Head of English

About United Learning

United Learning is a unique group of independent and state schools working together to achieve the best in everyone. Our vision is to provide excellent education so that all young people are able to make a success of their lives and, if we are to realise this vision, we need to make sure we attract, develop and reward the key ingredient - you.

Opportunity to play a role in the development of our highly successful Academy

We seek an outstanding and innovative Head of English to lead a successful and dynamic department. We are looking for someone who is committed to securing high standards of learning and teaching in order to raise academic achievement. You must be an outstanding teacher who can lead developments across all Key Stages. You must be committed to securing high standards and raising academic attainment for all students. You will lead on the development of students’ literacy and oracy skills. You will have the opportunity to contribute to our large enrichment programme and share expertise across a growing group of Academies and independent schools within United Learning.

As the Head of English you will be a passionate, dedicated and outstanding teacher who can take responsibility for the rapid progress of the students you teach. There will be the opportunity to teach English at all Key Stages. We know that outstanding leaders have transferable skills and are confident and effective in all aspects of their role but we also recognise that you will need support and challenge yourself so that you can grow to be the best you can be – we will make this happen.

You will relate to the Academy’s ethos of “the best in everyone” and enjoy working with a rich, diverse group of young people in a dynamic and vibrant learning environment. Walthamstow Academy is sponsored by United Learning. As part of the largest group of Academies and independent schools, we offer outstanding professional development and career progression across both the maintained and independent sector.

To conclude, we need someone who is passionate about making a difference, please get in touch.

Main Responsibilities

• To drive improvement in English
• To improve English outcomes in all key stages
• To lead the department by being an outstanding line manager and role model.
• To encourage all pupils to have the highest possible aspirations and develop positive attitudes to learning

Working for us

Since opening in 2006 and moving into a state-of-the-art brand new building in 2008, Walthamstow Academy has received a national school achievement award, has experienced a huge increase in popularity, and was noted by Ofsted for its outstanding Leadership and Management. We are oversubscribed with waiting lists in all years. Results have increased significantly since the academy opened, with the percentage of students gaining 5+ good passes including English and Maths increasing to 64%, and a P8 score of 0.44.

We have continued to establish our Sixth Form, which includes a wide range of subjects including Maths, Further Maths and all three sciences. Sixth Form results are strong, with many year 13 students attaining places at top universities.

The Academy is proud of its multi-cultural character and we celebrate the diversity of heritage in our community. 84% of our students are from minority ethnic groups, many coming from African, Caribbean, Eastern European, Turkish and Pakistani communities.

Within the community served by the academy there is social and economic disadvantage with more than half of the students being eligible for Pupil Premium. One third of the students have a first language other than English and a significant number have low levels of literacy on entry. Many students enter the Academy with low levels of attainment and the staff work hard to add value to their performance. Standards across the Academy are above national averages in most subjects.

Positive relationships are at the heart of the improvements the Academy has made over recent years and students have positive attitudes to learning and enjoy school. There is a strong team spirit among the staff which in turn creates a supportive ethos for the students.

Walthamstow Academy is sponsored by United Learning and therefore benefits from being part of one of the largest group of academies in the country, offering excellent professional development opportunities and career progression to all staff.

The Academy is located close to the North Circular Road, M11 and both Blackhorse Road and Walthamstow Central underground stations from where it takes about half an hour to get into central London. The Academy is situated in a part of London where property prices are still relatively inexpensive and within easy access of Epping Forest, the Lee Valley and rural Hertfordshire and Essex.

To Apply

Please apply online by clicking on the following link https://unitedlearning.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/1116423?cid=1567

Closing date: Friday 19 January 2018 at 9am

Where teaching is better shared

United Learning comprises: UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. VAT number 834 8515 12. Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.