Head of English

To Start 1 September 2023

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and inspirational English teacher to lead a large, highly regarded, vibrant and dynamic English and Media department. You will be supported by four Deputy Heads of English, our Whole School Literacy Lead, a Media Lead and an Inclusion Lead to ‘Bring out the Best’ in our students. We aim to support our young people to become lifelong enthusiasts of both reading and writing, developing the literacy skills necessary to thrive. Your department plays an integral part to help shape and transform the futures of every student in the School.

It's an exciting time to join Oxted School, one of Surrey’s largest, with c1800 on roll including c300 in our Sixth Form. We are a highly inclusive school within a very supportive Multi Academy Trust (THPT). There has been a Specialist Centre for the Visually Impaired within Oxted School since 1988. The Centre excels at developing independence in its students.

You will be fully supported by the Senior Leadership Team. Our outstanding staff and students make Oxted a great place to work. When you join us, you will be supported and developed through our extensive CPD programme and given effective PPA allocation to allow for a better work/life balance. Working in our school within The Howard Partnership Trust provides a wealth of opportunities to include excellent career progression options. Regardless of your experience or level of responsibility you will have a range of exciting opportunities to ensure you are improving your craft. 

We are looking for staff to join our team who are passionate about improving students’ life chances and capable of contributing to a highly effective and supportive teaching team and our extensive enrichment programme. 

 "Oxted is a GOOD school in all areas' OFSTED February 2022. THPT value their staff very highly, as reflected in the excellent retention rates across the Trust. THPT also operate an extensive Rewards and Benefits Scheme that includes Loyalty & Service Awards, access to discount schemes and membership of the Teacher Pension Scheme. 

Tours to the school are warmly welcomed, if you would like to request a tour of the school, or meet with us informally before applying, then please email the HR Team at hr@thpt.org.uk

All adults employed by the Trust have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations. The Howard Partnership Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation. 

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview. 

Values and Behaviours

We are a values-based organisation and seek to recruit individuals who can demonstrate our values.

Our values will be assessed through the selection process, so we ask all applicants when providing their supporting statement to also incorporate not only how they meet the essential criteria for the role but to also demonstrate our values. 

Our values are: 

Integrity - displaying honesty and having strong moral principles 

Partnership - working together and taking collective ownership to achieve the same goals 

Advocacy - working hard on behalf of others to maximise their success 

Resilience - finding success again after something difficult or negative has happened 

Compassion - displaying empathy towards and a desire to help others 

Aspiration - aiming high to achieve success 

 Please ensure your supporting statement reflects our Values

SAFEGUARDING AND FURTHER INFORMATION 

The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

The Howard Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment 

Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment. 

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of this advertisement.