Principal Teacher of Literacy

ThirtySomethingFashion; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Aberdeen City is seeking a Faculty Head of Whole School Literacy. This role involves leading the strategic direction and improvement of literacy across the school, supporting staff, and collaborating with the community. The ideal candidate will hold an appropriate teaching qualification, be registered with GTC (Scotland), and possess skills in curriculum development and teaching. This permanent, full-time position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on student literacy.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead curriculum development and quality assurance.
• PVG membership for regulated work with children required.
• Ability to assess, record and report on pupils' progress.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a whole‑school literacy strategy.
• Provide pedagogical leadership in literacy teaching.
• Work in collaboration with classroom teachers and support staff.

Skills

Strategic direction

Curriculum development

Organisational skills

Teaching skills

Assessment and reporting

Education

Appropriate teaching qualification

Full GTC (Scotland) registration

Job description

Job Description

Before applying for this job, read the Applicant Guidance by clicking on the link and the Job Profile attached.

Location

Harlaw Academy

Duration

Permanent, Full Time – 35 hours

Job Purpose

The Faculty Head of Whole School Literacy will lead the strategic direction, coordination and improvement of literacy across the school. The postholder will work closely with staff, pupils, parents and feeder primary schools to raise standards of literacy and ensure every student has the skills necessary to succeed across the curriculum.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Planning: Lead the development and implementation of a whole‑school literacy strategy aligned with the school's improvement plan and national priorities; collaborate with school leadership to set targets for literacy improvement and ensure consistency in literacy practices across departments; use data effectively to monitor, review and evaluate the impact of literacy initiatives.
• Teaching and Learning: Provide pedagogical leadership in literacy teaching, supporting staff in all departments to integrate literacy into their subject areas; develop and deliver CPD sessions for staff focused on literacy teaching strategies, ensuring differentiation for students with diverse learning needs; promote active reading and literacy development across the school, including initiatives to encourage reading for pleasure.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work in partnership with faculty heads, classroom teachers and support staff to embed literacy skills into all areas of the curriculum; establish and maintain strong links with feeder primary schools; engage with parents and the wider community to promote literacy as a key part of students' development and life‑long learning.
• Data and Assessment: Implement and oversee consistent literacy assessment practices across the school; lead the analysis of literacy data, identifying areas for improvement and informing targeted interventions for students requiring additional support; report on progress to school leadership.
• Professional Development: Keep abreast of the latest research and developments in literacy education, ensuring these inform teaching practices and initiatives at Harlaw Academy; support staff in their professional learning related to literacy, offering coaching and advice as required.
• Transition and Liaison with Primary Schools: Foster strong collaboration with primary schools in the area to align literacy standards and ensure continuity in pupils' literacy experiences as they move to secondary education; share best practices and collaborate on cross‑sector literacy projects that benefit both primary and secondary learners.

Requirements

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:

• Appropriate teaching qualification
• Full GTC (Scotland) registration in relevant subject
• PVG membership for regulated work with children and/or protected adults, or willingness to obtain before formal offer

Expected Skills and Attributes

• Ability to provide strategic direction and guidance to colleagues
• Ability to lead curriculum development and quality assurance
• Ability to teach the full curriculum in the relevant subject (or at least one subject area) and develop the curriculum
• Ability to prioritise work in assigned areas of responsibility
• Organisational skills and ability to manage and organise classes through planning and preparing for teaching and learning
• Ability to assess, record and report on pupils' progress to inform teaching and learning approaches
• Ability to prepare pupils for examinations and qualifications
• Contribution to good order and wider needs of the school
• Contribution to school and council planning and improvement processes
• Maintenance and development of knowledge and skills and support of professional development of colleagues

Equal Opportunities

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk about flexible working and offer it for most roles.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and require a reasonable adjustment, please contact us.

Armed Forces

We are a forces‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant and a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

Applicants who meet the minimum criteria and who have a disability, are care‑experienced aged 16‑29, or meet other specified criteria, may be eligible.

Contact

For more information, see the Job Profile.