Head of English

We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we provide a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that promotes academic excellence, creativity, and outstanding pastoral care.

As part of the Brighton College family of schools, widely regarded as the leading co-educational school group in the UK, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character. In 2025, we were proud to be named London Independent School of the Year finalists, recognising the quality of our educational provision, leadership, and pupil outcomes.

Situated beside Exhibition Road in the heart of central London, we make exceptional use of our location to enrich learning, foster cultural engagement, and inspire a lifelong love of reading and language.

As an Apple School, we believe in the thoughtful and purposeful use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Digital tools are used selectively to support drafting, research, creativity, and collaboration; however, we are clear that the pen still reigns supreme, and that fluent handwriting, sustained writing, and deep engagement with texts remain central to our English curriculum.

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they're starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.

We protect what's special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that's, quite literally, world class.

It's an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

We are seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and inspirational Head of English to provide strategic leadership and oversight of English across the whole school (ages 2-13), while teaching predominantly in Year 5 to Year 8.

This is a key middle leadership role with responsibility for ensuring a clear, coherent, and progressive English curriculum, underpinned by strong subject knowledge, high expectations, and excellent pupil outcomes. The successful candidate will demonstrate a secure understanding of curriculum intent, implementation, and impact, and will contribute actively to monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

The Head of English will be well supported, working collaboratively with:
• a Reading Lead,
• the Head of Pre-Prep English, and
• a designated colleague with responsibility for the Upper School curriculum (Years 7 and 8).

As part of a forward looking academic provision, the postholder will play a central role in shaping a strong whole school reading culture, including oversight of the school's libraries and new, purpose built, age appropriate library spaces and reading nooks. Working closely with the Reading Lead, the Head of English will help design, implement, and embed a clear and effective whole school reading strategy.

As an Apple School, the Head of English will also be expected to model and promote the effective use of technology where it genuinely enhances learning, while maintaining a clear commitment to traditional academic rigour. The successful candidate will recognise that technology supports excellent teaching but does not replace it, and that the pen remains the primary tool for thinking, drafting, and sustained writing, particularly in preparation for examinations and scholarships.

A strong understanding of the 11+ and 13+ senior school entry processes is essential, including preparation for selective examinations and scholarship level assessments.

• A degree in English.
• PGCE with English as the specialist subject (or equivalent recognised teaching qualification).
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience teaching KS3 English.
• A strong understanding of the 11+ and 13+ senior school entry processes, including scholarship preparation.
• Experience of curriculum leadership or significant departmental responsibility.
• Willingness to act as a House Mentor or Form Tutor and to engage in residential trips.
• Excellent subject knowledge, communication, and organisational skills.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• Understanding of, or experience in, KS1 English.
• Experience of curriculum oversight across multiple age phases.
• Experience preparing pupils for English scholarships.
• Experience within an independent or preparatory school setting.
• Confidence or interest in using technology selectively and purposefully to enhance English teaching and learning.

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience.
• Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme.
• Free lunch provided during Term Time.
• School holidays and public holidays.
• School fee discount.
• Exclusive third party discounts.
• Ongoing professional development.

• The opportunity to lead English across the full 2-13 age range within a supportive and well structured leadership model.
• A collaborative team including a Reading Lead, Head of Pre Prep English, and Upper School Curriculum Lead.
• The chance to shape reading culture and library provision within new, purpose built facilities.
• A forward thinking Apple School environment grounded in strong academic tradition.
• Exceptional enrichment opportunities through our central London location.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership growth.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• A vibrant and welcoming school community.

Complete this application before the closing date: 9am, Thursday 5th March 2026.

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.