Job Description
We are looking for an ambitious, inspirational Head of English to lead a committed team and drive rapid improvement in curriculum, teaching and outcomes. This is a pivotal leadership role in a school that places character, high expectations and community at the heart of everything we do. As an academy on a strong improvement journey, we know that outcomes in English are central to our students' life chances and we want to support you to deliver exceptional results. Our school is moving forward with pace and purpose. We are building a culture where students are proud, kind and determined, and where staff are supported to deliver the very best for every child. As Head of English, you will play a central role in shaping this culture and securing excellence across the department. You will lead the strategic direction of English across Key Stages 3 and 4, implementing a knowledge‑rich, well‑sequenced curriculum that enables every student to achieve highly. You will oversee curriculum, assessment, teaching quality and the professional development of your team, modelling excellent practice and ensuring consistently strong classroom delivery. You will also champion reading, writing and oracy across the school, ensuring literacy is a powerful driver of equity and aspiration. The English department is already one of the strongest in the academy; you will build on this foundation to secure exceptional outcomes at GCSE. For the right candidate, there is also the opportunity to lead whole‑school literacy. As a leader, you will shape your team's professional development. Each week, you and the team have a timetabled co‑preparation slot, a protected space for co‑planning, scripting and CPD that supports rapid improvement and shared excellence. As part of Oasis Community Learning, you will benefit from trust‑wide networks, high‑quality professional development and the support of experienced national and regional leaders. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is proud, kind and determined - and who wants to make a transformational difference to the life chances of young people. About The Role The Head of English will provide strategic leadership across Key Stages 3 and 4, ensuring a curriculum and teaching approach that is: Knowledge‑rich and academically ambitious Logically sequenced, building powerful knowledge over time Consistently delivered, with high‑quality teaching in every classroom Driven by assessment, enabling teachers to respond to gaps and misconceptions Focused on literacy, ensuring all students can read, write and communicate with confidence You will lead a committed team of teachers and be responsible for: Curriculum design and development Quality assurance and teaching standards Assessment, data analysis and intervention Line management and professional development Championing reading, writing and oracy across the school Securing strong outcomes at GCSE This is a role for a leader ready to make a significant, lasting impact. Our English Department The English department is a hardworking, collaborative team with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for students. We teach a curriculum that values: Rich, challenging texts Excellent expositions from subject experts Explicit instruction of Tier 2 vocabulary Precise writing instruction based on the Hochman method Oracy and structured talk Rigorous assessment and responsive teaching We are looking for a leader who can build on this strong foundation, strengthen consistency and drive excellence across the department. Our Students Our students are energetic, diverse and full of potential. They deserve a curriculum that challenges them, inspires them and prepares them for the world beyond school. We are committed to ensuring every student leaves us with the literacy, confidence and cultural capital they need to thrive. As Head of English, you will play a central role in shaping this experience. Why Join Us? A School with Purpose We place character, community and high expectations at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we are building a culture where staff and students can flourish. A Trust That Invests in People As part of Oasis Community Learning, you will benefit from: Trust‑wide curriculum networks High‑quality professional development Leadership coaching and support Opportunities to collaborate with experienced national and regional leaders A strong ethos rooted in inclusion, equity and community transformation A Leadership Role with Real Influence Your leadership will