A highly regarded independent day and boarding school in Staffordshire is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Head of English to lead its well-established department. Educating pupils aged 11–18, the school is known for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a rich co-curricular programme.
English is a cornerstone subject within the school's academic profile. GCSE and A-Level outcomes are consistently strong, with a significant proportion of pupils achieving top grades and progressing to competitive university courses in English, Law, History and the Humanities. The department has a reputation for intellectual ambition, lively discussion and high expectations.
The Role
As Head of English, you will provide strategic leadership and academic direction across Key Stages 3–5. You will oversee curriculum design, assessment, staff development and enrichment, ensuring the department continues to thrive academically and culturally.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading and line managing a team of English teachers
• Teaching English Literature and Language across GCSE and A-Level
• Driving curriculum innovation and scholarship
• Overseeing academic results and intervention strategies
• Promoting a strong culture of reading, writing and debate
• Contributing to wider school leadership and co-curricular life
The school values leaders who combine academic rigour with warmth, clarity and vision.
The English Department
The department is established, collaborative and academically ambitious. Schemes of learning are thoughtfully sequenced, balancing canonical literature with diverse and contemporary texts.
Department features include:
• Dedicated English classrooms within a central academic block
• Access to a well-stocked library and research resources
• Regular theatre visits, author talks and literary enrichment
• Small class sizes, particularly at A-Level
Sixth Form students benefit from seminar-style teaching, allowing for in-depth analysis and independent interpretation.
The School
Set within attractive Staffordshire grounds, the school combines heritage buildings with modern teaching facilities. Class sizes are small, behaviour is exemplary and relationships between staff and pupils are respectful and collegiate.
The school places strong emphasis on:
• Academic scholarship and intellectual curiosity
• Character development and leadership
• Extensive co-curricular participation
• Professional growth and autonomy for staff
Staff benefit from a supportive leadership team, competitive remuneration and a vibrant school community.
Who We're Looking For
The successful candidate will:
• Hold QTS (or equivalent) with a strong academic background in English
• Have significant experience teaching GCSE and A-Level
• Demonstrate proven middle or senior leadership capability
• Inspire both staff and students through subject expertise
• Lead curriculum innovation while maintaining high standards
This role would suit an experienced English leader ready to shape the department's next stage of development within a prestigious independent setting.
What's On Offer
• Competitive independent sector salary
• Small, highly engaged classes
• Strong departmental autonomy
• Access to excellent facilities and enrichment opportunities
• A respected Staffordshire independent school environment
This is an outstanding opportunity for a talented English specialist to lead a high-performing department within an academically distinguished school.