Head of English

KPI EDUCATION; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic secondary school in London is seeking a Head of English to provide strategic leadership for the English department. The ideal candidate will have a clear vision for educational excellence, strong subject expertise, and a commitment to fostering a culture of high expectations. This role offers the opportunity to impact student achievement and experience significantly, within a supportive and innovative environment.

Benefits

Supportive leadership team

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Outstanding English teacher with a clear vision for excellence.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a team of practitioners.
• Strong communication skills and commitment to raising achievement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the English department.
• Lead curriculum design and development.
• Use data to drive achievement and close gaps.
• Deliver exceptional classroom practice.
• Mentor and develop colleagues through coaching.

Skills

Leadership in education

Curriculum design and development

Data analysis for achievement

Mentoring and coaching

Effective communication skills

Job description

Head of English

Location: London
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: January (or earliest availability)

Are you an ambitious and visionary English specialist ready to lead a high-performing department in one of London’s most dynamic secondary schools?

This wonderful school is seeking an exceptional Head of English to shape the strategic direction of the faculty, drive outstanding outcomes, and inspire a culture where literature, language, and critical thinking flourish.

The school is proud of its diverse community, its strong behaviour culture, and its commitment to delivering an academically rigorous curriculum that encourages curiosity, independence, and high aspiration. With English at the heart of the school’s academic identity, this role offers a rare opportunity for an experienced leader—or an outstanding practitioner seeking progression to make a profound impact on student experience and achievement.

As Head of English, you will lead a large, enthusiastic team of teachers dedicated to ensuring every learner is challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed. You will have the autonomy to develop a knowledge-rich curriculum, craft forward-thinking pedagogical approaches, and cultivate a departmental culture built on collaboration, ambition, and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the English department, ensuring consistently high-quality teaching across KS3–KS5.
• Lead curriculum design, sequencing and development that reflects academic ambition and cultural breadth.
• Use data intelligently to drive achievement, close gaps, and secure strong progress for all groups of students.
• Deliver and model exceptional classroom practice, championing high expectations and intellectual challenge.
• Mentor and develop colleagues through coaching, CPD and supportive quality assurance. Oversee English Literature and English Language GCSE and A-Level provision, ensuring outstanding results.
• Enrich the school experience through literacy initiatives, reading programmes, competitions, trips, and cultural events.
• Contribute to whole-school strategy as part of the extended leadership team.

The School Offers

• A highly supportive leadership team committed to staff development and professional growth.
• A collaborative English department with a strong reputation for innovation, creativity and academic rigour.
• Students who are motivated, respectful, and eager to embrace challenge.
• Outstanding professional development opportunities including leadership coaching and external training.
• A diverse and vibrant school community where literature and the arts are highly valued.
• Modern facilities, excellent resources, and strong support for curriculum enhancement.

Who they’re Looking For

• An outstanding English teacher with a clear vision for excellence in English education.
• A leader who can inspire, motivate and support a passionate team of practitioners.
• Someone with exceptional subject expertise, strong communication skills, and a commitment to raising achievement.
• A reflective, strategic thinker with the ability to drive improvement and lead change with integrity.

Applications are warmly welcomed from candidates committed to academic excellence and the transformative power of English.

If you’re ready to lead one of the school’s most influential departments and shape the future of young people across London, we encourage you to apply.