Head of English

E-ACT Crest Academy; Willesden; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension (LGPS/TPS)

Life cover 3x pensionable pay

31 days annual leave

Cycle to Work scheme

CPD opportunities

Job summary

E-ACT Crest Academy in London, Willesden, seeks an ambitious Head of English to lead the English department, drive outcomes, and foster a love of reading. You will develop staff, mentor colleagues, and champion literacy across the academy, supporting students to reach their full potential and thrive in a high-expectations environment.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on teaching quality improvement, curriculum planning, and data-informed decision making, within a committed

Qualifications

• QTS and degree in English or related subject
• Proven track record of strong English outcomes
• Experience leading or mentoring department
• Strong curriculum knowledge; capable of using data to drive improvement
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership; high expectations

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the English department across key stage
• Improve student progress through curriculum planning, assessment, and intervention
• Coach and support English team members
• Monitor teaching quality and student outcomes using data
• Promote literacy across the academy

Skills

QTS

Leadership experience

Curriculum knowledge

Data-driven

Communication skills

Education

QTS + English degree

Tools

Data analysis tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Head of English

Crest Academy is seeking an ambitious and inspirational Head of English to lead our thriving English department. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding teacher and leader to drive exceptional outcomes, encourage a love of reading and literacy, and ensure every student achieves their full potential. You will join a committed leadership team dedicated to delivering an exceptional education and supporting staff to flourish in their careers

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the English department, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across all key stage
• Drive improvements in student progress and attainment through effective curriculum planning, assessment, and intervention strategie
• Develop, coach, and support members of the English team, promoting professional growth and best practice
• Monitor the quality of teaching, learning, and student outcomes, using data to inform improvement actions.
• Champion literacy across the academy, fostering a culture of reading, writing, and effective communication.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree in English or a related subject
• Proven track record of delivering strong student outcomes in English
• Experience of leading, developing, or mentoring colleagues within a department
• Strong curriculum knowledge and the ability to use data effectively to drive improvement
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills, with a commitment to high expectations for all students.

E-ACT Crest Academy | Every student a leader

E-ACT Crest Academy is an inclusive, ambitious, and inspiring community where we are committed to Success in Everything We Do. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, achieve, and fulfil their potential, regardless of their starting point. Through high expectations, excellent teaching, and a strong culture of learning, we provide an environment in which students are supported and challenged to be the very best they can be. Our SPIRIT values are at the heart of academy life, shaping the way our students learn, behave, and contribute to our community. We celebrate our diversity and are proud to provide a welcoming environment where every student is valued, respected, and encouraged to succeed. At E-ACT Crest Academy, education goes beyond academic achievement. We are committed to developing confident, resilient, and responsible young people who are prepared for the next stage of their education and for life beyond the academy. E-ACT Crest Academy - Success in Everything We Do.

Make a difference: https://crestacademy.e-act.org.uk

Join us in Opening Minds, Opening Doors!

Are you ready to join a vibrant educational community where every child is empowered to flourish and every colleague is supported to thrive? At our academy, we are passionate about developing the whole child through a nurturing, inclusive, and ambitious culture. With a strong people-first ethos, we invest in our staff just as much as our pupils, recognising that great teaching starts with great support. If you're driven by purpose and want to make a lasting impact, we would love to welcome you.

What are we about?

We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and nationally, providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Most recently, E-ACT was named Large Trust MAT of the Year 2026 at the MAT Excellence Awards. Our achievements are further recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, as well as the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024.

E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour. In addition, Greenfields Academy has been designated as a RISE Reception Network Lead School. This is a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk

Benefits:

Financial and Lifestyle

• We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.

Professional Growth and Development

• We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.

Culture and Wellbeing

• Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.

Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.