Head of English

Head of English

Cottesmore School, West Sussex

Required for: September 2026 / January 2027 - a conversation about the start date is possible

Contract: Full-time and permanent

Salary: Competitive, according to experience

Accommodation: Family and other accommodation available

An exceptional opportunity

Cottesmore is seeking an inspiring, energetic and highly accomplished teacher to lead English at our thriving co-educational boarding preparatory school.

This is a significant academic appointment for someone who loves language, literature and the craft of excellent teaching. The successful candidate will have the vision and expertise to lead a vibrant department, inspire pupils of every ability and prepare our senior children confidently for 13+ Common Entrance and Public School Scholarship examinations.

We are looking for a teacher who combines intellectual ambition with warmth, imagination and a genuine understanding of children. The Head of English will ensure that every pupil develops confidence as a reader, writer, speaker and thinker while our most able pupils are stretched towards exceptional scholarship outcomes.

Cottesmore teachers contribute to the team sport programme, so this will be an important consideration.

The role

The Head of English will lead the teaching and development of English across the prep school, with particular responsibility for academic standards, curriculum design and preparation for senior-school entry.

The successful candidate will:

● provide inspiring and effective leadership for the English department

● teach English across the prep-school age and ability range

● prepare Year 8 pupils for 13+ Common Entrance and the entrance requirements of leading boarding senior schools

● identify, nurture and prepare candidates for 13+ academic scholarships

● deliver ambitious scholarship teaching that develops sophisticated analysis, originality of thought and intellectual independence

● promote consistently excellent standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening

● champion literacy across the whole school

● ensure appropriate challenge and support for every pupil

● develop coherent schemes of work, resources and assessment practices

● monitor pupil progress carefully and use assessment information to improve outcomes

● support colleagues through collaboration, coaching and the sharing of excellent practice

● contribute fully to the academic, pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.

Scholarship and 13+ preparation

The Head of English will oversee rigorous and thoughtful preparation for the varied demands of senior-school examinations.

This will include:

● detailed knowledge of the ISEB 13+ English curriculum and Common Entrance expectations

● preparation for school-specific 13+ entrance and scholarship papers

● advanced comprehension and close textual analysis

● persuasive, discursive, descriptive and narrative writing

● confident engagement with poetry, prose and drama

● development of vocabulary, grammar, spelling and accuracy

● timed examination technique

● regular use of past papers and carefully targeted feedback

● individual learning plans for scholarship candidates

● additional masterclasses, extension work and wider reading

● close liaison with pupils, parents, tutors and senior schools.

The successful candidate will understand that scholarship preparation requires more than examination practice. They will encourage curiosity, intellectual courage, wide reading and the ability to express complex ideas with clarity and flair.

Departmental leadership

The Head of English will set a clear and ambitious direction for the department while fostering a collaborative and positive professional culture.

Responsibilities will include:

● reviewing and developing the English curriculum

● ensuring progression from the younger years through to Year 8

● maintaining high standards of planning, teaching and assessment

● managing departmental resources and budgets

● leading departmental meetings

● supporting the professional development of colleagues

● contributing to school improvement planning

● analysing pupil performance and examination outcomes

● communicating effectively with parents

● supporting transition to pupils’ chosen senior schools

● encouraging enrichment through author visits, competitions, debating, drama, creative writing and literary events.

The successful candidate

We hope to appoint someone who has:

Essential qualities

● excellent subject knowledge and a genuine passion for English

● a strong academic background

● a recognised teaching qualification or substantial relevant teaching experience

● a record of highly effective classroom teaching

● experience of teaching pupils within the upper prep-school age range

● the ability to prepare pupils for demanding examinations

● high expectations of effort, behaviour and presentation

● excellent organisational and communication skills

● the ability to lead, encourage and develop colleagues

● warmth, good humour and sound judgement

● a commitment to the pastoral care and wellbeing of children

● enthusiasm for the wider life of a busy boarding school.

Desirable qualities

● experience of 13+ Common Entrance

● experience of preparing successful academic scholarship candidates

● knowledge of entrance requirements at leading boarding senior schools

● previous departmental or subject leadership experience

● experience of boarding-school life

● the ability to contribute to sport, drama, debating, journalism, activities or another area of school life.

Applications are also welcomed from outstanding teachers who are ready to take their first substantial subject-leadership role.

Life at Cottesmore

Cottesmore is an award-winning academic boarding preparatory school for girls and boys, set in beautiful West Sussex countryside. Since 1894, the school has prepared children for leading boarding senior schools while preserving the warmth, happiness and strong sense of family that define an excellent prep-school education.

Academic achievement matters deeply here. So do character, confidence, creativity, friendship and fun.

Our pupils enjoy a rich education that embraces sport, music, art, design, drama and an extensive programme of activities. The successful candidate will therefore be keen to play a visible and enthusiastic part in the wider life of the school.

At Cottesmore, teachers know their pupils well. They celebrate their strengths, support them through difficulties and encourage them to aim higher than they thought possible. The Head of English will be a central figure in that endeavour.

Why join Cottesmore?

The successful candidate will enjoy:

● the opportunity to lead an important and successful academic department

● bright, curious and enthusiastic pupils

● small classes and strong pastoral relationships

● considerable scope for creativity and curriculum development

● a supportive and ambitious staff community

● outstanding opportunities for co-curricular involvement

● a beautiful working environment

● competitive remuneration on the Cottesmore pay scale

●[residential accommodation and associated benefits, where applicable]

● excellent professional development.

Application process

Candidates should complete the school’s application form and provide a covering letter addressed to the Headmaster, explaining their suitability for the position and their vision for English at Cottesmore.

Early applications are encouraged. Cottesmore reserves the right to interview and appoint before the published closing date.

Safeguarding

Cottesmore School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references and checks relating to qualifications, identity, employment history and suitability to work with children.