Head of English Opportunity Fantastic School in Taunton!

• Ofsted Good School

• Taunton Somerset

• 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 Taunton 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 Taunton 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.