Head of English - Large Secondary School - Birmingham

A large and well-established secondary school in Birmingham is seeking an experienced and inspiring Head of English to lead a key department at the heart of the school’s curriculum. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident English specialist to drive standards, shape curriculum strategy and build on a strong foundation of teaching and learning across Key Stages 3 and 4.

The school serves a diverse local community and is known for its clear behaviour systems, strong focus on academic progress and a supportive culture where staff are encouraged to develop professionally and take on leadership responsibility.

The Role

As Head of English , you will provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for a busy department, ensuring consistently high-quality teaching and strong outcomes for all learners. You will:

• Lead curriculum planning across KS3 and KS4, ensuring a well-sequenced journey in reading, writing and oracy

• Drive high expectations in literacy, analytical writing and vocabulary development

• Support and coach colleagues through shared planning, modelling, and purposeful feedback

• Use data effectively to identify priorities, close gaps and secure rapid progress

• Contribute to whole-school literacy strategy and play an active role in raising standards across the school

You will teach English across the age range and, depending on timetabling, may also contribute to KS5 . The curriculum aims to build deep understanding of language and literature while developing students’ confidence in writing, interpretation and discussion.

Students study a broad range of texts including novels, drama and poetry, with a strong focus on developing the skills needed for GCSE success: close analysis, comparison, structured argument, and accurate, fluent writing.

The Department

The English department is a hardworking, supportive team with a shared commitment to improving outcomes and building students’ confidence as readers and writers. Staff collaborate to plan lessons, moderate work and share resources to ensure consistency across classes.

English is a high-profile subject within the school, and the department plays a vital role in improving literacy and academic success across all areas. The team values:

• Strong routines and clear lesson structure

• Explicit teaching of reading and writing strategies

• High-quality modelling and purposeful practice

• A culture of feedback that helps students improve

The new Head of English will be supported by senior leaders and will have the opportunity to shape the department’s direction, develop staff expertise and strengthen enrichment and reading culture.

The School

As a large secondary school, the setting offers strong systems, clear expectations and a well-established pastoral structure. Behaviour routines are consistent across the school, creating calm classrooms where teachers can focus on teaching.

Leaders place strong emphasis on staff development, offering training and leadership opportunities at all stages of career. The school also values inclusive practice, ensuring that all learners—including those with SEND and EAL—are supported effectively through strong teaching and targeted intervention.

What the School is Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Hold QTS (or an equivalent teaching qualification)

• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge in English

• Have proven experience of raising attainment and improving progress

• Demonstrate leadership capacity, including coaching and supporting colleagues

• Lead with clarity, consistency and high expectations

• Have strong curriculum understanding and the ability to drive improvement through planning and assessment

This role would suit an established Head of English or an ambitious second-in-department ready to step up, with the skills and confidence to lead a large team and make a measurable impact.

Why Join This School

• Opportunity to lead a high-profile department in a large secondary setting

• Supportive leadership team and clear school systems

• Strong focus on literacy and academic progress

• High-quality professional development and leadership progression

• Collaborative staff culture and a diverse, vibrant school community

This is an outstanding opportunity for an English leader who wants to shape curriculum, inspire staff and students, and secure excellent outcomes — while leading a key department in a respected Birmingham secondary school.