Subject Leader for English (Second in Department)

Ribblesdale School, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1EJ

14 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  27 February 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  13 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: English
• Working pattern: Full time: Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS / UPS
• Additional allowances:

  TLR 2.2

What skills and experience we're looking for

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented, committed and ambitious colleague to join the English Department’s leadership team as Second in English. This role represents a significant opportunity to shape our curriculum, drive standards, and contribute to an innovative, supportive and high-performing department.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Curriculum Area Leader in the day-to-day leadership of a forward-thinking and aspirational English curriculum area. This post carries responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership in English, including curriculum planning, assessment design, standardisation, data analysis and the coordination of intervention programmes. You will ensure that pupils access a coherent, challenging and inclusive curriculum that builds strong foundational knowledge and prepares them effectively for future studies and the world of work.

We are seeking an individual who can enthuse and engage pupils in a broad, knowledge-rich English curriculum, promoting curiosity and analytical skill through purposeful reading, writing and oracy. The ability to ensure that assessment and tracking inform high-quality teaching and targeted intervention is essential. Experience of contributing to moderation cycles, supporting teacher development, and helping to deliver departmental CPD will be highly advantageous.

The postholder will support the consistency of teaching and learning through involvement in quality-assurance routines, sharing good practice, and helping colleagues refine their use of curriculum resources and classroom strategies. They will also contribute to whole-department initiatives, resource development, Enrichment activities and cross-key-stage collaboration.

This is an ideal role for an enthusiastic, passionate practitioner ready to make the next step into middle leadership or for an existing leader seeking a new challenge. Excellent subject knowledge, a commitment to inclusive practice, and a genuine belief in the potential of every pupil are essential.

If you are excited by curriculum leadership, inspired by the prospect of shaping English, and committed to delivering outstanding learning experiences, we would be delighted to receive your application.

What the school offers its staff

Our expert, friendly teaching and support staff work hard to ensure that our school continues to grow and improve, keeping our pupils’ development needs at the heart of all we do. ‘The Ribblesdale Way’ encapsulates the core beliefs and expectations we hold for our pupils and staff. Ribblesdale School is a Microsoft Showcase School and a founder member and key contributor in the North-West EdTech hub. Every pupil in our care benefits from our Ofsted Grade 1 personal development programme which incorporates our unique enrichment curriculum.

Ribblesdale is a popular and successful school which enjoys close links with the local community it has served for more than 90 years. I would positively encourage candidates to visit Ribblesdale School in order that they may better understand the ethos and atmosphere of our learning community.

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.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Subject Leader for English (Second in Department) Person Specification.pdf - 49.9 KB (opens in new tab)

Subject Leader for English (Second in Department) Job Description.pdf - 108 KB (opens in new tab)

Subject Leader for English (Second in Department).pdf - 4.93 MB (opens in new tab)

About Ribblesdale School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 4 to 16
• Education phase: All through school
• School size: 1410 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Ribblesdale School website
• Email address: vacancies@ribblesdale.org
• Phone number: 01200 422563
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/ribblesdale-high-school

Ribblesdale School is a Microsoft Showcase School using cutting edge technology, located in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley in Lancashire. and we are seeking to appoint.

Arranging a visit to Ribblesdale School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email vacancies@ribblesdale.org.

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