Director of Faculty English

Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy (OSSMA) is a non-denominational, non-selective school, welcoming students of all backgrounds from the local community. Our mission is to equip every student with the knowledge, learning power and character necessary for success both at the next stage of their education and beyond. We believe in ‘aspiration beyond limits,’ that there is nothing our students are not capable of attaining, and ‘success beyond measure,’ where our students’ achievements are judged on more than just exam grades. Students, teachers, staff and parents are committed to making this vision a reality in a vibrant and inclusive learning community in which everyone can succeed. 

This is a first tier middle leadership post, responsible for other middle leaders and accountable to a senior leadership line manager. The post holder will lead the development of a dynamic faculty and contribute to whole academy policy and practice. This is a critical, strategic role within the academy as we seek to continue to drive performance in our English department.  This is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills to advance   your own career towards senior leadership.

We offer a rich interconnected curriculum based on our academy values that reaches beyond the classroom. Every moment in the day is a learning opportunity for every member of our community. Literacy and oracy are at the heart of our academy. Students read challenging texts that supplement the curriculum and offer greater cultural capital for all. All students develop their oracy skills from the moment they join the academy, developing their confidence to speak articulately and confidently in public and to be able to structure conversation and debate. We offer an incredibly wide range of personal development opportunities to ensure that our students can engage in the same opportunities as any child in this country. Staff development is central to ensuring that we are able to deliver to our students such a rich and varied educational offer.

We will offer you:

• Professional and personal development;
• the opportunity to complete the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
•  Friendly staff and motivated students;
•  A comprehensive range of extra-curricular activities;
• Innovative approaches to reducing workload, improving wellbeing and work-life balance whilst retaining high standards;
• An empowered workforce with a genuine voice in improving the Academy further;
• A Microsoft Surface for use at both work and home;
• A unified, dedicated and supportive team of staff.

What we are looking for:

Due to the promotion of the current director to a central trust role, we are seeking a skilled and committed middle leader to join OSSMA as Director of Faculty for English.  You will have the opportunity to lead and develop the faculty's growth and guide the team towards achieving their full potential.

You must demonstrate a clear interest in developing teaching and learning and research informed practice, whilst working alongside a team passionate about securing the best possible outcomes for students. You will be required to teach up to GCSE level and be keen to stretch our highest attaining pupils.

We are highly ambitious for our students and our staff are pivotal to our success. As part of the staff team, you will have the opportunity to work with great colleagues and develop your career through an outstanding professional development programme. We are committed to supporting your professional growth and leadership development. As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to complete the NPQSL qualification, a nationally recognised program designed to enhance your leadership skills and prepare you for senior leadership roles in education. You will be encouraged to be a reflective and open practitioner and be supported by the expertise of the Principal and experienced network colleagues.

You will also have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the academy and wider Trust to develop excellent practice.

The successful candidate will:

• be an outstanding teacher with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes 
• have up-to-date knowledge of subject curricula and assessment requirements 
• have experience of developing individuals and groups of staff
• have experience of managing effective relationships with staff and students

At Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews, we recruit those people who display the character and competence to really drive our academy forward and accelerate achievement standards for all our students. It is therefore essential that candidates can identify with, and be committed to, upholding the values of the Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews ethos. Applications are welcome from suitably experienced teachers who are able demonstrate that they can make a significant contribution to a team, have huge impact on pupil outcomes and demonstrate a deep understanding of the English curriculum and pedagogy.

OSSMA Recruitment Video

OSSMA is committed to the safeguarding of children and all staff are expected to ensure that the academy is a safe and secure environment for our students.

In addition, the job you are applying for is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) which requires you to disclose all spent convictions and cautions except those which are protected under Police Act 1997 – Part V and the amendments to the exceptions order1975 (2013 and 2020) and are not subject to disclosure to employers on DBS certificates and cannot be taken into account.

If you share the academy's vision and ambitions, possess a strong desire to work within an ethos of creative collaboration and partnership and want to have a positive impact on young people, families and our community, then we would be delighted to hear from you.