Head of English (August 2026)

Sri Kdu International School; Klang City; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable international school in Klang City is seeking a dynamic Head of English to lead the Secondary English and EAL Departments. The role focuses on providing academic leadership, enhancing student achievement, and developing high-quality English programmes aligned with Cambridge International standards. Successful candidates will hold a relevant degree and teaching qualifications, alongside proven leadership experience that fosters an inclusive learning atmosphere and promotes literacy across the curriculum.

Qualifications

• Proven experience teaching English within the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Experience in a leadership role, with success in preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE.
• Strong subject knowledge and passion for English language and literature.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for Secondary English and EAL Departments.
• Model outstanding classroom practice and high standards of teaching.
• Lead the design and implementation of the English curriculum.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field

Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, PGDE)

Job description

Sri KDU International School Klang is looking to appoint an innovative and dynamic Head pof English to join our talented, energetic, and friendly school in Augist 2026. The school is an ambitious co‑ed Primary and Secondary school on a modern and spacious campus. We deliver the Cambridge Curriculum culminating in IGCSEs for our older learners at the age of 16. We are part of the XCL Education group of schools with 7 campuses across Malaysia.

Role Purpose

The Head of English is responsible for providing academic leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the Secondary English and Whole School EAL Departments. The role ensures outstanding teaching and learning aligned with international curriculum standards, promotes a strong culture of literacy across the school, and drives continuous improvement in student achievement and staff professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing review of the English curriculum in alignment with Cambridge International frameworks and assessment objectives.
• Ensure clear vertical and horizontal progression across all Key Stages.
• Keep the department informed of Cambridge syllabus updates, assessment changes, examiner reports, and best practice.
• Ensure schemes of work support academic rigour, skill development, and high expectations.

Teaching & Learning

• Model outstanding classroom practice and maintain high standards of teaching and learning.
• Ensure consistent application of effective teaching strategies, differentiation, and assessment for learning.
• Monitor student progress using assessment data to inform planning and intervention.
• Promote excellence in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking.

Secondary English Programmes

• Provide strategic leadership for all Secondary English programmes including Cambridge IGCSE English Language and English Literature, and Cambridge English Checkpoint examinations.
• Oversee long‑ and medium‑term planning for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 to ensure strong progression and readiness for examination demands.
• Ensure effective preparation for all IGCSE assessment components, including:
  • Reading and Writing papers
  • Directed Writing and Composition
  • Literature set texts and unseen analysis
  • Speaking and Listening endorsements (where applicable)
• Lead the selection, review, and implementation of Cambridge‑recommended texts and resources.
• Ensure accurate application of Cambridge marking criteria, assessment objectives, and grade boundaries in internal assessments.
• Coordinate mock examinations, controlled assessments (where relevant), and structured revision programmes.
• Analyse internal and IGCSE examination results and produce departmental action plans to improve outcomes.
• Support and mentor teachers in effective pedagogy, including exam technique, academic writing, textual analysis, and differentiation.
• Disseminate and act upon Cambridge examiner feedback and syllabus updates.
• Ensure full compliance with Cambridge assessment regulations and academic integrity requirements.
• Work closely with Senior Leadership and the Examinations Officer to ensure smooth delivery of IGCSE examinations.

Department Management

• Line manage and support English and EAL teachers through lesson observations, performance management, mentoring, and coaching.
• Lead departmental meetings, collaborative planning, moderation, and standardisation activities.
• Coordinate common assessments and ensure consistent marking practices.
• Manage departmental resources and budget effectively.
• Line manage the school Librarian.

Assessment & Reporting

• Oversee internal and external assessments, including public examinations.
• Ensure accurate assessment, grading, and timely reporting to parents and stakeholders.
• Lead moderation processes to ensure consistency and validity of assessment judgments.
• Use assessment data to inform improvement strategies and departmental planning.
• Foster a love of literature and language through enrichment activities such as reading programmes, writing competitions, debates, and literary events.
• Support learners of all abilities, including EAL students, SEND learners, and students with Exceptional Learning Potential.
• Promote positive behaviour, academic honesty, and learner wellbeing in line with school policies.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes

• To lead and develop the school’s EAL provision, ensuring high-quality teaching, targeted support, and successful integration of multilingual learners into the academic and social life of the school.
• Develop and implement the whole‑school EAL policy and vision.
• Ensure compliance with international curriculum standards (e.g., Cambridge).
• Design and oversee EAL programmes, including the English Language Learning Academy (ELLA) or “New to English” pathways.
• Identify and monitor EAL learners (Wave 1–Wave 4 stages).
• Track progress using data; implement interventions to accelerate language acquisition.
• Mentor and coach EAL teachers and LSAs.
• Provide training on inclusive strategies for mainstream teachers.
• Maintain accurate EAL registers and progress records.
• Report regularly to SLT and communicate with parents on student progress.
• Work closely with Heads of Department to embed language support across subjects.
• Liaise with admissions and pastoral teams to ensure smooth integration of EAL students.
• Advise on school admissions for EAL learners as identified through admissions tests (including CAT4).

Whole‑School Contribution

• Promote literacy across the curriculum and collaborate with other departments.
• Contribute to whole‑school initiatives, accreditation processes, inspections, and open days.
• Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues, and senior leadership.
• Contribute to marketing and enrolment activities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent).

Experience

• Proven experience teaching English within the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Experience in a leadership, coordination, or subject responsibility role.
• Demonstrated success in preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations.
• The ability to teach a second subject.
• Strong subject knowledge and passion for English language and literature.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse assessment data and translate findings into effective action.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• Ability to inspire students and lead colleagues with confidence and integrity.

Safeguarding Statement

XCL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting children's and young people's welfare. We follow safer recruitment practices with specific attention to child protection. Sri KDU employees ensure a secure, stimulating and well‑managed learning environment that promotes a sense of safety, support and well‑being.

All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, visa and work permit process as required by Malaysian law and the receipt of satisfactory references. Referees provided must include the current or most recent employer and the referee’s current professional email address. Hotmail, Gmail and other non‑professional email addresses will not be contacted.