Head of english (northampton)

Lead the past. Influence the future.

Location: Quinton House School, Upton
Job Title: Head of English
Contract: Full Time, Permanent. Term Time Only
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Dependent on experience
Start Date: September 2026

About The School - Quinton House

Quinton House is a co-educational independent school for ages 2-18. At Quinton we believe in preparing every child for the world that awaits them. We do this by focusing on the timeless fundamentals of character development. For over 80 years we've poured our efforts and expertise into shaping curious, inspired, flexible and resilient young people.

Our ethos is to focus on understanding our students, their interests and their needs to make sure that they have the support and encouragement required to help them shine.

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual to inspire our children. The purpose of this role is to lead and energise the English department to ensure the delivery and accuracy of all English delivered at Quinton House School is of the highest level.

What you will be doing

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the vision for English across the school, including curriculum intent and delivery
• Lead, manage, and inspire a team of English teachers to achieve high standards and aspirational outcomes
• Drive improvements in student progress and attainment through effective use of data, monitoring, and targeted intervention
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning through regular quality assurance, including lesson observations and work scrutiny
• Oversee curriculum planning, ensuring schemes of learning are consistently implemented and effectively sequenced
• Maintain high standards of assessment, marking, and feedback in line with school expectations
• Promote a culture of high expectations for behaviour, engagement, and achievement in English
• Support all learners, including those with additional needs, to ensure inclusive and effective provision
• Manage examination entries and contribute to decisions on appropriate KS4 and KS5 qualifications
• Lead the development of co-curricular and extra-curricular English opportunities, including oversight of the school library

What you'll bring

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Good honours degree
• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE/QTS)
• Evidence of relevant and recent professional development
• Master's degree (desirable)
• Able to coordinate the teaching of English across the school.
• To assist the Assistant and Deputy Head with curriculum planning and communicate staffing requirements.
• Set clear departmental standards and expectations
• Hold themselves and others to account
• Build effective working relationships
• Identify and respond to gaps in performance across the department
• Challenge underperformance across the department and support with development plan.

Why Join Quinton House School?

• A welcoming, supportive culture where both staff and students are known as individuals
• Small class sizes allowing meaningful connections and impactful teaching
• Beautiful surroundings paired with modern resources
• Strong academic outcomes and ambitious further‑education pathways
• A broad co‑curricular programme designed to inspire and extend learning
• A collaborative staff body that values creativity, innovation and shared success

How to Apply

Please submit your application form and supporting statement via our recruitment portal.

Early applications are encouraged as we may invite strong candidates to interview before the closing date.

Quinton House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, Social Media Check and safeguarding procedures.