Head of English

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

• Provide strategic, compassionate leadership for the English department

• Deliver high-quality English teaching across Key Stages 3 5, including GCSE and A-Level

• Develop an inclusive, progressive curriculum that reflects contemporary literature and global perspectives

• Lead a team of enthusiastic teachers with a collaborative and developmental approach

• Encourage cross-disciplinary projects and connections between literature, media, history, and the arts

• Champion enrichment activities such as spoken word, creative writing festivals, and author workshops

• Contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school, including its pastoral and community ethos

Why This School?

• A vibrant, forward-thinking learning community where innovation is encouraged

• Freedom to shape the curriculum and explore contemporary approaches to English teaching

• A strong culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose among staff

• An emphasis on student voice, well-being, and real-world learning

• Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification (QTS/QTLS or equivalent)

• Have experience teaching English across Key Stages 3 5, with proven success at GCSE and A-Level

• Demonstrate inclusive leadership with an emphasis on creativity and critical pedagogy

• Be passionate about diverse literature, contemporary media, and student-led learning

• Have experience or a strong interest in holistic and inquiry-driven education

• 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.