Head of English

Orion Coopers, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5PS

9 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  10 May 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  1 May 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 plus TLR allowance
• Additional allowances:

  MPS/ UPS plus TLR allowance

Head of English job summary

Orion Coopers is seeking an exceptional Head of English to provide strong professional leadership and strategic direction for a core curriculum subject at the heart of our ambitious school. This is a permanent role, paid at MPS/UPS plus TLR 1B, offering an exciting opportunity to lead a committed team, shape curriculum innovation and drive outstanding outcomes for pupils across the 11-18 age range.

As Head of English, you will be responsible for the quality of teaching and learning across the department, ensuring high expectations, consistency and continuous improvement. You will use data intelligently to identify strengths and areas for development, implement targeted strategies to raise achievement, and ensure excellent curriculum coverage, progression and assessment for all pupils, including those with SEND and high prior attainment.

You will play a key role in whole‑school improvement, contribute to strategic planning, and work closely with senior leaders, pastoral teams and parents. The role also includes line management, staff development, performance management, curriculum resourcing and budget responsibility. At Orion Coopers, leaders are supported by clear systems, a calm and purposeful learning environment, and high‑quality professional development through Orion Education’s Trust‑wide coaching and CPD offer.

This role would suit an experienced, reflective English specialist with a strong track record of raising attainment, a passion for curriculum and pedagogy, and the ability to inspire, develop and lead others.

Please note: Orion Education reserves the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer carefully to the job description and person specification before submitting an application.

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

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 Orion Coopers

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1318 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Orion Coopers website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/coopers-school

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