Head of English

International Schools Partnership; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

International Schools Partnership is seeking a Head of English to lead and manage the English department, delivering a high-quality and inclusive curriculum. This pivotal role involves enhancing student engagement in English language and literature, with a focus on supporting diverse learners. The successful candidate will possess significant leadership skills and relevant qualifications to ensure academic excellence across all levels.

Qualifications

• Proven experience teaching English in an international or multicultural school setting.
• Successful experience in middle or senior leadership roles within a school context.
• Deep understanding of English curriculum standards (e.g., IGCSE/IB/A Level).

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and development of the English curriculum.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning resulting in excellent academic outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English or Education

Advanced teaching qualification

Job description

Description

Purpose of Role

The Head of English is responsible for leading and managing the English department to deliver a high-quality, innovative, and inclusive curriculum that supports outstanding progress and achievement for all students. This includes oversight of curriculum planning, teaching and learning, assessment, staff development, and ensuring alignment with the Tenby and ISP educational values.

The Head of English ensures that students at all levels are engaged, challenged, and supported in their learning of English language and literature, and that they are equipped with the literacy skills necessary to thrive academically across the curriculum.

This role also involves collaboration with EAL, SEND and Pastoral Teams, ensuring appropriate support is in place for students with diverse learning needs and promoting high standards of literacy across the school.

The Head of English reports directly to the Senior Leadership Team.

ISP Principles

• Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do.
• Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another and promote well-being and inclusion.
• Operate effectively. We focus on what makes the most difference to learning.
• Are financially responsible. We make decisions based on the best use of resources for our learners.
• Learn continuously. We seek improvement at every opportunity.

ISP Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibility 1: Strategic Leadership of the English Department

• Lead the strategic direction and development of the English curriculum, including KS3, IGCSE, and A Level.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning that result in excellent academic outcomes and student engagement.
• Oversee department planning, schemes of work, assessment design, and moderation to ensure consistency and progression.
• Promote a culture of reading, writing, speaking, and listening across the school.
• Ensure alignment with Tenby’s values and ISP’s educational objectives.

Key Responsibility 2: Curriculum Development and Innovation

• Review and refine the English curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners in an international context.
• Incorporate 21st-century skills, global perspectives, and cultural diversity into curriculum content.
• Lead the department in implementing effective differentiation and inclusive practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum delivery through data analysis, student voice, and lesson observation.

Key Responsibility 3: Assessment, Progress and Student Achievement

• Oversee robust systems for tracking student progress and using data to inform intervention and curriculum planning.
• Lead standardisation and moderation practices to ensure accurate and fair assessment.
• Analyse trends in student attainment and develop strategies for improvement.
• Support students with targeted interventions, including those needing stretch and challenge or additional support.

Key Responsibility 4: Departmental Management and Staff Development

• Line manage the English teaching team, supporting their performance, wellbeing, and professional development.
• Deliver and coordinate training, coaching, and collaborative planning to enhance teaching practice.
• Lead regular department meetings and contribute to whole-school CPD initiatives.
• Support early career teachers, trainees, and new staff with induction and ongoing mentorship.

Key Responsibility 5: Whole-School Literacy and Cross-Curricular Collaboration

• Lead whole-school literacy initiatives and support colleagues to embed literacy in all subjects.
• Collaborate with Heads of Department to ensure consistency of language and communication strategies across the curriculum.
• Support whole-school priorities around oracy, extended writing, and comprehension.
• Provide guidance to tutors and Year Leaders on supporting reading and academic writing.

Key Responsibility 6: Engagement with Parents, Community, and External Bodies

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding curriculum, progress, and ways to support learning at home.
• Organise events such as reading weeks, literature celebrations, public speaking competitions, and parent workshops.
• Liaise with exam boards and external organisations as needed to ensure compliance and enrichment opportunities.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Education or a related field (required); advanced teaching qualification or leadership training (desirable).
• Proven experience teaching English in an international or multicultural school setting.
• Successful experience in middle or senior leadership roles within a school context.
• Deep understanding of English curriculum standards (e.g. IGCSE/IB/A Level) and literacy development.
• Skilled in using assessment and data to drive student progress and inform teaching.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, with a collaborative mindset.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date is11^th July 2025but interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as interviews may be arranged before the deadline.

Candidates are invited to apply via the ISP Career portal and attach a comprehensive CV with a recent passport-size photograph and contact details of three referees from the latest employers (one of whom must be your current Head of School).

We follow safe recruitment practices which are aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and successful references.

(Please check your Junk Folder for emails and add tenby.edu.my to your safe senders list. Only applicants short-listed for an interview will be notified.)