Assistant Principal - English Specialism

Teach Now; Watford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Teach Now in Watford, Hertfordshire is seeking an Assistant Principal with a Specialism in English to lead an eight-teacher English department and contribute to whole-school improvement alongside the Head Teacher. Combining strategic leadership with GCSE and A-Level teaching, you will develop curriculum and assessment, strengthen examination preparation and use progress data to target support.

A key focus will be coaching trainee and early-career teachers.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status or an accepted equivalent.
• Substantial experience teaching GCSE and A-Level English.
• Experience leading middle or senior leadership in a secondary school.
• Experience coaching teachers, including trainees or early-career colleagues.
• Evidence of improving attainment through assessment and targeted intervention.
• Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the English department's strategy, curriculum and assessment.
• Teach GCSE and A-Level English, modelling effective practice.
• Coach and develop eight English teachers.
• Strengthen examination preparation and coordinate targeted student support.
• Work directly with the Head Teacher on whole-school improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Curriculum development

Assessment

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Position: Assistant Principal with a Specialism in English

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent Work

Start Date: 04/01/2027

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire

Salary: £35,602 (M1) - £54,328 (UPS3) per annum, London Fringe pay scale

Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday (term time only)

About the Role

A secondary school in Watford is seeking an Assistant Principal with a Specialism in English to lead an eight-teacher department and contribute to whole-school improvement alongside the Head Teacher.

Combining strategic leadership with GCSE and A-Level teaching, you will develop curriculum and assessment, strengthen examination preparation and use progress data to target support. A key focus will be coaching a team largely made up of trainee and early-career teachers.

This opportunity suits an experienced English leader ready for broader responsibility, with the subject expertise and supportive leadership skills to improve teaching, build colleagues confidence and raise student achievement.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status or an accepted equivalent
• Substantial experience teaching GCSE and A-Level English
• Successful middle or senior leadership experience in a secondary school
• Experience coaching teachers, including trainees or early-career colleagues
• Evidence of improving attainment through assessment and targeted intervention
• Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check and required safeguarding checks

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the English departments strategy, curriculum and assessment
• Teach GCSE and A-Level English, modelling effective practice
• Coach and develop eight English teachers
• Strengthen examination preparation and coordinate targeted student support
• Work directly with the Head Teacher on whole-school improvement

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Combine strong English expertise with thoughtful, collaborative leadership
• Set high expectations for teaching, behaviour and achievement
• Provide supportive coaching, constructive challenge and clear accountability
• Use assessment information confidently to guide decisions
• Communicate clearly and build positive working relationships

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance