Deputy Head of Department: English
Swanshurst School, Birmingham, West Midlands, B13 0TW12 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Monday 13th April 2026 or Tuesday 1st September 2026
Closing date
26 January 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
13 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- English
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- MPS/UPS & TLR 1d (£10,178 per annum)
Additional allowances
MPS/UPS & TLR 1d (£10,178 per annum)
Deputy Head of Department: English job summary
Do you want to join the leadership of our high achieving department?
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for English? We are seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Deputy Head of English to help shape the future of English at our school. This is a rare opportunity to join a thriving, high-performing department and play a key role in driving excellence.
Our English team is large, collaborative, and proud of its success. With GCSE and A-level results that consistently exceed national averages, we make a significant impact on pupil progress and achievement. You’ll work alongside exceptional teachers and leaders, sharing best practice and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
By joining the team at Swanshurst, you will be joining a supportive, forward-thinking department committed to innovation and success. You will have opportunities to teach across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, with A-level English Literature, Media Studies and EPQ also part of our curriculum - we therefore also offer the opportunity for KS5 teaching. We have an exceptional professional development package and leadership growth opportunities because we value and harness your ambition and creativity.
If you are ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Department and lead on the following areas:
Leading and being the expert on identified courses/subjects or key stages in accordance (to be agreed).
Sequencing the curriculum and writing schemes of work that fulfil school requirements.
Leading and coordinating all aspects of the delivery and quality assurance of the curriculum for identified courses or key stages.
Working in collaboration with other departments to share strong practice.
Leading on training staff on new curriculum developments and school teaching and learning priorities.
Developing and delivering training to staff to develop subject knowledge and pedagogical subject knowledge.
The successful candidate will be an inspirational professional with:
A track record of strong teaching and impact.
A track record of strong attainment and progress in KS3, KS4 and/or KS5 English.
A track record of impact on curriculum development and/or the practice of others.
An eagerness to further develop leadership skills.
A vision and passion for growth and development of colleagues at all levels.
The skills to effectively lead and manage.
A relentless commitment to outstanding support for youngsters.
A driving ambition to make a difference to every child at Swanshurst.
WMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.
Safeguarding is our top priority. We encourage all applicants to review our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy which outlines our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students.
The successful applicant will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks including enhanced DBS, Prohibition Check, qualifications (where applicable), medical fitness, identify and right to work.
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). Therefore, the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
To comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education, we will seek and scrutinise references prior to interviews. Referees will be contacted to provide further clarification if needed. All information provided by referees will be compared for consistency against the information disclosed in your application form, and you will be asked about any discrepancies at interview.
Short listed candidates - an online search will also be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates.
Further information about the job
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
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Swanshurst School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 19
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1920 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Swanshurst School website
School location
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