Head of English and Literacy

Kassia Academy and Support Services, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 0QQ

18 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  8 June 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  21 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• 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: Main/Upper Pay Scale (MPS/UPS) + TLR2a (£3,527)
• Additional allowances:

  + SEN Allowance (£2,787)

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Kassia Academy is a specialist SEMH provision within the Kings Academy Trust, offering a small, nurturing environment for young people unable to access mainstream education. Supporting up to 60 learners, the academy provides a highly personalised approach to help pupils re-engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.

We are committed to a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach, underpinned by strong relationships, consistency and high expectations. Pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum, alongside a rich personal development offer and access to targeted pastoral and therapeutic support.

As Head of English & Literacy, you will lead the English curriculum alongside a whole-school literacy strategy, ensuring all learners develop the reading, writing and communication skills needed to succeed. This includes oversight of phonics, reading development, writing across the curriculum and targeted literacy interventions.

You will support and coach colleagues to deliver high-quality literacy teaching and interventions, while contributing to a safe, structured and inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of a high-quality English curriculum, including schemes of learning and resources accessible to non-specialists
• Drive a whole-school literacy strategy, ensuring consistent approaches to reading and writing across all subjects
• Oversee the implementation of phonics provision, ensuring targeted support for learners with gaps in early reading
• Lead on reading development, including reading culture, assessment (e.g., reading ages) and intervention programmes
• Lead on writing across the curriculum, supporting staff to develop pupils’ written communication in all subjects
• Develop and embed handwriting approaches to support learners with additional needs
• Plan and deliver creative, differentiated lessons that meet the diverse needs of learners with SEMH and ASD
• Create structured, predictable classroom environments where pupils feel safe, respected and ready to learn
• Implement relational and trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation and engagement
• Maintain high expectations for learning, behaviour and personal growth
• Use assessment (including literacy data) to track progress, identify gaps and inform teaching and intervention
• Lead and support literacy interventions (phonics, reading, writing and handwriting)
• Work closely with pastoral, inclusion and therapeutic staff to ensure joined-up support for every pupil
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers, building positive home–school relationships
• Contribute to the wider life of the school through enrichment, celebration and teamwork

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified English teacher (QTS or equivalent) with experience of developing an English curriculum
• Has experience of, or a strong interest in, whole-school literacy development
• Has knowledge of how pupils learn to read, including phonics and reading interventions
• Can support pupils with low literacy levels to make strong progress
• Has a calm, compassionate and consistent approach to behaviour
• Is reflective, adaptable and motivated to make a difference
• Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Values professional development and is keen to grow within a forward-thinking setting

How to apply

Please complete and return the application form along with a covering letter (maximum two sides of A4) torecruitment@tkas.org.uk. If you require a copy of the application form, in word format, please emailrecruitment@tkas.org.uk

Safeguarding

The Kassia Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

What the school offers its staff

We can offer:

• A supportive, experienced leadership team and committed colleagues
• Regular professional development, including opportunities to lead and deliver literacy CPD and coaching
• A relational, inclusive ethos where staff wellbeing is valued
• The opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious, growing school

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.

About Kassia Academy and Support Services

• School type: Academies, Does not apply, ages 11 to 16
• School size: 19 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Kassia Academy and Support Services website
• Email address: recruitment@tkas.org.uk
• Phone number: 01925452010
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/kassia-academy-and-support-services

Arranging a visit to Kassia Academy and Support Services

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@tkas.org.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Warrington and Cheshire