Curriculum Lead - Communications

Are you passionate about unlocking the power of literacy and language to shape aspirational futures?

At Carisbrooke College, Education is Our Castle. Inspired by our historic local connection, we see education as a stronghold built carefully, stone by stone, upon secure foundations of knowledge. Since literacy is the definitive gateway to academic success and social mobility, we are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative, and ambitious leader to head our Communications Faculty comprised of English & Languages (Mandarin).

As a key senior leader within our school, you will manage a dedicated team to deliver a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum that equips young people with the courage and skills to thrive on the Isle of Wight and beyond. To support our high standards and ensure world-class foundations in literacy, our school proudly utilises the ARK English Mastery curriculum across Key Stage 3.

Carisbrooke College, situated on the historic and beautiful Isle of Wight , is a proud member of the HISP Multi Academy Trust—a forward-thinking educational community whose purpose is the provision of courageous, transformative education for all. Serving an economically and socially disadvantaged community , we are fully committed to equity , ensuring that no child’s background, circumstance, or geography limits their horizons.

Our whole-school teaching model is evidence-informed, grounded in cognitive science, and strategically designed to reduce cognitive overload, strengthen long-term memory, and drive active participation.

A supportive, highly collaborative, and deeply principled working environment.

Access to exceptional, evidence-informed CPD and career progression opportunities across the HISP Trust.

The opportunity to shape curriculum implementation and lead a vital faculty.

A school community that passionately values character development, digital literacy, and academic rigor.

Provide strategic leadership across the English and Languages faculty, cultivating a sense of purpose and collective pride.

Embed the ARK English Mastery curriculum at Key Stage 3 and ensure learning is masterfully sequenced through to Key Stage 4 so that students know, remember, and do more over time.

Champion whole-school disciplinary literacy, ensuring every subject explicitly teaches vocabulary and communication skills.

Drive adaptive teaching and scaffolding across the faculty so that students with SEND and those facing disadvantage fully access ambitious learning.

Use data responsively to monitor student progress, eliminate misconceptions, and continuously elevate achievements.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are guided by the CASTLE:
Courage, Ambition, Sustainability, Teamwork, Learning, and Equity. We need a leader who embodies these traits and brings:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and an honours degree in English, Languages, or a related discipline.

A proven track record as a highly effective classroom practitioner with an excellent understanding of cognitive science and retrieval-based learning principles.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to lead adults and inspire children alike.

A commitment to continuous professional development and raising aspirations within an island community.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Online searches and references will be taken up for those candidates short-listed for interview. The successful candidate will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

A tour of the school and a meeting with the Head Teacher are encouraged.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Start date: 1st January, 2027 or earlier by negotiation