Job Description
Are you a visionary English educator ready to lead with creativity, compassion, and academic ambition?\nAn innovative and forward-thinking independent school is seeking a Head of English to lead its dynamic and creative English department from September 2025.\nSchool Information\nThis progressive co-educational day school, located in a beautiful rural setting in Portsmouth, blends academic rigour with a deeply student-centred philosophy. Known for its inclusive culture, commitment to well-being, and emphasis on inquiry-based learning, the school fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. With small class sizes, strong relationships between staff and students, and a commitment to cross-curricular collaboration, the school offers a unique environment for educators who value creativity, independence, and innovation in teaching.\nThe Role\nThe school is looking for an inspiring Head of English who can lead a department that values both literary excellence and the role of English as a tool for self-expression, empathy, and global understanding.
You will oversee a curriculum that challenges and supports all learners—encouraging originality, independent thinking, and a deep engagement with texts from diverse voices.\nKey Responsibilities\n * \n Provide strategic, compassionate leadership for the English department\n * \n Deliver high-quality English teaching across Key Stages 3–5, including GCSE and A-Level\n * \n Develop an inclusive, progressive curriculum that reflects contemporary literature and global perspectives\n * \n Lead a team of enthusiastic teachers with a collaborative and developmental approach\n * \n Encourage cross-disciplinary projects and connections between literature, media, history, and the arts\n * \n Champion enrichment activities such as spoken word, creative writing festivals, and author workshops\n * \n Contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school, including its pastoral and community ethos\nWhy This School?\n * \n A vibrant, forward-thinking learning community where innovation is encouraged\n * \n Freedom to shape the curriculum and explore contemporary approaches to English teaching\n * \n A strong culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose among staff\n * \n An emphasis on student voice, well-being, and real-world learning\n * \n Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities\nThe Ideal Candidate Will:\n * \n Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification (QTS/QTLS or equivalent)\n * \n Have experience teaching English across Key Stages 3–5, with proven success at GCSE and A-Level\n * \n Demonstrate inclusive leadership with an emphasis on creativity and critical pedagogy\n * \n Be passionate about diverse literature, contemporary media, and student-led learning\n * \n Have experience or a strong interest in holistic and inquiry-driven education\n * \n Be ready to engage fully in the life of a school that values people over performance metrics\nStart Date: September 2025\nLocation: Portsmouth, Hampshire\nIf you’re excited by the opportunity to lead English education in a school that values creativity, voice, and intellectual curiosity, we would love to hear from you.\nPlease send your CV to express interest and we’ll be in touch