English Consultant

We are looking to appoint a new English Consultant to our central team of subject specialists. We want to hear from experienced teachers who have gained experience in a middle leadership role, and who have a track record of raising achievement within a department. The successful applicant will join an established team of specialists, working to further raise standards and further drive improvement across the Harris Federation. The role of English Consultant is an exciting post providing enormous scope for a talented and creative practitioner to work collaboratively across a group of academies.

About Us

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page to learn more.

Main Areas of Responsibility

The role will be multi-faceted and involve coaching and mentoring, sharing of best practice, developing robust improvement strategies, assisting Harris academies in recruitment and selection, helping to establish new departments or lead rapid recovery where required. Our central team consultants work strategically with Principals, senior leadership teams and support academy departments to improve standards and the outcomes for our students.

As a senior leader, you will have the opportunity to develop and advance your career within a Federation established in developing practitioners and nurturing excellent future leaders. You will have unrivalled opportunities for progression; whatever your aspirations as a senior leader, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQSL and NPQH programmes to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. The Federation operates twin Teaching Schools as well as a number of highly successful CPD Networks, and the post holder would have the opportunity to play a key role in this work.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for an experienced teacher with a deep passion for their subject. Our consultant roles are suitable for those with management experience (ideally but not necessarily at Head of Department level or alternatively be an aspirant Leading Practitioner). The post would suit an ambitious middle leader looking either to broaden their subject expertise and responsibilities, or who may be considering a future leadership pathway to their first headship. Although based at the Harris Federation offices close to East Croydon Station (with fast access to central London and the M25), the role will mostly be located within the academies.

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. The successful applicant will be resilient, creative and a dynamic practitioner, and must hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant degree. You will be fully supported through a comprehensive Induction Programme both within and across the Harris Federation.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

Rewards & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.