Are you a visionary English educator ready to lead with creativity, compassion, and academic ambition?
An innovative and forward-thinking independent school is seeking a Head of English to lead its dynamic and creative English department from September 2025.
School Information
This 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.
The Role
The 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.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide strategic, compassionate leadership for the English department
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Deliver high-quality English teaching across Key Stages 3–5, including GCSE and A-Level
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Develop an inclusive, progressive curriculum that reflects contemporary literature and global perspectives
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Lead a team of enthusiastic teachers with a collaborative and developmental approach
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Encourage cross-disciplinary projects and connections between literature, media, history, and the arts
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Champion enrichment activities such as spoken word, creative writing festivals, and author workshops
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Contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school, including its pastoral and community ethos
Why This School?
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A vibrant, forward-thinking learning community where innovation is encouraged
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Freedom to shape the curriculum and explore contemporary approaches to English teaching
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A strong culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose among staff
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An emphasis on student voice, well-being, and real-world learning
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Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities
The Ideal Candidate Will:
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Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification (QTS/QTLS or equivalent)
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Have experience teaching English across Key Stages 3–5, with proven success at GCSE and A-Level
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Demonstrate inclusive leadership with an emphasis on creativity and critical pedagogy
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Be passionate about diverse literature, contemporary media, and student-led learning
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Have experience or a strong interest in holistic and inquiry-driven education
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Be ready to engage fully in the life of a school that values people over performance metrics
Start Date: September 2025
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
If 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.
Please send your CV to express interest and we’ll be in touch