Head of English

Required from Jan 2023

MPS/UPS + TLR 1B

NOR 1,650

This is a rare opportunity to lead our thriving English department. We are a school with a strong history of students achieving highly in English and we are looking for an exceptional leader to take our English department to even greater heights of excellence. This is an exciting time to join our school as we embark on a new school improvement plan and build on our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating from February 2022. 

Fostering a lifelong love of literature and reading, as well as supporting all our students to communicate effectively is at the heart of our ethos. This is a post for a real enthusiast who holds very high expectations of what the role of English should be in our students' lives.  You will be given the opportunity to lead a team of talented and committed staff, in a school that prides itself on delivering excellent English teaching to all students. 

We are an ambitious school and we believe that every child can succeed. If you are a great classroom teacher, a self-reflective practitioner, a highly effective communicator and have ambition to develop your career, then please apply to join us in creating an ‘ethic of excellence’ for all our students. 

Blatchington Mill is a ‘Good’ school. We achieve positive value-added in our exam results, stretch our most able, and support our most vulnerable. We innovate in the classroom, placing huge value on teacher-led action research and professional development. We work in partnership with schools locally and nationally and believe in collaboration and school-led improvement. We are also a designated Stonewall Training School.

Our recent Ofsted report stated that:

‘Pupils are proud to be members of the “Blatch family”. They are polite, friendly and welcoming of visitors. They feel safe and know who to turn to if they have a concern for themselves or for someone else.’ 

‘The governing body…actively support the school’s ethos of inclusivity and diversity.’

‘Pupils enjoy their lessons.’   ‘...teachers know their pupils well.’

‘Leaders have designed a curriculum that is rich and challenging for all.’

‘Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and this is evidenced through their strong exposition in the classroom.’

‘The curriculum includes a focus on enrichment and extra-curricular activities to inspire and enthuse pupils.’ ‘Pupils appreciate the many opportunities to develop their interests and talents.’ 

‘Leaders, staff and pupils create a positive environment in which bullying is not tolerated.’ ‘Behaviour is well managed.’

‘Leaders ensure that there is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school.’ 

‘Leaders share an aspiring vision for ensuring that all pupils experience a high-quality education. This is demonstrated through strong shared values, policies and practice.’

‘Staff say that leaders are supportive and mindful of their well-being.’

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to have a staff body that matches the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.  

If you would like to join us, and feel you could thrive in a collegiate and positive atmosphere then please read the accompanying person specification and job description and consider if you possess:

• A track record of positive impact upon student outcomes
• Excellent communication skills  
• Knowledge and experience of teaching English Language and Literature to GCSE level
• The ability to lead and manage others to success
• Creativity, enthusiasm, and resilience
• High expectations of all students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

If you are interested in applying for this role please complete and return an application form before the closing date (CVs alone cannot be considered).

For further details and an application form please visit: 

https://www.blatchingtonmill.org.uk/key-information/vacancies/

Closing date:  Tuesday 11 October 2022 – 12.00 noon

Interview date:  w.c. 17 October 2022

Please return your completed application form to Amanda Brasington, PA to Headteacher, via email to recruitment@blatchingtonmill.org.uk

The school reserves the right to interview suitable candidates in advance of interview dates where appropriate. Applications will be considered as soon as they are received, with a view to an early interview.

Blatchington Mill School is committed to safeguarding our students; we expect all staff and volunteers to support this commitment.  Criminal record checks will be carried out and a full, enhanced DBS clearance is required for all positions.

Applications are encouraged from black and ethnic minority candidates, as these groups are under-represented on the school's staff.

(Race Relations Act sections 35-38 apply).