Head of English and Literacy

We are looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and innovative leader of English with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to achieving high standards within a thriving department.

The successful candidate will have a strong academic background, be an excellent classroom practitioner who is capable of inspiring and motivating students and have experience of working with children with special educational needs (please note this does not need to be within a special school setting). You will lead on our whole-school approach to reading and oversee the use of phonics across the curriculum, working closely with our well-established interventions team and SENDCo. A good knowledge of phonics is, therefore, essential for this role.

You will continue to drive improvement in the department by leading the department’s subject planning and development time to further develop the curriculum and its implementation. You will be a member of the school’s Curriculum Group led by the Deputy Head Teacher and will also be part of the school’s extended Senior Leadership Team. This post would, therefore, suit candidates who are looking to make the move into senior leadership in the future.

We welcome applications from both primary and secondary qualified teachers. We have a great mixture of both within our school – something that greatly enhances our curriculum offer! The majority of our students are working at a KS1 and KS2 level, with a small number studying GCSEs in English, Maths and Art.

About us

The Abbey School converted to Academy status on 1st September 2018 and is part of the Weydon Multi Academy Trust (WMAT), a dynamic, forward-thinking and innovative Trust. We are currently seven schools – three special schools and four secondaries within the Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere areas. There are regular opportunities for collaborative working, CPD and the sharing of expertise between staff across the schools. There are also opportunities for staff to join a range of WMAT working groups to further their own continuing professional development.

It is a very exciting time to join our team as we move towards the next stage of our development within WMAT.

We were graded Outstanding by OFSTED in 2009, 2012 and 2016.

Over the next two years, The Abbey will be undergoing significant investment as we expand from two- to three-form entry and we will be benefiting from a range of brand-new facilities, including nine classrooms, a learning resource unit, a sports hall, staff work area, staff room and a suite of therapy rooms. It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an exciting development project that will change the school beyond recognition.

Working in a special school is extremely rewarding, and our students continue to amaze us on a daily basis with their attitudes, achievements and behaviour. We welcome you to come and meet us and see our fantastic students and staff in action prior to placing your application.

Further information

To find out more about the school and this exciting opportunity, please visit www.abbey.surrey.sch.uk

To apply, please return your completed application form to Miss Zoe Mackie by email: recruitment@abbey.surrey.sch.uk

Closing date: Wednesday 1st February 2023

Interview date: Thursday 9th and Friday 10th February 2023

Please note that neither covering letters nor CVs will be accepted.

The Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS, Children’s Barred List and Right to work in the UK checks are required for this post.

The Abbey School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.