KS3 Lead of English

Dates: Apply by : 11th May 2026

Interviews : WB 11th May 2026

Start date: Autumn Term 2026

Salary: MPS / UPS (+ NST payment £600)

MLR: £5000

Location: Nishkam High School, Birmingham, B19 2LF

Contract type: Full-time

Contract term: Permanent

School Size: 675 including 105 in the Sixth Form

We are seeking to appoint a talented and committed key stage leader to join our high-performing, virtues-led school. With strong outcomes; our Progress 8 score has averaged +0.90 for seven years, putting us consistently in the top ten percent of schools nationally. At Key Stage 5, we constantly secure an average grade of B-. We provide a fully resourced curriculum, and an environment where teachers can focus on delivering excellent lessons and securing strong progress for all pupils.

Unique features of this role are:

· The opportunity to work in a high-performing school with a strong track record of pupil outcomes and proactive approach to staff wellbeing.

· A fully resourced, well-sequenced curriculum that supports high-quality teaching and reduces unnecessary workload.

· A bespoke programme of professional development aligned to your career stage and ambitions.

· A clear and consistent approach to behaviour that enables a calm, purposeful learning environment.

· Opportunities to collaborate across the Trust and contribute to wider curriculum development and leadership.

· A bespoke CPD package relevant to the successful candidate’s career stage.

About the School:

Nishkam High School is high-performing, virtues-led institution with a strong track record of pupil outcomes. Expectations of behaviour, conduct and scholarship are consistently high, creating a calm and purposeful environment in which all pupils can achieve.

The school is grounded in a distinctive virtues-led, multi-faith ethos, where pupils are encouraged to strive for academic excellence whilst developing compassion, humility and a sense of service to others.

We serve diverse communities and are committed to providing an inclusive education for pupils of all faiths and none, working closely with families to support every child to succeed.

Ofsted March 2025 – Outstanding in all areas 

“Nishkam High School is a school that is not only academically rigorous but spiritually rich and morally grounded – a place where all pupils, regardless of background, are supported to flourish and fulfil their potential." 

Ofsted- 2025

Results over time

Year

NHSB A8

National A8

National distribution banding

2025

51.0

45.9

Above (sig+)

2024

52.8

45.9

Above (sig+)

2023

56.4

46.3

Above (sig+)

As a key stage leader of English at Nishkam High School, you will work in a pioneering group, Nishkam School Trust (NST). NST is one of the first multi-academy free school trusts in the UK. The Trust has opened two free schools in Birmingham (a primary in 2011 and a secondary in 2012), both of which are judged Ofsted Outstanding, and a third, a primary free school in Wolverhampton. The Trust continues to expand and has recently welcomed a further two primary schools in Derby and Leeds into the Nishkam family. We are looking for a highly committed and innovative candidate to work in close collaboration with other teachers in both the secondary and primary phases across the Trust.

Nishkam Schools are Sikh schools with a multi faith ethos, taking a distinctive approach to faith-based education. As a high performing multi academy trust serving communities across five cities, our work is grounded in a virtues led model shaped by compassion, humility, service, contentment, optimism, trust and forgiveness. These virtues are lived daily through our teaching, leadership and relationships.

We support pupils to explore the divine context of humanity and learn from the wisdom of different faith traditions, encouraging them to recognise their capacity to do good unconditionally. We are equally committed to supporting both pupils and staff in developing their own religious, spiritual or human identity, approaching this work with humility, reflection and a spirit of service.

The Role

The role will commence in Autumn term 2026. You will:

· have the rare opportunity to work collaboratively with both primary and secondary colleagues playing a key role in developing and contributing to the NST curriculum

· have a strong voice in shaping the everyday practice of the school as we develop and embed our ethos and routines, especially in learning and teaching

· have the opportunity to share your expertise with other subject teachers across the Trust

· be part of a global community of charitable initiatives.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a vibrant atmosphere and a supportive setting. Our school is a welcoming space for students of faith and non-faith. This is also true of our staff body.

The Environment

Our schools provide a well-resourced, purposefully designed learning environment that supports high-quality teaching and positive pupil behaviour. Facilities are maintained to a high standard and enable staff to deliver a broad and ambitious curriculum in a calm, purposeful setting. This includes access to specialist facilities that support subject-specific teaching. Outdoor spaces and enrichment facilities further enhance the wider curriculum.

Our teachers are given four marking and moderation days following key assessment points. 

The School provides a wonderful working environment including access to the school gym and electric parking points.

Our expectations are that you will:

• believe all pupils can achieve highly

• deliver excellent teaching and secure strong outcomes

• uphold high standards of behaviour and conduct

• build strong relationships with pupils, families and the community

• contribute to the wider life and ethos of the school

We will offer you:

· a very warm, welcoming and talented team

· A clear and consistent approach to teaching and behaviour that supports staff to focus on impact in the classroom

· hardworking and dedicated colleagues who are prepared to give selflessly for the benefit of the pupils

· supportive parents, carers and community

· a committed and fully involved Governing Body and Board of Directors

· a state-of-the-art learning environment

· wide-ranging opportunities for professional development

· terms and conditions similar to other academies and schools

· a strong commitment to staff wellbeing.

“SLT really make me feel valued as a person, I love working here”

“It is such a fantastic environment to be in.”

“Being relatively new to the organisation, I personally have never felt more supported in any school I have worked. “

Staff Survey Responses- 2026

Nishkam School Trust (NST) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

FAQs:

What if I do not know a lot about the Sikh faith?

We are a values-led, multi-faith school with a Sikh ethos. Working within Nishkam School Trust provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of the Sikh faith and its teachings. Our staff come from a wide range of backgrounds, including those of different faiths and none. We ask that all staff are open to learning and are comfortable working within a faith-inspired environment.

Will prior salary be considered if I am moving from a higher-paying region, school or Trust?

We are looking for talented, ambitious and committed staff. We will consider existing salaries when deciding on a salary offer for any successful candidate. In specific circumstances, we can support staff with relocation costs.

What is the ambition for the school?

We want to provide a caring and nurturing environment for both staff and students whilst also achieving incredible outcomes for our young people. We provide a wealth of enrichment activities for our students, much of this brought in so that it does not add to staff workload. We want to provide a safe space for students to explore their faith and to also learn from other religions. We want to create well rounded selfless citizens. “Seva” or service is a key element of what we do. Students do a huge amount for charities and for others each and every day at this school. We want to show that we can be one of the highest attaining schools in the country with a happy staff and student body.

What do you do for staff-wellbeing?

We are committed to supporting staff wellbeing through a considered approach to workload and professional practice. Our curriculum is structured to reduce unnecessary planning and marking demands, allowing staff to focus on high-quality teaching and feedback. We aim to ensure that teaching loads are manageable and that staff have the time and space to carry out their roles effectively. Alongside this, we offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, including professional development opportunities, staff events and access to facilities that support health and wellbeing.

What is the behaviour like in the school?

Our students are courteous and respectful. Conversations to address poor conduct start with reference to our virtues which the students are well versed in referring too. Where conversations alone do not work, we have robust centralised systems in place to ensure that students are focused and engaged in their learning. Walking around the school site, you will see students in lessons, engaged in their learning and listening to their teachers.

I’ve not had a TLR before and I have limited leadership experience, can I still apply?

Yes. We welcome applications from teachers who are secure in their classroom practice and ready to take the next step into leadership. We provide structured development for middle leaders, including regular professional development and access to high-quality coaching and support, tailored to individual needs, to help you grow in the role and have a meaningful impact.

What should I do if I am still undecided about applying?

Give us a call. We are happy to have you visit and speak to our staff about their experiences. Come and see our school in operation and meet our wonderful students. Have the conversation and air your concerns. We are happy to run through things in more detail or to answer further questions about the school.

To find out more:

Arrange an informal visit or conversation’ with the Headteacher by contacting: [email protected] or 0121 348 7660.

To apply:

Please download an application pack at or

· Contact the school office on 0121 348 7660.  

· Applications to be sent to via SAM people by 11th May 2026

· Interview process to take place week beginning 11h May 2026

· The Trust reserves the right to close posts at any time, once we have received sufficient applications. You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.