What skills and experience we're looking for
FACULTY LEAD FOR COMMUNICATIONS (ENGLISH and MEDIA) – September 2026 or earlier if possible.
Leadership / TLR scale depending on skills and experience of the successful candidate.
The Governing Board is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and well-qualified Teacher of English to lead the English and Media Departments as Head of Faculty from September 2026.
As an English specialist, the successful candidate will be able to put their vision for teaching and learning into practice, supported by an able team of staff. The role involves working closely with the Senior Leader who line‑manages the faculty to create an engaging and challenging curriculum for students of all abilities across all subjects. The Head of Faculty will model good teaching practice, inspire others through effective and exciting lessons, and will have a bespoke CPD programme tailored to meet their needs.
About the school
St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School is a non‑selective co‑educational secondary school for students aged 11‑18. A single‑site school with free parking, we moved to world‑class brand new buildings in the spring of 2023. Our mission statement is that ‘St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School inspires students, spiritually and educationally forming them through Faith so that they can achieve their aspirations and contribute to their community’. As a Catholic school, we are passionate about developing students into good people and ensuring they achieve good results.
The school is in Medway, a 30‑minute distance from London by road or high‑speed rail link. Medway benefits from a multimillion‑pound regeneration programme bringing new housing developments and facilities for its inhabitants, and has the lowest council tax rates in Kent.
We are happy to offer visits and informal discussions of the role; please contact v.walker@stjohnfisher.school for further information.
Application details
Closing date for applications: Monday 26th January at 9am.
Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates only will be contacted for interview which will take place shortly after the deadline.
St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School is an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. Any offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check will be required for all successful applicants.
What the school offers its staff
Commitment to Staff Wellbeing and Workload
* Efficient working practices regarding data, marking and feedback, behaviour management and curriculum planning (as outlined in the DFE school workload reduction toolkit).
* Clear behaviour policy and support, including centralised interventions and rapid response on call.
* Marking policy devised by teachers on a full timetable: staff read 2–3 pieces of independently completed work per term and then teach a feedback lesson, rather than deep marking on all work.
* Strategic placement of inset days, including one at the end of the year to finish early for summer.
* Wellbeing events held at the end of each half‑term, not a work meeting.
* Break duties consolidated to two per week, taking place near the teacher’s room where possible.
* Lunchtime supervisors employed so teachers do not have to supervise at this time.
* Teaching timetables below the national upper limit of 90%.
Ensuring communication is streamlined and effective
* One weekly briefing email to keep you informed of school‑wide developments.
* No expectation to answer work‑related email at evenings and weekends.
* All deadlines are staggered, agreed with middle leadership annually, and published well in advance.
Ensuring staff are supported throughout the day
* Your own dedicated teaching room (for all full‑time teaching staff except SLT).
* Free parking at the front of the school site, less than a minute’s walk from Reception.
* Free breakfast for staff teaching exam classes during exam seasons.
* Staff room onsite for rest and relaxation.
* Workrooms in each departmental area with tea, coffee, water, fridges, and microwaves.
* Food during all‑day events.
* Fully staffed admin team, reprographics service and pastoral care leaders to support your work with students.
* Staff treats provided in the last week of term at Christmas, Easter and Summer.
Investing in staff development
* At least fortnightly line‑management meetings with the first question focusing on wellbeing.
* Investment in development of staff through a programme of personalised CPD and learning walks.
* Opportunities to work across local Catholic schools to share good practice and strategy.
* Non‑punitive appraisal process that focuses on supporting staff to meet their targets rather than penalising them if they are not reached despite this.
Bringing joy into the workplace and giving back
* Investment in the staff room and staff reflection space.
* Staff clubs/socials (social secretary).
* Staff Christmas and summer parties.
* Christmas and birthday card for each staff member from the Headteacher.
* Gifts for staff on weddings and new births.
* Staff wellbeing coordinator.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children, and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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