Head of Secondary School English

Happy Life Education Foundation Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Happy Life Education Foundation Limited is seeking a visionary Head of English Department to lead the English curriculum from Lower Secondary to IBDP, and to champion high standards of teaching and learning. You will design and review schemes of work, align with Cambridge and IB standards, monitor assessments, and manage departmental staff and budget.

Strong leadership, outstanding communication, and a track record of improving student outcomes in international settings are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English or related field.
• Qualified teacher with PGCE, QTS, B.Ed. or equivalent.
• 5+ years of secondary English teaching experience.
• Experience teaching Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level and IB DP English.
• Leadership experience in a secondary school (e.g., Head of Department).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the English Department.
• Lead curriculum development across year groups.
• Oversee schemes of work, resources, and assessments.
• Analyse student performance data and drive improvement.
• Lead professional development and line manage staff.
• Report to the Secondary School Principal and maintain communication with parents.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Curriculum design

English literature

Assessment & data

Staff coaching

Stakeholder comms

Education

Bachelor's in English

Teaching qualification (PGCE/QTS)

Master's degree desirable

Job description

We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and highly effective leader for the role of Head of English Department. The successful candidate will be an outstanding teacher and a passionate advocate for the subject, responsible for the overall leadership, management, and development of the English curriculum from Lower Secondary through to IGCSE, AS/A Level, and IBDP. This role is crucial for driving academic excellence, fostering a love of literature and language, and ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning across the department.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Curriculum Development:

Provide dynamic and strategic direction for the English Department, aligning departmental goals with the whole-school vision and mission.

Lead the design, review, and implementation of a cohesive, rigorous, and engaging English curriculum across all year groups, ensuring alignment with Cambridge and IB standards.

Oversee the development and evaluation of schemes of work, teaching resources, and assessment instruments to ensure consistency and high expectations.

Stay abreast of educational developments, curriculum changes, and best practices in English teaching to ensure the department remains at the forefront of excellence.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment:

Champion outstanding teaching and learning practices within the department.

Conduct regular and supportive lesson observations, provide constructive feedback, and coach teachers to improve their practice.

Lead the development and standardisation of formative and summative assessment strategies across the department.

Oversee the analysis of student performance data (internal and external exam results) to identify trends, inform interventions, and drive improvement.

Ensure accurate and rigorous assessment and reporting processes.

Professional Development & Line Management:

Lead, manage, and performance-manage departmental staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture.

Identify the professional development needs of department members and organise or deliver targeted training, workshops, and mentoring.

Chair regular, effective departmental meetings with clear agendas and outcomes.

Manage the departmental budget, resources, and teaching allocations.

Communication & Reporting:

Act as the primary point of contact and a knowledgeable representative for the English Department.

Maintain clear, consistent, and proactive communication with parents regarding curriculum, student progress, and departmental initiatives (e.g., through newsletters, information evenings).

Report directly to the Secondary School Principal on all departmental matters, including student achievement, staff development, and strategic progress.

Promote a whole-school culture of literacy and a passion for English language and literature.

Lead and oversee a rich program of extracurricular activities, such as debating, drama productions, book clubs, writing competitions, and author visits.

Actively promote the value and importance of the English subject group to students, parents, and the wider school community.

Requirements:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree in English or a closely related field (a Master's degree is highly desirable).

A recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, B.Ed., or equivalent).

A minimum of 5 years of successful and relevant secondary English teaching experience.

Proven experience teaching Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level and/or IBDP English.

At least 2 years of demonstrated leadership experience within a secondary school (e.g., Key Stage Coordinator, Head of Year, or similar departmental leadership role).

Essential Skills and Competencies:

An outstanding classroom practitioner with a deep knowledge of English literature and pedagogy.

Exemplary verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire students, staff, and parents.

Strong leadership, team-building, and line-management skills.

Excellent organisational, administrative, and data analysis capabilities.

A strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into effective practice.

A commitment to continuous professional development, both for oneself and for the team.

Preferred Attributes:

Experience in an international school setting.

Experience with curriculum development and review processes.

A proven track record of improving student outcomes and raising academic standards.