Head of English; iGCSE & A-Level

Job Title:
Head of English (iGCSE & A-Level)

Location: British School of Tenerife (BST), Spain
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: Academic Director & Head of Secondary

Are you a visionary English specialist ready to lead a high-performing department? The British School of Tenerife (BST) is seeking a Head of English to drive academic standards across Key Stages 3–5.

As a Subject Leader and Lead Teacher for KS4–5, you will design a coherent, ambitious curriculum that prepares our international students for iGCSE and A-Level success. You will lead a dedicated team, model outstanding teaching practice, and ensure that our high-EAL cohort excels in literacy, oracy, and critical thinking.

• Academic Autonomy: Lead the design and sequencing of the KS3–5 curriculum within a BSO-framework school.
• Professional Growth: Opportunity to shape whole-school literacy strategies and mentor staff through structured coaching cycles.
• Lifestyle: Enjoy a leadership career in Tenerife, balancing professional challenge with an exceptional quality of life.

• Strategic Leadership: Set the vision for English, producing a development plan aligned with BSO inspection priorities.
• Curriculum Design: Sequence a coherent KS3–5 curriculum that embeds disciplinary literacy and supports EAL learners.
• Teaching Excellence: Teach iGCSE and A-Level classes to an outstanding standard, modelling best practices for your team.
• Data & Standards: Lead internal moderation, analyze performance data, and implement evidence-based interventions for exam cohorts.
• Team Management: Line-manage the English department, conducting appraisals and delivering tailored CPD.
• Enrichment: Oversee extracurricular activities such as debating, reading clubs, and school productions.

• Qualified teacher status (UK or equivalent) and substantial experience teaching iGCSE and A‑Level English.
• Proven subject leadership experience, including designing KS4/5 curriculum and leading a team.
• Strong content knowledge across literature and language; able to teach both iGCSE and A‑Level specifications.
• Successful track record of improving outcomes, with clear understanding of assessment and exam preparation.
• Experience of supporting EAL students and adapting classroom practice to meet their needs.
• Excellent communication skills with students, parents and colleagues; ability to work bilingually (English/Spanish) desirable.

• Experience with Read Write Inc. or systematic phonics approaches for literacy catch‑up.
• Evidence of effective CPD design and implementation.
• Familiarity with the BSO inspection framework and international school contexts.