Deputy Head of English

Full time, permanent contract, MPS/UPS, TLR 2B, start date 1st September 2026

Main purpose of the role

• Support the Head of English in leading the department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and achievement across Key Stages 3 and 4.
• Lead the planning and delivery of an engaging and ambitious English curriculum, with a particular focus on GCSE English Language and Literature.
• Line-manage and mentor early-career and KS3/KS4 teachers, promoting professional development and sharing of best practice.
• Drive improvements in student progress, attainment, and behaviour for learning.
• Champion inclusion, effective differentiation, and robust exam preparation strategies.
• Support curriculum development, assessment, and data tracking to inform teaching and raise standards.
• Contribute to, and where appropriate, lead on literacy intervention and whole-school literacy strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the department’s curriculum across KS3 and KS4.
• Use data effectively to monitor student progress, identify underachievement, and implement intervention strategies.
• Support the Head of Department with departmental self-evaluation and development planning.
• Line-manage and support allocated staff, including NQTs, ECTs, and subject teachers, ensuring high-quality teaching.
• Deliver consistently high-quality classroom teaching of English Language and Literature, modelling excellent practice.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom climate, with high expectations for all students.
• Lead or contribute to literacy intervention and whole-school literacy initiatives as required.
• Participate in and lead, where appropriate, departmental meetings, CPD, and school events.
• Uphold and promote the school’s values, policies, and safeguarding procedures at all times.

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).

The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts, as part of their application.

 The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children."