Head of English Department

Job Introduction

Head of English Department

Main Pay Range / Upper Pay Range + TLR 1b (£12,525)

From September 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to lead and develop our English Department at John Hanson Community School.  We are a successful, over-subscribed 11-16 community school, rated Good by OFSTED.     

Our vision is to inspire and empower our students, within a culture of care and belonging, to embrace opportunities to learn, succeed and become the best versions of themselves. This is underpinned by our strapline: Inspire. Care. Succeed.

“A very happy and inclusive school because staff have successfully created a caring and aspirational culture. They share a genuine belief that all pupils can fulfil their potential.”  (Ofsted March 2024)

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced forward-thinking teacher to lead our successful English Department. You will have the confidence and creativity to develop curriculum and pedagogy that engages students and fosters a love for English. This is an excellent opportunity to shape and drive a key department within a supportive, dynamic school environment.  As Head of English, you will provide strategic leadership for the department, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning while supporting and developing a strong team of teachers. 

You will join a team of specialist teachers and benefit from an ethos that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

“The school is very mindful of staff workload and of creating a positive and supportive working environment which puts pupils first. Staff recognise this and are proud to work at the school” (Ofsted March 2024)

The successful candidate will: 

• Lead and manage the English Department setting a clear vision for excellence
• Be passionate about teaching English at Key Stage 3 and 4 
• Have strong subject knowledge and a commitment to driving standards and progress
• Develop and review the English curriculum in line with national requirements 
• Support and mentor staff including early career teachers
• Promote reading, writing and literacy across the wider school community 
• Have a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of students 
• Embrace wider school life and foster a sense of belonging in the department and beyond

We offer: 

• A highly supportive and collaborative environment with opportunities to develop. 
• Professional development of the highest standard 
• A dedicated, passionate team of teachers, leaders, and support staff.
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA), a Staff Well-Being Action Group (SWAGs) and Mental Health Leads; we are proud signatories of the DfE well-being Charter. 
• Confidential support through various stages of colleagues’ life, including with pregnancy and maternity, menopause and with Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI).
• A strong culture of care, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

We welcome informal conversations with a member of our Senior Leadership Team, and encourage you to come and visit our school to meet our staff and students. If you wish to do so, please email recruit@jhanson.hants.sch.uk to arrange a date and time. 

Closing date: 9am Monday 20th April 2026 

Interview date: tbc 

Further details are available from our website or email recruit@jhanson.hants.sch.uk 

John Hanson Community School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.