Head of English

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Job Title: Head of English
Location: Belmont Secondary School, Rawtenstall, BB4 6RX
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: £39,000 per annum (not pro rata), plus £2,500 Head of Department allowance
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you a passionate and inspiring English specialist with a commitment to inclusive education? Do you believe every child deserves the opportunity to develop confidence, literacy and a love of learning?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of English to join Belmont School and play a key role in shaping outstanding English and literacy provision across all key stages.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher with strong leadership skills and a passion for supporting young people with additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), communication needs and complex learning profiles.

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead and develop English and literacy provision across the whole school
Drive improvements in reading, phonics and literacy interventions from KS1–KS4
Support high quality teaching and learning across all key stages
Develop and implement engaging and inclusive curriculum plans
Work collaboratively with SLT, therapy teams, parents and external agencies
Monitor progress, analyse data and implement targeted interventions
Support colleagues through coaching, modelling outstanding practice and delivering CPD
Contribute to whole-school SEN and inclusion development
You will also teach across a range of subjects where required and help create a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment where all pupils can thrive.

About You

QTS/ PGCE, English degree required
Experience teaching English and literacy across primary and/or secondary phases
Strong knowledge of phonics and literacy development
Experience working with pupils with SEN, including ASC and complex needs
Excellent classroom practice and behaviour management skills
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing
The ability to inspire, motivate and support both pupils and colleagues
Experience leading curriculum development or subject leadership (desirable)
About Us

Belmont Secondary School is an independent specialist school in Rawtenstall for boys aged 11–18 with SEMH needs, easily commutable from Bury, Burnley and surrounding areas.

We provide a trauma-informed, nurturing environment where every pupil feels safe, understood, and supported. Small classes, personalised pathways, and on-site therapeutic support help build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. Our broad curriculum blends academic, vocational, and creative opportunities to prepare pupils for a successful future.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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