changes and new pedagogical approaches. - Lead curriculum reviews to ensure content remains relevant, inclusive, and engaging. - Integrate the use of technology and digital tools into the teaching and learning of English. - Coordinate extracurricular activities, such as book clubs, writing competitions, and theatre trips. 5. Whole-School Contribution - Work closely with SLT to align department goals with school-wide priorities. - Participate actively in staff meetings, school improvement planning, and professional learning communities. - Contribute to whole-school initiatives, such as literacy drives, assemblies, and parental engagement events. - Uphold and model the school’s values, policies, and safeguarding standards. Qualifications - A degree in English or a related field. - Evidence of further professional development (desirable). - Proven experience as an English teacher, with a track record of high student outcomes. - Leadership or management experience within a department or team (desirable). - Experience in developing and delivering an engaging English curriculum across key stages. - Strong leadership and organizational skills. - Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. - Passion for English literature, language, and education. - Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. - Willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school through extracurricular activities.