Head of English

talent focus; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Focus Recruitment partners with a leading independent K–12 school in Northern Sydney to appoint an exceptional Head of English. You will lead curriculum development, teaching practice and assessment across a dynamic English Department, ensuring rigorous standards and inspiring pedagogy.

You will collaborate with the literacy and oracy teams to elevate reading, writing and communication across the school, while upholding high expectations and safeguarding student wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an English department at a secondary level.
• Strong knowledge of English curriculum, literature, language and writing.
• Ability to mentor teachers and develop capabilities across staff.
• Familiarity with NESA syllabus and HSC expectations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and professional leadership for the English Department.
• Lead curriculum development, resources, and learning experiences.
• Ensure curriculum, assessment and teaching meet NESA syllabus and HSC requirements.
• Coach and support English staff to drive professional growth and high standards.
• Collaborate with literacy and oracy initiatives to strengthen school-wide literacy skills.
• Oversee department budgets, resources and staffing priorities.

Skills

Exemplary English teacher

Curriculum leadership

Staff coaching

NESA syllabus

Education

NESA accreditation

NSW WWCC

Job description

Head of English | Independent K–12 School | Northern Sydney

An exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced English educator to shape curriculum, inspire a talented teaching team and drive academic excellence at a leading independent school in Northern Sydney. Talent Focus Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a highly regarded independent K–12 school in Northern Sydney to recruit an outstanding Head of English.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced, intellectually engaged English educator and middle leader to take responsibility for a dynamic English Department, delivering a rigorous and ambitious curriculum while fostering a collaborative professional culture focused on exceptional teaching and student achievement.

Set within a beautiful semi‑rural campus, the school offers a supportive, collegial environment where teachers are encouraged to develop professionally, contribute meaningfully to school life and inspire students to achieve their full potential.

The Opportunity As Head of English, you will provide educational and professional leadership across the Department, overseeing curriculum development, teaching practice, assessment, staff development and student outcomes.

You will promote high expectations in reading, writing, language, literature, analysis, interpretation and argument, ensuring students are challenged, supported and inspired throughout their secondary education.

Working collaboratively with the school’s Head of Literacy and Oracy Development, you will contribute to the development of reading, writing, speaking and reasoning skills across the wider school, while retaining responsibility for the English curriculum and Department performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear educational, strategic and professional leadership for the English Department, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and academic excellence.


• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of English curriculum programs, text selections, teaching resources and learning experiences.


• Ensure all curriculum, assessment and teaching practices meet relevant NESA syllabus and HSC requirements.


• Promote intellectually rigorous, explicit and engaging teaching of reading, writing, language, literature, analysis, interpretation and argument.


• Oversee assessment design, moderation, student feedback, reporting and the effective use of achievement data to inform teaching and improve student outcomes.


• Coach, mentor and support English teaching staff, encouraging reflective practice, professional growth and continuous improvement.


• Collaborate with the Head of Literacy and Oracy Development to strengthen literacy, communication and reasoning skills across the school.


• Manage departmental operations, budgets, resources and staffing priorities effectively.


• Develop and support curriculum enrichment opportunities, including author visits, theatre excursions, literary events and educational workshops.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished English educator who combines exceptional classroom teaching with strong curriculum knowledge, proven leadership capability and a genuine passion for literature, language and student achievement.

The successful applicant will demonstrate

• A strong track record as an exemplary Secondary English teacher, with the ability to lead, motivate and inspire a teaching team.


• Previous leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to undertake a Head of Department position.


• Comprehensive knowledge of English curriculum, literature, language, writing instruction and effective pedagogical practice.


• Strong understanding of NESA English syllabuses, assessment requirements and HSC expectations.


• Proven ability to lead curriculum development, implement improvements and maintain high academic standards.


• Confidence in analysing student writing, assessment results and achievement data to identify opportunities for improvement.


• Experience in coaching, mentoring, assessment moderation, constructive feedback and professional development.


• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.


• Sound professional judgement and a collaborative, proactive approach to leadership.


• A genuine commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, pastoral care and child safety.


• Current NESA teacher accreditation and a valid NSW Working with Children Check, or eligibility to obtain and maintain these requirements.

Why Consider This Opportunity

This is more than a departmental leadership position. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a school committed to educational excellence, evidence-informed teaching and the ongoing development of its staff.

You will benefit from

• Leadership development: Access to structured professional learning, coaching, mentoring and leadership development through the school’s dedicated professional excellence institute.


• Supportive school culture: Join a collegial K–12 environment where staff are valued and encouraged to contribute to the wider school community.


• Beautiful working environment: Enjoy a spacious, semi-rural campus in Northern Sydney.


• Work-life balance: No compulsory weekend sporting commitments for teaching staff.


• Wellbeing support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Passport and annual staff influenza vaccinations.


• Financial benefits: Salary sacrificing options.


• Convenience: Onsite staff parking.

Location

Northern Sydney, NSW

Located in a picturesque semi‑rural setting, the school provides a peaceful and welcoming learning environment while remaining accessible to Sydney’s northern suburbs and surrounding communities.