Lead Practitioner of Literacy (English Specialist)

Joseph Leckie Academy, Walsall, West Midlands, WS5 4PG

13 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1st January 2026 or sooner if possible

• Closing date

  20 October 2025 at 9am

• Date listed

  7 October 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: English
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £57,418.00 - £65,010.00 Annually (Actual) Lead Practitioner Scale - L5 - L10

Lead Practitioner of Literacy (English Specialist) job summary

• Are you passionate about developing the literacy of young people?

• Are you keen to develop your leadership experience?

• Are you committed to making a difference to the lives of young people in Walsall?

We are looking for an exceptional Lead Practitioner of Literacy to raise standards of literacy, reading and oracy across the Academy. The ideal candidate will be ambitious about improving outcomes in whole school literacy and reading, working closely with an expanding team of lead practitioners, senior leaders responsible for teaching and curriculum, the SENDCo and our Learning Resource Centre Manager to ensure there is targeted literacy support available for all learners. The ideal candidate will be confident and have a collaborative, team focus in delivering CPD to colleagues and sharing good practice on all strands of literacy, to ensure that a passion for reading is at the heart of our Academy.

We are looking for an inspirational teacher to develop and support our Literacy curriculum, as well as teach within the English Department. We welcome applications from outstanding teachers with the experience to assist in leading our English and Literacy team. Within the subject area, we offer AQA GCSE English Language and Literature and AQA A-Level English Literature, as well as WJEC GCSE Media Studies and Pearson BTEC Level 3 Digital Content Production.

The English Department is comprised of a large team of experienced teachers and middle leaders, including a Head of Faculty, Key Stage Leaders and teaching assistants, all who offer a wealth of support and professional advice to staff at all levels. There are 13 English classrooms, as well as access to the Academy Learning Resource Centre and computer rooms for use in vocational or reading lessons. Most importantly, you will be joining a growing Lead Practitioner Team, dynamic Academy and new Multi Academy Trust at the forefront of change and development in education, after our most recent Ofsted inspection, rating us ‘Good’ in all areas.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven outstanding Literacy teacher with a strong track record of raising achievement and improving teaching and learning in English.
• Experience in teaching English Language and Literature at KS3 and 4 with the ability to teach KS5.
• At least four years of middle leadership experience, ideally in subject or Key Stage leadership within English or Literacy.
• Skills in supporting teaching, learning and staff development in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Demonstrated whole-school impact in teaching, learning, or staff development.
• Extensive experience in coaching, lesson observation, feedback and staff training.
• Knowledge of ITT/ECT frameworks and current developments in English and Literacy education.
• Experience in outreach, especially supporting transition from Primary to Secondary in Literacy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with all stakeholders.
• Clear a passion for Literacy and show a love of learning.

We can offer you:

• A dedicated Faculty working collaboratively towards a shared vision.
• Teaching in your subject specialism area.
• Friendly and supportive staff across the Academy.
• Professional development opportunities, including both internal and external programmes.
• SSAT Teaching and Learning training as a TEEP ambassador School with Level 3 trainers.
• Excellent facilities and comprehensive staff benefits including; staff social events, access to onsite fitness gym, Academy Counsellor, Academy Nurse, Well-being Coordinator for staff, monthly staff breakfasts, employee assistance programme and much more.
• An expanding Academy and newly established Multi-Academy Trust at the forefront of change and growth, with high standards and an ambitious desire to improve education in Walsall.
• A highly dedicated and committed team of Senior Leaders, Lead Practitioners, Middle Leaders and Pastoral Leaders supporting at all levels.
• A well established and supportive Induction programme for all staff at all levels.

Please see the attached job description for further details.

For more information about the academy, role and requirements click on the links below.

Application process:

Please see the attached job description and person specification and address this in your letter.

Applicants should address the following two questions in their letter:

Explain how your experience, skills and qualities to date have prepared you for this role.

Explain your vision for Literacy at Joseph Leckie Academy.

1.

We welcome visits to the Academy, please contact Mrs A Morgan (a.morgan@josephleckieacademy.co.uk) to arrange a visit.

Closing date for applications: Monday 20th October 8am.

Interview Date: Week Commencing Monday 20th October.

Please send completed applications to Mrs A Morgan at recruitment@josephleckieacademy.co.uk

Please note that CVs or incomplete application forms will not be considered. All other applications will be considered, however, only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.

Joseph Leckie Academy reserve the right to close adverts earlier than the deadline.

Joseph Leckie Academy is an equal opportunities employer and fully committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students and all candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Telephone: 01922 721071
E-mail: Recruitment@josephleckieacademy.co.uk
Visit the Academy Website: https://www.josephleckieacademy.co.uk/

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 Joseph Leckie Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary
• School size: 1520 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Joseph Leckie Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/joseph-leckie-academy

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