Head of English

Aston Education; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational organization in Southeastern London seeks a Head of English to lead a strong department in a well-regarded secondary school. The ideal candidate will have QTS/QTLS and considerable experience in secondary education, promoting high standards in teaching and fostering a positive learning environment. This full-time, permanent position offers competitive salary starting at £40,317 plus additional benefits including professional development opportunities and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Teachers' pension

Free parking

Professional development programme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work Schemes

Season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Must be able to teach English to all key stages.
• Experience working in a secondary education setting is essential.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the English department and ensure quality of education.
• Set challenges for all abilities across key stages.
• Promote extracurricular activities to enhance student learning.

Skills

Leadership skills

Understanding of language and literature

Compassionate leadership

Ability to promote positive school culture

Experience in Gifted & Talented initiatives

SEN strategies

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Job: Head of English

School: Secondary Academy, Lewisham, Southeast London

Start date: January / April 2026

Annual Salary: MPS/UPS Inner London £40,317 - £62,496 + TLR

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Aston Education is working with an Ofsted Good 11-18 oversubscribed secondary school in Lewisham, Southeast London (inner London), looking for a permanent Head of English to lead a strong English department.

The School and the MAT offer:

• Excellent modern facilities
• An extensive support network
• Teachers' pension
• Free parking
• Excellent professional development programme
• Lifestyle and discount savings
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
• Headspace app
• Staff development - Secondment Opportunities
• Ride to Work and Cycle to Work Schemes
• Season ticket loans

The successful applicant with QTS/QTLS will have strategic oversight of KS3, KS4 and KS5 English and will be able to teach English to all key stages. You'll have an understanding of what makes excellent quality of education within English.

A strong understanding of language and literature and the ability to lead with compassion and structure are essential. You will promote a positive school culture and foster the development of well-rounded individuals.

Setting a level of challenge for all abilities across all key stages within lessons and through the thriving extracurricular activities already on offer will be important to you.

A keen interest and/or experience in Gifted & Talented, SEN, and Assessment for Learning initiatives is essential.

The school is part of a respected medium size multi academy trust, and their reputation is built on a tradition of high standards and academic excellence. They support every single student and staff member in reaching their full potential.

Closing date: As soon as possible

Applications: Please contact Tarja Aila at Aston Education to apply for this Head of English job.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.