Lead Practitioner

The Leigh Academy; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teacher Pension

Virtual GP Service

MAT network

LAT benefits

Job summary

The Leigh Academy Hugh Christie are seeking a Lead Practitioner - English to join from January 2027. You will lead and shape a vibrant English department, driving excellence in teaching and learning in a dynamic, forward-thinking academy within the Leigh Academies Trust.

You will design and deliver an ambitious English curriculum, mentor practitioners, and collaborate across the MAT to set new benchmarks for excellence in English education.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an English department or equivalent
• Ability to design and deliver high-quality English curriculum
• Proven track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes
• Strong collaboration and mentorship skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the English department at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie
• Design and deliver a high-quality English curriculum aligned to standards
• Inspire, develop and mentor a team of English practitioners
• Drive excellence in teaching and learning across the faculty
• Collaborate within the Leigh Academies Trust MAT network to share best practice

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Mentoring

English teaching

Job description

Leadership Scale (England & Wales) + Teacher Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.
Are you an inspiring and ambitious English specialist ready to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact? Leigh Academy Hugh Christie is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Lead Practitioner - English to join our thriving academy from January 2027. At Leigh Academy Hugh Christie, we are more than just a school; we are a rapidly transforming community where high expectations, creativity and collaboration sit at the heart of everything we do. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a vibrant English department at a pivotal stage in our development. As Lead Practitioner, you will drive excellence in teaching and learning, inspire a team of committed practitioners, and ensure our curriculum is ambitious, coherent and grounded in strong subject expertise. What makes Leigh Academy Hugh Christie a special place to work:

• Strategic Leadership: Autonomy to design and deliver a high-quality English curriculum, inspiring students through creative expression, critical analysis, and a deep exploration of literature and language.
• Professional Growth: Access to bespoke leadership development within the Leigh Academies Trust, collaborating with expert advisors to set new benchmarks for excellence.
• Team Empowerment: Lead and mentor a talented team of educators, fostering a culture of collaborative inquiry, mutual respect, and shared ambition.
• World-Class Facilities: Teach in a state-of-the-art environment featuring modern facilities and dedicated digital suites.
• Student-Centred Mission: Join a team dedicated to empowering the next generation of critical thinkers to understand and influence the world through evidence-based discovery.

If you are ready to join a department with energy, integrity and ambition - and help shape the future of English education within a flourishing academy - we would love to hear from you.