Head of Department - English

Teaching Personnel; Braintree; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading secondary school in Braintree is seeking an experienced Head of Department for English, beginning in September 2025. The role involves managing a talented department, ensuring high standards in teaching and learning, and fostering a supportive school culture focused on creativity and student engagement. Candidates should be ambitious English teachers with a proven track record and leadership capabilities.

Benefits

Supportive school culture with high expectations

Well-resourced English department

Opportunities for leadership development

Commitment to staff wellbeing

Vibrant enrichment programme

Qualifications

• Qualified English teacher with QTS and a strong track record of success.
• Experience leading or contributing to departmental improvement.
• Excellent subject knowledge to inspire staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the English department to ensure high standards of teaching.
• Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, and staff development.
• Foster a culture of excellence in English across key stages.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Strategic thinking

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Head of Department - English
Location: Braintree, Essex
Salary: Competitive (TLR available, dependent on experience) + Teachers' Pension Scheme
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2025

Inspire, Lead, and Transform - Take the Lead as Head of Department for English in a Thriving Secondary School

Are you an experienced and ambitious English teacher ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have the passion and vision to lead a successful department and drive outstanding outcomes in English across all key stages?

Our client, a high-achieving mixed secondary school for students aged 11-18 in Braintree, Essex, is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Head of Department - English to join their leadership team from September 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a talented department within a school that values creativity, critical thinking, and a love of literature and language.

About the Role:
As Head of Department - English, you will lead and manage the department to ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and achievement. You will oversee curriculum planning, assessment, staff development, and enrichment opportunities, helping to foster a culture of excellence in English across KS3, KS4, and potentially KS5.

You will play a key role in shaping the future of English education at the school and be part of a forward-thinking leadership team committed to driving continuous improvement.

What Our Client Offers:

• A supportive and ambitious school culture with a focus on high expectations

• A strong and well-resourced English department

• Opportunities for leadership development and further progression

• Enthusiastic and engaged students with a passion for learning

• A commitment to staff wellbeing and professional growth

• A vibrant enrichment programme including debating, creative writing, and theatre trips

What They're Looking For:

• A qualified English teacher with QTS and a strong track record of success

• Experience of leading or contributing to departmental improvement

• Excellent subject knowledge and the ability to inspire both staff and students

• A strategic thinker with strong communication, organisation, and leadership skills

• A commitment to inclusive education and closing the attainment gap

If you're ready to lead a core subject in a supportive and forward-thinking school community, we would love to hear from you.

To Apply:
Please send your CV to