Faculty Leader - English

• Salary Grade: Leadership Scale L9-L12 (63,070 - £67,898)
• Contract: Full Time Permanent
• Start Date: September 2026
• Closing Date:
  Applications should be submitted by 9am, Monday 2nd March

• Post: Faculty Leader - English
• Salary Grade: Leadership Scale L9-L12 (63,070 - £67,898)
• Contract: Full Time Permanent
• Start Date: September 2026
• Responsible to: Leadership Team Link
• Closing Date:
  Applications should be submitted by 9am, Monday 2nd March

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join Whickham School and lead our thriving English & Media Faculty. This is your opportunity to shape the literacy and learning of 1,700 pupils while working with a talented team of 15 English specialists. You will:

• Lead and inspire the English & Media Faculty, driving continuous improvement in teaching and learning
• Work alongside a Deputy Faculty Leader, 2 Assistant Faculty Leaders and a Lead Practitioner to deliver an outstanding curriculum
• Champion our school values whilst supporting whole-school improvement priorities
• Ensure every student achieves their potential in English
• Model excellence – demonstrate what outstanding English teaching looks like across KS3-KS5
• Develop others – coach and mentor colleagues using evidence-based approaches, building leadership capacity across your team
• Drive innovation – ensure our English and Media curriculum is dynamic, relevant and accessible, developing excellent English and literacy skills in every pupil
• Shape practice – plan and deliver regular subject‑specific CPD that supports excellent teaching
• Lead strategically – use the Whickham Learning Model & evidence based teaching strategies to ensure consistency and quality across the faculty

• Qualified Teacher Status and a degree in English or related subject
• Successful secondary teaching experience with evidence of excellent student progress and outcomes
• Leadership experience (formal or informal) with a commitment to continued growth
• The ability to teach confidently across KS3-KS5
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment and data analysis
• A passion for developing others and seeing them succeed
• Evidence‑based practice grounded in research and reflection

• Experience leading a team or department
• Experience of examination marking
• Understanding of collaborative planning approaches
• Track record of improving departmental performance

• You understand that great teaching is built on relationships, high expectations, and relentless focus on progress
• You're reflective, solution‑focused and committed to continuous improvement
• You can inspire and motivate both students and staff
• You're committed to upholding our school values and creating an inclusive learning environment

Specific details regarding the role and skills and qualities that the successful candidate will need to demonstrate are in the Application Pack:

• Job Advert
• Job Description
• Person Specification
• Faculty Information - English

We actively encourage visits. Contact Rebecca Erskine at rerskine (PA to the Headteacher) to arrange a time that works for you.

Application Forms should be submitted to recruitment by 9am on Monday 2nd March