Head of English

GUARDIAN SELECTION LIMITED; Bromley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education recruitment agency introduces an exciting opportunity for a Head of English in Bromley. This role will involve leading a dedicated team, enriching the curriculum, and ensuring high standards in teaching and learning at a respected secondary school. Applicants should hold Qualified Teacher Status with a strong English background and experience in improving student outcomes. This position offers a full-time, permanent contract with a focus on leadership and academic success.

Qualifications

• Proven success teaching English at GCSE and ideally A-Level.
• Previous leadership experience demonstrating positive impact.
• Strong understanding of current curriculum reforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and direction to the English department.
• Develop a broad and inclusive curriculum across KS3–KS5.
• Set ambitious targets and implement strategies for student achievement.
• Recruit, mentor, and inspire teachers within the department.
• Oversee assessment procedures and ensure data accuracy.
• Manage departmental resources and learning environments.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Excellent Communication

Organizational Skills

Motivational Skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Strong academic background in English

Job description

• Role: Head of English
• Location: Bromley
• Start Date: January 2026
• End Date: Negotiable
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Contract Type: Permanent / Long-Term
• Pay Scale: Leadership 1-5 (Outer London) – depending on experience

Are you an ambitious English specialist with the drive to lead a department and raise standards in teaching and learning? If so, GSL Education are delighted to introduce a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and committed Head of English to join a high‑achieving secondary school in Bromley.

This forward‑thinking school places literacy and communication at the centre of academic success. The English department has a reputation for nurturing confident readers, writers, and speakers who can thrive in further study and beyond. The successful candidate will lead a skilled and passionate team to deliver a challenging yet enriching curriculum that inspires a love of literature and language.

As Head of English, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the department, securing excellent outcomes, and ensuring every student has access to high‑quality learning experiences. You will lead by example motivating staff, empowering students, and upholding high expectations. Core responsibilities include:

Key Responsibilities:

• Department Leadership: Provide clear vision and direction to the English department, ensuring high standards of teaching and continuous improvement.
• Curriculum Excellence: Develop and refine a broad, enriching, and inclusive English curriculum across KS3–KS5 that reflects national guidance and school goals.
• Raising Achievement: Set ambitious targets, track student progress effectively, and implement strategies to close gaps and maximise attainment for all learners.
• Staff Development: Recruit, mentor, and inspire teachers within the department promoting collaborative practice and exceptional classroom delivery.
• Assessment & Quality Assurance: Oversee assessment procedures, ensuring consistency in marking, reporting, and data accuracy to support informed decision‑making.
• Operational Oversight: Manage departmental resources, budgets, and learning environments to ensure they are innovative, well‑organised, and conducive to outstanding learning.
• Teaching & Modelling Best Practice: Maintain a strong classroom presence as an excellent practitioner, demonstrating exemplary teaching for colleagues to follow.
• Pastoral Contribution: Support the wider school community, including acting as a form tutor and contributing to the personal development and well‑being of students.

The successful Head of English will have:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a strong academic background in English or a related field.

Proven success teaching English at GCSE and ideally A-Level, securing strong outcomes for students.

Previous leadership or responsibility experience within a department, demonstrating positive impact.

Strong understanding of current curriculum reforms, assessment practices, and effective pedagogical approaches.

The ability to lead staff through change, motivate high performance, and build a cohesive, supportive team culture.

Excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to form positive professional relationships.

A genuine dedication to safeguarding, inclusion, and ensuring every student achieves their full potential.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check. As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools throughout London.