Job Purpose
To lead the strategic development and day-to-day management of the English department across all key stages (EYFS to KS5) in an all-through school setting. The Head of English will ensure high standards of teaching and learning, foster a love of English in pupils, and promote academic excellence throughout the school.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management:
- Provide dynamic and effective leadership of the English department across primary and secondary phases.
- Develop and implement a clear vision and improvement plan for English in line with the whole-school development plan.
- Line manage and support departmental staff, including teaching staff and teaching assistants, through performance management, CPD, and mentoring.
- Lead regular departmental meetings and contribute to whole-school leadership meetings where appropriate.
- Monitor, evaluate and improve the quality of teaching and learning across all key stages.
Curriculum And Teaching
- Design, develop, and oversee the delivery of a progressive and engaging English curriculum from EYFS to KS5, ensuring clear progression and coverage.
- Ensure high-quality teaching through modelling best practice, supporting lesson planning, and conducting regular lesson observations and learning walks.
- Promote the effective use of assessment data to inform teaching, identify underachievement, and implement targeted interventions.
- Keep up to date with national developments in English teaching and assessment.
Standards And Achievement
- Be accountable for pupil outcomes in English across all year groups.
- Use data to track progress and attainment, identifying trends and developing strategies to raise achievement.
- Ensure that pupils of all abilities, including SEND and EAL, are appropriately supported and challenged.
- Celebrate pupils’ successes and promote enthusiasm and confidence in English learning.