Head of English and Whole-School Literacy

Felixstowe School, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9QR

13 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027.

• Closing date

  21 September 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  8 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Subject: English
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: MPR1 - UPR3 (£34,068-£52,835 per annum + TLR1A-£10,530)
• Additional allowances:

  TLR1a

Head of English and Whole-School Literacy job summary

Felixstowe School

Head of English and Whole-School Literacy 

Contract: Full Time, Permanent, 33.25 hours per week.

Salary: MPR1 - UPR3 (£34,068-£52,835 per annum + TLR1A-£10,530)

Start date: January 2027

Our English 5+ results improved by 18.9 percentage points this summer. We’re incredibly proud of that – and particularly proud of the team who made it happen.

Now we’re looking for an exceptional Head of English and Whole-School Literacy to build on that success and lead what comes next.

This isn’t a turnaround job. You’ll inherit a committed team, shared resources, improving outcomes and genuine momentum. But there is plenty still to do.

We want someone who can develop great teachers, strengthen an ambitious English curriculum and continue to improve outcomes for all students. And your influence will extend beyond the department. As our whole-school literacy lead, you’ll shape our approach to reading, writing, vocabulary and disciplinary literacy across the curriculum. You’ll work closely with senior and subject leaders – and we’ll give you allocated leadership non-contact time to do it properly.

For us, this is about more than examination results: it is about giving young people the confidence, literacy and voice to access the opportunities ahead of them. Why join us? Felixstowe School is a friendly, ambitious school at the heart of a great community. In 2024, we achieved our first Good Ofsted judgement in the school’s history, and we are determined to keep moving forward.

We are part of Unity Schools Partnership, with access to both a Teaching School Hub and Research School, and we have a strong track record of developing and promoting leaders.

We offer: a two-week October half-term; allocated leadership non-contact time; shared curriculum resources; sensible and proportionate marking and feedback expectations; funded NPQs appropriate to your career stage; excellent professional development and career progression opportunities; monthly professional supervision through OM Health and Wellbeing, funded by the school; an Employee Assistance Programme with access to discounts and benefits; a salary-sacrifice electric vehicle scheme; and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Could this be your next step? You might already be a successful Head of English looking for a new challenge. Or you might be an excellent second in department wondering whether you’re ready to lead. Either way, we’re interested in your potential as well as your experience.

If you’re ambitious for young people, passionate about English and literacy and excited by the opportunity to develop yourself and others, we’d love to hear from you. Come and see us. Meet the team. Meet our students. Ask us about the results, behaviour, workload, our ambitions – and the things we’re still working to improve.

You can also arrange an informal and confidential conversation before deciding whether to apply. Great team. Great progress. Could you lead what comes next? 

Closing Date: 21.09.2026

Interviews: TBC.

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

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

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

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.

About Felixstowe School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1169 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Felixstowe School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/felixstowe-school

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