Lead Practitioner of English

Castleford Academy; Castleford; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Castleford Academy is seeking an enthusiastic Lead Practitioner of English to join a successful department from January 2027. You will inspire and guide colleagues, drive reading and literacy improvements, and contribute to the academy’s strategic aims under Castleford Trust.

You will lead, develop and support staff to raise standards, collaborate with senior leaders on literacy initiatives, and help deliver the academy vision.

Qualifications

• Experience leading English or literacy initiatives in a secondary school.
• Ability to inspire teachers and develop staff.
• Committed to improving outcomes for pupils.

Responsibilities

• Lead English department reading and literacy improvements.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to drive literacy strategy.
• Support staff development and teaching initiatives.

Skills

Literacy leadership

Team development

Reading instruction

Job description

Castleford Academy is a high-performing, over-subscribed 11-16 school with a strong academic record and a commitment to excellence. We invest in our staff through tailored professional development, well-being support, and opportunities for career progression.

With outcomes consistently above national averages, our success is driven by dedicated staff, hardworking pupils, and supportive families. Join a team that works together to achieve excellence and make a real difference in the Castleford community.

The academy is part of Castleford Trust. Leaders challenge and support all stakeholders to achieve outstanding outcomes for all pupils across the Trust. We value and develop our staff by attracting and retaining high quality teachers and support staff, supporting them to achieve their best and create opportunities for professional growth and development.

Lead Practitioner of English

To start- January 2027

Leadership Scale 5-8 (£59,137- £63,688)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic, motivated and able Lead Practitioner to join our successful English department.

You will be:

• An outstanding practitioner who can inspire, guide and advise on best practice across the Academy, specifically in regard to reading and literacy.
• Dedicated to promoting and improving the levels of literacy and reading, both within and beyond the English department.
• An excellent English practitioner, who can work collaboratively with the senior leader responsible for literacy, to achieve improvements in literacy and reading across the Academy.
• Able to contribute to the overall strategic direction and delivery of the Academy’s aims and objectives by providing advice, challenge, insights and experience that will be beneficial to the activity and development of the organisation.
• Able to lead, direct, motivate and develop staff to ensure continuous improvements in the quality of literacy and reading.

You will be:

• An outstanding practitioner.
• Inspirational, dedicated and motivated.
• Passionate about English and the education of young people.
• Committed to Castleford Academy vision and values.
• Committed to achieving the best for every pupil.
• Committed to inspiring pupils and staff in the development of teaching initiatives and strategies, promoting literacy and reading across the academy.
• Able to provide an active contribution to the wider part of academy life.
• As part of our team at Castleford Trust, you will have access to a comprehensive package of wellbeing support designed exclusively for schools, providing access to a team of in-house wellbeing experts, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists.

Equal Opportunities: Castleford Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. Castleford Trust welcomes applications from anyone who meets the criteria for the role.