Head of A-level English
Accrington St Christopher's Church of England High School, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 4AY20 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
2 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
9 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 5
Subject
- English
Working pattern
- Full time: 27.5 hours a week
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- MPR / UPS
Additional allowances
MPR/UPS (£32,916 to £51,048) plus TLR 2:1 (£3,527)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Assist in Leading the Department:
- Motivate, empower and support staff to secure ambitious student outcomes, with an emphasis on A-level results
- Assist in the evaluation of the performance of the department, helping to formulate and deliver plans for ongoing improvement
- Keep up to date with national and local educational strategies and developments, especially those at Key Stage 5, and communicate these to staff as appropriate
- Promote the subject and encourage links between the school and other establishments (post 16)
- Represent the department at whole school meetings as required
- Fulfil commitments arising from contractual accountability to the governing body
- Motivate and work with others to foster and promote the Christian ethos of the school
Assist in Leading Curriculum, Teaching and Learning:
- Evaluate and develop (along with colleagues) the Key Stage 5 English curricula (A-Level English Language, English Language, English Language and Literature and GCSE English resits), assessments and schemes of work, designed to meet the needs of all students
- Be a passionate advocate for outstanding teaching and learning
- Support the Head of Department in monitoring, evaluating and improving classroom practice across Key Stages 5
- Use assessment information to monitor and enhance pupil progress and achievement at Key Stage 5, inform planning, curriculum developments and intervention strategies with a view to maximising rates of progress, particularly for those in receipt of Free School Meals and the Bursary
- Assist in the monitoring of assessment and feedback across the department, ensuring that students are provided with constructive feedback and set appropriate work to maximise progress in line with English and whole-school policy
- Develop and evaluate (along with colleagues), Key Stage 5 English curriculum, assessments and schemes of work, designed to meet the needs of all students
- Develop and embed whole-school approaches to literacy, including reading, writing and oracy, within the Key Stage 5 English curriculum and delivery
- Develop and evaluate the department’s approach to metacognition, self-regulation and independent study at Key Stage 5
Working with Others and Developing Oneself:
- Review one’s own practice, set professional targets and take responsibility for one’s own professional development
- Manage one’s own workload and that of others to allow an appropriate work/life balance
- Treat people fairly, equitably, with dignity and respect, to create and maintain a positive culture within the department and wider school
- Develop and maintain a culture of high expectations for all
- Act as a mentor or coach to developing teachers and leaders within the department as required by and agreed with the head of department
Assist in Managing the Department:
- Assist in the production, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based improvement plans which address department and school priorities, with specific reference to Key Stage 5 priorities
- Work with the head of department to ensure that CPD provision is fit for purpose, cost effective and secures excellent outcomes
- Accept responsibility for the conduct and behaviour of students and to be available to help members of department as problems arise
- Organise and distribute assessment materials in a timely and well-organised manner to ensure the smooth running of KS5 maths assessments and internal examinations
What the school offers its staff
Further information about the job
An outstanding opportunity to lead and teach in a flourishing and forward thinking 11-18 single academy where the wellbeing of staff is a priority.
Required for September 2026 for this heavily over-subscribed and successful Church of England Academy, an enthusiastic, able and ambitious teacher is sought to lead the teaching of A-level English (Language, Literature, Language & Literature), teach A-level English Language, and teach in one other key stage.
The successful candidate will work within a thriving and supportive English team and work under the direction of a newly appointed Head of Department. The English Department consistently produces high rates of pupil progress and attainment which place it amongst the school’s strongest subjects. Teachers thrive in an environment which balances support and structure with autonomy and independence. The number of students opting to study English A-level is at record levels.
Commitment to safeguarding
St Christopher’s CE High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Accrington St Christopher's Church of England High School
- School type
- Academy, Church of England, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1293 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- vacancies@st-christophers.org
- Phone number
- 01254 232992
St Christopher’s is a highly successful and popular 11-18 co-educational Church of England single academy with 1,300 pupils and students on roll. We are situated in the Lancashire town of Accrington close to the Ribble Valley. Good motorway links mean that Preston, Burnley, Blackburn, Manchester, and North Yorkshire are all within a 30–40-minute car journey. The school is situated in a pleasant setting with views towards Pendle Hill.
Our pupils come from a wide catchment area. Pupils join us in Year 7 from over fifty primary schools, and the sixth form receives students from around thirty secondary schools. We enjoy an enviable reputation, built-up over many years, for providing high quality education for a comprehensive intake of pupils. Our reputation means that we are a popular school, and always over-subscribed. However, we do not allow ourselves to become complacent, always striving for higher standards in all areas. This year, for example, well over 800 applications were received for the 195 on offer. Ten per cent of our pupils are eligible for the Pupil Premium and 3% are from minority ethnic groups.
Our teaching comprises of 80 teachers and 12 teaching assistants. The core Senior Leadership Team is substantively the headmaster, one Deputy Headteacher, one Senior Assistant Headteachers, three Assistant Headteachers, and the school Business Manager.
The school’s commitment to learning extends to staff as well as pupils; there is a well-developed support structure for early career teachers and other new members of staff, and a strong culture of ongoing professional development among our teaching and support staff. We are continually looking to develop and further improve the quality of teaching and teachers are encouraged to think deeply about how pupils learn. Whilst we appreciate the contribution that technology can play in assisting learning, we remain committed to the idea that it is the teacher who makes the difference.
Arranging a visit to Accrington St Christopher's Church of England High School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email vacancies@st-christophers.org.
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