Head Of Department – English

Head of English – Full-Time Temp-to-Perm

Start Date: January
Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm | Secondary

At Engage Education, we’re recruiting for an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming, ambitious and supportive secondary school as Head of English. This role would be ideal for an experienced English teacher ready to take the next step into departmental leadership, or an existing Head of English looking for a new challenge.

The successful candidate will be passionate about English, committed to raising standards and able to inspire both students and staff to achieve their full potential.

About the Role

As Head of English, you will take responsibility for the leadership and development of the English department, ensuring that students receive a high-quality, engaging and ambitious curriculum.

The school places a strong emphasis on high expectations, positive relationships and student wellbeing, creating an environment where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.

You will be joining a committed staffing team and will play a key role in driving continued improvement across the English department.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the English department, providing clear direction and high expectations
• Teaching English across KS3 and KS4, with the ability to teach GCSE English Language and Literature
• Developing and reviewing an ambitious, well-sequenced English curriculum
• Creating and embedding effective schemes of work and high-quality teaching resources
• Monitoring teaching, learning and student progress across the department
• Using assessment data to identify gaps in learning and implement effective intervention strategies
• Supporting colleagues to develop their teaching practice and improve student outcomes
• Leading departmental meetings and contributing to whole-school improvement priorities
• Sharing best practice and developing a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
• Supporting and mentoring less experienced members of the department
• Ensuring consistently high expectations of behaviour, achievement and student engagement
• Contributing to the wider life and development of the school

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious English teacher who is ready to make a significant contribution to the school.

You will ideally have:

• QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification
• Strong experience teaching English at KS3 and KS4
• Excellent subject knowledge across English Language and Literature
• Experience of, or a strong desire to progress into, departmental leadership
• A demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality teaching and securing strong student progress
• The ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues effectively
• Experience developing or reviewing schemes of work and curriculum planning
• Strong understanding of assessment, progress tracking and targeted intervention
• Excellent classroom management skills and high expectations of student behaviour
• A passion for English and the ability to inspire students of different ages and abilities
• Strong communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
• A reflective and proactive approach to professional development
• The resilience, enthusiasm and creativity required to thrive in a busy secondary school environment

Most importantly, you will be someone who leads by example, builds positive relationships with staff and students, and is committed to creating an English department where everyone is encouraged to achieve their best.

About the School

The school is a diverse and inclusive secondary school with high aspirations for its students. It is committed to providing a broad and balanced education while developing young people who are confident, respectful and prepared for their future.

Staff benefit from a supportive and collaborative environment, where professional development and staff wellbeing are valued. The school has a strong focus on positive relationships and creating a culture where students feel supported while being held to high academic and behavioural expectations.

As Head of English, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact on the direction and success of the department, working alongside a dedicated leadership and teaching team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious English teacher to take the next step in their career, with the role offered on a full-time temp-to-perm basis, providing the potential for a permanent position within the school.

About Us

We are Engage Education, the most trusted education recruitment agency, with professional development and support at our core.

• Get paid in line with national scales (AWR compliant)
• Free CPD sessions
• Your own dedicated consultant
• Receive a £50 Amazon voucher when you refer friends!
• Wellbeing support, travel discounts and retail offers from our partners

How to Apply

You can apply for this role below or get in touch with us directly.

All applicants require the appropriate qualifications, and all teachers require a formally recognised teaching qualification.

Unfortunately, if you are not contacted within 2 working days, you have been unsuccessful for this role.

All candidates must have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting work. Full assistance will be provided throughout the process.

By applying for this role, you are consenting to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details in our fully encrypted database, in line with GDPR requirements.