Head of Department - English

Canberra Grammar School; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Brisbane is seeking a passionate and strategic Head of English to lead the English curriculum for students from Year 7 to Year 12. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills, along with the ability to manage a team effectively. You will play a key role in ensuring excellence in literacy and learning while fostering a collaborative environment. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of generous benefits.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

13.5% superannuation

Professional development funding

Complimentary daily coffee

Access to health clinic

14 weeks of paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Passion for education and demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Ability to manage and develop staff effectively.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an English curriculum for Years 7 to 12.
• Lead a department focused on high-quality education.
• Drive student performance in key English curriculum areas.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Communication skills

Change management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant teaching qualifications

Job description

• We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Head of English
• Three-year leadership appointment with an ongoing teaching contract
• Lead and shape the future of literacy and learning at Canberra Grammar School
• Interstate applications welcome, relocation assistance provided

About the Role

English at CGS connects every student, every year. It encompasses a wide range of curriculum pathways — including the NSW HSC, the IB Diploma Programme, and the rapidly evolving Middle Years Programme (MYP). The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the implementation of MYP Language and Literature, ensuring a smooth and impactful alignment with Years 11 and 12, while building a cohesive 7–12 curriculum that reflects best practice in literacy development and a curious mindset.

The Head of English is an inspirational leader who can articulate a clear vision and drive innovative, dynamic approaches to the design and delivery of the English curriculum. At the Head of English, you will lead and manage a department that provides high-quality education to students from Year 7 to Year 12 and support their social and emotional well‑being through studying English. You will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Senior School’s key curriculum areas – IBMYP, IBDP and HSC. The Head of English drives student performance in these key areas to ensure excellence in every English classroom.

About You

You are dedicated, passionate and possess the following:

• Design, develop and maintain an English curriculum programme that meets the needs of all students in the School from Year 7 to Year 12
• The ability to implement initiatives, project delivery and change management
• A high degree of technical knowledge and a commitment to ongoing professional learning
• Ability to perform successfully with responsibility for the management and development of other staff
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to advise and liaise across all levels of an organisation and with parents and guardians
• The ability to work collaboratively with other members of staff and lead others
• Administrative and organisational skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to the full life of an Independent school and a willingness to engage in School activities out of regular hours.

All team members at CGS are required to have:

• A valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People Card
• A current National Police Check; and
• Full working rights within Australia.

Benefits for you

As a CGS team member, you have access to a range of additional benefits, including:

• A highly competitive salary and superannuation of 13.5% (for permanent team members)
• Staff awards program and generous professional development funding
• Attractive salary packaging arrangements
• Complimentary daily barista‑made coffee
• Delicious daily morning tea and discounted lunches
• Access to the onsite health clinic and annual influenza vaccinations
• 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave (for permanent team members)
• School fee concessions (for permanent team members)
• Onsite parking

Working at CGS

We aim to provide a vibrant and rewarding workplace that showcases your skills with a strong commitment to your professional learning. Working at Canberra Grammar School you will join a community committed to delivering the highest standard of education, inspiring students to achieve personal excellence within a warm and inclusive environment.

We are continuously growing our CGS community with people who are passionate and energetic in their profession and who place student learning and well‑being at the forefront of all they do.

How to Apply

Please refer to the position description below and click the ‘Apply’ button and submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description)
• Resume/CV

CGS is proud to be a School that takes child protection very seriously. All candidates for roles at Canberra Grammar School are subject to screening and assessment against child safety standards as part of our thorough recruitment process.

An early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.