Head of English (VN057)

Exeter School is the leading co-educational day school in the Southwest, educating over 1,000 pupils aged 3-18. We are looking to appoint a Head of English to join our school, a school of great character.

 We seek an inspirational, experienced, well-qualified teacher of English to lead this outstanding and ambitious department. The twin requirements of this position are to be both an excellent teacher of English and to have the ability to drive change and innovation and successfully lead this large and highly successful department. This full-time position will start in September 2024. It would also be advantageous to be keen to contribute to the broader life of the school through cultural, sporting or other extra-curricular activities.

The English department is staffed by six full-time teachers and one part-time teacher, who bring an enthusiastic and multi-faceted approach to their teaching. The English department is housed in the main school building, close to a very well-resourced school library with which there are strong links.

The senior school starts at Year 7 and pupils are taught in form groups until the end of Year 9, when they are put into streamed bands based on English ability for the two years of GCSE/IGCSE. All pupils are prepared for the Edexcel IGCSE in English Language (Language A) and the AQA GCSE in English Literature and examination results are very strong.

English literature is a popular option in the sixth form (Edexcel specification) and the department has a trend of very strong results. In recent years, the department has seen a number of pupils moving on to top-rated universities for further study of the subject, including Oxford, St Andrews, York, Birmingham and Durham.

At an extra-curricular level, the department organises a programme of theatre trips, whilst within school we regularly receive visiting authors. We also conduct a number of writing competitions, run a creative writing club for both Key Stage Three as well as a weekly literary society for sixth formers.

The closing date for applications is Monday 22 April 2024, 9.00 am. We anticipate that interviews will be held in the week beginning 29 April 2024.

The role will attract a competitive salary as well as generous benefits including employer pension contribution, free school lunch during term time, free on-site parking, discretionary staff discount on school fees and use of indoor swimming pool and fitness suite. 

Exeter School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any appropriately qualified person. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references provided specifically for this post and addressed to the school, and to satisfactory DBS clearance. 

This post falls into the category of Regulated Activity. Exeter School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service