16 days remaining to apply

  • Job start date

    1 January 2027

  • Closing date

    11 October 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    25 September 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Head of department or curriculum
  • Assistant headteacher

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Key stage

Key stage 3, Key stage 4

Subject

English

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Pay scale

Assistant Headteacher: L9-L13 or Head of English: MPS/UPS +TLR 1b

What skills and experience we're looking for

At West Exe, one conviction shapes everything: every student and every member of staff deserve something exceptional. An exceptional culture to belong to. Exceptional teaching to learn from. An exceptional experience to carry with them long after they leave.

From that conviction comes the rest of what we do: a curriculum that is rigorous, academic and rich in knowledge, teaching of genuine quality in every room, and a cultural capital programme that opens doors for all of our students, not a fortunate few.

English sits at the very heart of that ambition. The books students read, the arguments they learn to make and the words they learn to command shape what they can go on to do. We are looking for a Leader of English who believes great literature and powerful language belong to every child, and who wants to lead a department that makes that true.

Every Student, Every Time

Our values become real in the classroom through one promise: Every Student, Every Time. The student who finds reading hard, the student who is quietly getting by, the student who is already flying: each is owed the same precise explanation, the same demand for their full attention, and the same belief that they will succeed. Not in some lessons. In every one.

We are looking for someone who will

  • Lead a knowledge-rich English curriculum that is ambitious, coherent and rooted in great texts
  • Model and champion consistently excellent teaching across the department
  • Hold high expectations for every student and give colleagues the clarity and support to meet them
  • Bring energy, warmth and conviction to the life of the school
  • Live our values of brave, selfless and together for every child, every time.

Whether you are an established middle leader looking to broaden your influence across the school, or an ambitious teacher with leadership experience ready for the next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

What the school offers its staff

West Exe School is a highly successful secondary school in the beautiful city of Exeter and without doubt, the greatest place to work in the South West. We have an unashamedly academic curriculum, disruption free classrooms and an unrivalled staff development programme.

We are part of the Ted Wragg Trust, an ambitious and inclusive trust of schools strengthening our communities through excellent education.




Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

View advert on school website (opens in new tab)

About West Exe School

Organisation type
Academy, ages 11 to 16
Education phase
Secondary school
Size
1237 pupils enrolled
Age range
11 to 16
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Website
West Exe School website
Email address
recruitment@westexe.devon.sch.uk
Phone number
01392 660100
See more jobs
teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/west-exe-school

The Ted Wragg Trust is an ambitious and inclusive Trust of Schools strengthening our communities through excellent education. Formed in 2013 with the aim of creating an outstanding educational experience for all of Exeter’s children no matter what their background or aptitudes, the Trust has since grown from a one school Trust to a 12 school Multi-Academy Trust and is responsible for the education of over 7000 children aged between 2-16.

Arranging a visit to West Exe School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@westexe.devon.sch.uk.

School location

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