Head of Department English

Elementa Support Services; England; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational recruitment partner in Gloucester is seeking a dedicated Head of Department English to lead a dynamic team. This permanent role offers a competitive salary package and excellent professional development opportunities. The ideal candidate will have extensive teaching experience and a passion for fostering a supportive learning environment. The school is known for its commitment to high-quality education and mental health support for students.

Benefits

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional development opportunities

Access to staff clubs and discounts

Onsite parking

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Proven experience in secondary school teaching, particularly in English.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and effective management skills.
• Experience with curriculum development and innovative teaching methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the English department and ensure high-quality curriculum delivery.
• Mentor and support junior teachers and staff within the department.
• Liaise with pastoral services to enhance student support.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum development

Leadership

Pastoral care

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree in English or related field

Job description

Overview

Head of Department English – Location: Gloucester – Hours: Full-Time – Type: Permanent (temp to perm) – Start date: 01/01/2026 – Pay: £62,202 - £65,285

Our client is a very successful secondary school, delivering high-quality teaching & learning to students across Key Stages 3 - 5. Elementa are supporting the school to recruit an outstanding and inspiring Head of Department English.

You'll be working at this large secondary school which has a 6th form and over 1500 pupils on roll. The Sixth Form has nearly 350 students with KS5 students taking ownership of their own learning and ultimately progressing into diverse next stages. Overall, the school has a fantastic offering for all of their students, whether academically gifted, receiving Pupil Premium funding or having a special need or disability. Pastoral care has long been a key strength of this school and they pride themselves on pastoral care. There has been a great investment in Student Support Services who provide additional support for students with mental health issues and therefore there is frequent liaison with external agencies. Overall, this is a very well-run school with an excellent overall offering. Many teachers and other education professionals seek out working here as the offerings and outcomes for students are so positive. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a role that offers a rewarding and high-performing education environment.

The English department at this school comprises a large team and offers a broad and enhanced curriculum which allows for a challenging and creative approach for curriculum delivery. A student-centered approach to providing upbeat and joyful English lessons, supported by external trips have meant a traditional high-standard of curriculum delivery over many years.

This is a permanent role and a standard recruitment process will be followed; to include an observed teaching lesson, panel interview and school show around. The school may engage the successful candidate on a trial contract basis (60 paid days) however will more likely elect to offer a permanent contract from the outset.

Benefits (if employed permanently)

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (including death in service benefit)
• A commitment to enabling your professional development
• Access to staff after school clubs, including, football & running
• Five free Microsoft Office licences to use on personal devices at home
• Access to education discount at UK Apple stores
• Free access to Azure Dev tools (helpful to those with home labs)
• Free access to the Headspace mindfulness app to support your wellbeing
• Family-friendly policies
• Free onsite parking
• Contact and support from a dedicated candidate manager

Elementa will be managing all applicants and screening their suitability for the school. Elementa are not a supply agency, we are a schools services & recruiting partner to schools. We will manage the candidate vetting & compliance and process your payroll on behalf of the school whilst on trial contract. Therefore applicants being considered for the role after pre-screening may be required to complete the registration process for Elementa. This includes full vetting & background checks and application for a DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20) unless you have a current DBS subscribed to the update service.

Elementa Candidate Commitments

• Weekly pay no waiting for monthly payroll cut off dates, Elementa pays one week in lieu.
• PAYE contract unless a candidate specifically requests it, all candidates are paid via PAYE giving them the protections and payment structure of a traditional employer:employee relationship.
• Training & Support a broad range of free or heavily discounted training available including Safeguarding, Behaviour, Team Teach, SEND, Makaton and Thrive.
• Regular welfare contact and support from a dedicated candidate manager.
• Fair pay policy our candidates are paid to scale, where a variation on this may be required written agreement will be provided ahead of the position.
• Additional services to support our staff we have a network of partners who offer support services to our candidates tax returns, accountancy, legal and more.

This role is not open to applicants not currently residing in the UK or requiring employer sponsorship to be able to take up employment in the UK.

This role is not suited for the following applicants:

• ECT
• without previous UK & UK curriculum teaching experience
• not currently in the UK and unable to interview in person
• requiring employer sponsorship for RTW in the UK

For more information click apply now below or contact us via phone or email. If you have the relevant skills and experience necessary for this role then please apply with your full up to date CV. All applicants will be promptly responded to.