Head of English

OAKBANK SCHOOL; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Blue Light Card

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym discounts

Free eye tests

Car Benefit Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Oakbank School is seeking an ambitious Head of Department to lead the English team and drive high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils. You will shape curriculum strategy, support colleagues, and promote excellence across the department.

You will monitor progress, lead planning across KS3–KS5, and act as a role model for students while safeguarding and professional development remain priorities. The role sits within Greenshaw Learning Trust.

Qualifications

• A good Honours degree and QTS are required.
• Postgraduate studies and evidence of wider professional development are desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the English department to raise standards across KS3–KS5.
• Monitor progress, plan strategically, and ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
• Promote safeguarding, CPD, and effective department collaboration across the school.
• Model exemplary teaching, behaviour, and assessment practices to drive pupil outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to share best practice and drive school improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Staff development

Education

Honours degree

Qualified Teacher Status

Postgraduate studies

Job description

Lead Excellence in Your Subject Area

Exceptional departments are built by leaders who inspire others to achieve their very best.

At Oakbank School, we are seeking an ambitious and passionate Head of Department to lead our English team and drive high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the direction of your subject area, support and develop colleagues, and ensure that every pupil is challenged, engaged and inspired to succeed. You will play a key role in promoting excellence, innovation and continuous improvement across the department.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher and leader to shape the strategic direction of the department, support and develop colleagues, and foster a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.

As Head of Department, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring an engaging and ambitious curriculum is delivered effectively, enabling every pupil to achieve their full potential. You will work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across the school to raise standards, share best practice and contribute to the wider success of the school.

Main duties of the role include:

• To implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students and to support a designated curriculum area as appropriate.
• To monitor and support the overall progress and development of students as a teacher/tutor.
• To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to accelerate with their learning.

• To contribute to raising standards of student attainment across the school.
• To share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.
• To undertake a designated programme of planning and teaching across all key stages (KS3, 4 and 5) and to teach consistently high-quality lessons.
• To be a role model for students, inspiring them to be actively interested in your subject.
• To ensure the effective/efficient deployment of classroom support.
• To maintain discipline in accordance with the school procedures, and to encourage good practice with regard to punctuality, behaviour, standards of work and home learning.
• To lead, monitor and evaluate the assessment and feedback to students in line with whole school and department policy.

• To follow department monitoring and tracking systems relating to student’s attainment, progress and achievement.
• To mark, grade and give written/verbal and diagnostic feedback as required.
• To undertake assessment of students as requested by external examination bodies, curriculum areas and school procedures.
• To assess, record and report on the attendance, progress, development and attainment of students and to keep such records as are required.
• To update professional knowledge and expertise as appropriate to keep up to date with developments in teaching practice and methodology.
• To liaise with the relevant pastoral leaders to ensure the implementation of the Student Support system.
• To prioritise and manage time effectively, ensuring continued professional development in line with the role.

• To follow the school policies and procedures.
• To continue personal development in the relevant areas, including subject knowledge and teaching methods.
• To engage actively in the Performance Management process.
• To participate in whole school professional learning programmes.

• To take part in the staff development programme by participating in arrangements for further training and professional development.
• Be keenly aware of the responsibility for safeguarding children and to help in the application of the Safeguarding Policy within the school.
• Comply with the school’s Safeguarding Policy to ensure the welfare of children and young persons.

• Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people therefore this appointment will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS disclosure.

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and you may be required to undertake any other duties that may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not however substantially change the general character of the post.

We are looking for an individual who:

• A good Hons. Degree.
• Qualified Teacher Status.
• Willingness to undertake further CPD.
• Relevant postgraduate studies.
• Evidence of wider professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communicator - sensitive, compassionate and effective.
• Knowledge of strategies to inspire and improve outcomes for students.
• Outstanding organisational skills to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the role.
• Knowledge of strategies to recognise and reward efforts and achievements and the ability to encourage students to become self-reliant and independent learners.
• The ability to establish good working relationships with a wide range of people - students, colleagues and parents.
• A willingness to become involved in all aspects of school life.
• Committed to the safeguarding of children.

About

At Oakbank School, we have built our ethos on a strong set of core values which underpin everything that we do. Our aim is to give students at Oakbank School a better chance of success than if they attended any other school in the country.

Our mission

An ambitious school in which students are provided with exceptional opportunities that equip them with the skills, knowledge, and personal attributes to thrive in school, and beyond.

Our values

Our core values permeate all that we do. In our achievement-orientated culture, teaching and learning is our highest priority. We want our students to be healthy and have a great life. We are deeply committed to opening the hearts and minds of our future-focused young people.

Our core values are ‘work hard, be kind’.

Why Join Greenshaw Learning Trust?

At Greenshaw Learning Trust, collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do. As part of our family of schools, you'll benefit from shared expertise, high-quality professional development and opportunities to grow your career across the Trust.

We offer our staff:

• Professional development and career progression
• Generous pension scheme
• Blue Light Card
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Gym discounts
• Free eye tests
• Car Benefit Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Being part of a supportive and ambitious organisation

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3rd November 2026. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.