Head of English

Silverdale School; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Silverdale School is seeking an outstanding and compassionate Head of English to lead the English department with a strategic and reflective approach. The role focuses on guiding language, literature and learning, inspiring teachers and shaping excellent teaching across the school.

The successful candidate will drive curriculum development, support professional growth and collaboratively contribute to whole-school improvement, fostering a culture built on trust and high expectations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a department or equivalent.
• Commitment to high expectations and professional accountability.
• Ability to develop evidence-informed teaching practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of English for the department and school.
• Develop a high-quality, ambitious curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
• Support professional growth within the department and contribute to whole-school improvement.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration and high expectations across staff and students.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

English language & literature

Evidence-informed teaching

Collaboration

Job description

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and compassionate Head of English who is passionate about the power of language, literature and learning. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and reflective leader to guide a successful department, inspire a love of English across the school and support colleagues to deliver consistently excellent teaching.

The successful candidate will lead the strategic direction of English at Silverdale, ensuring a high-quality, ambitious curriculum that enables all students to achieve and develop a lifelong appreciation of reading, writing and communication. They will work collaboratively with colleagues to develop evidence-informed teaching practice, support professional growth within the department and contribute to whole-school improvement.

As a middle leader at Silverdale, the post holder will play a key role in leading with compassion, integrity and clarity of purpose. Leadership here is rooted in the understanding that we lead people first, creating a culture built on trust, respect and high expectations. The role requires a consistent and honest approach to decision-making, underpinned by clear communication and professional accountability. The successful candidate will be innovative in their thinking, open to evidence-informed practice and willing to challenge existing approaches where this improves outcomes for students. Above all, they will be a visible and supportive leader who empowers others, models the school’s values and contributes positively to the wider leadership of the school.

The English department is central to the success of the school, and this role presents an opportunity to shape curriculum, pedagogy and enrichment in a way that ensures all students can flourish academically and personally. The successful candidate will be committed to fostering a culture of high expectations, strong relationships and a shared belief that every student can succeed.

Silverdale School is a highly successful and oversubscribed school, recently recognised as one of the top ten northern schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Student behaviour is excellent, and staff benefit from a positive, collegiate culture built on teamwork, professional trust and high expectations. Silverdale is a fantastic place to teach, grow and develop, where staff are supported to be the very best they can be and where teaching is truly valued.