Head of English Opportunity - Fantastic School in...

• Ofsted ‘Good’ School

• Portsmouth, Hampshire

• Full-Time | Permanent

• Start: September 2026

• Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (dependent on experience)

• Head of English

Are you an ambitious and inspiring English specialist ready to lead a thriving department and drive excellence in teaching and learning?

A well-regarded secondary school in Portsmouth, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of English to lead its successful English department from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding teacher and leader to shape the strategic direction of English, promote a love of literature and language, and secure strong academic outcomes for all students.

The school is committed to high standards, staff development, and creating a culture where both students and teachers can flourish.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and manage the English department, setting a clear vision for outstanding teaching and learning
• Teach English across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and Key Stage 5, where applicable)
• Drive high standards of attainment and progress across all year groups
• Develop and implement an engaging and ambitious English curriculum
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment within the department
• Use data effectively to track progress and implement targeted interventions
• Support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development
• Promote a culture of reading, writing, and critical thinking across the school
• Lead on GCSE (and A-level, if applicable) English outcomes and examination preparation
• Organise and support enrichment opportunities such as literary events, theatre trips, and clubs
• Contribute to whole-school improvement and play an active role in pastoral life, including form tutoring

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Has a degree in English or a related subject
• Has a proven track record of excellent teaching and strong student outcomes
• Demonstrates successful middle leadership experience or is ready to step into a leadership role
• Has strong subject knowledge and a passion for English language and literature
• Has high expectations for student achievement, behaviour, and engagement
• Is an effective communicator and team leader
• Is reflective, motivated, and committed to continuous professional development
• Thrives in a collaborative and supportive environment

About the School

This Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ secondary school in Portsmouth offers:

• A positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment
• Supportive and forward-thinking leadership
• A strong and collaborative teaching staff
• A commitment to staff wellbeing and professional growth
• Well-established systems for teaching, learning, and assessment
• A wide range of enrichment opportunities for students

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (MPS/UPS + TLR)
• A supportive leadership team and collaborative staff culture
• High-quality CPD and leadership development opportunities
• Opportunities to shape the direction of the English department
• A welcoming school community with a strong focus on staff wellbeing

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining your leadership experience, vision for English education, and suitability for the role.

We welcome applications from experienced teachers and current middle leaders who are ready to take the next step in their career and make a significant impact within a supportive and ambitious school community.