Teaching careers in HMC independent schools
We are currently seeking to fill the position of Principal Teacher of English.
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of the school - distributing kindness, support, and generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school.
Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here. We aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer, which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays, and pension, includes:
* Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity pay
* Family-friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
* Continued professional development opportunities
* Travel to work schemes
* School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
* Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
* Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, experienced, and enthusiastic Principal Teacher of English to lead our successful English Department, from August 2025.
The Department currently comprises eleven colleagues, including full-time English teachers, a Depute Head, members of the Guidance team, and the Principal Teacher of Citizenship. There is also an Assistant Principal Teacher of English who contributes to all areas of departmental management. The Department is well-resourced and occupies a suite of attractive rooms in one of the ‘turrets’ of the school’s historic Old Building. All classrooms are equipped with computer projection facilities, including 75-inch LCD television screens.
English is taught to all students in S1-S4, and all are presented for the SQA National 5 exam at the end of S4. Almost all students proceed to Higher English in S5, and about 35 every year choose Advanced Higher in S6. There is a strong focus on the teaching of major literary texts throughout the Senior School, resulting in an excellent results profile at all levels. The Department also offers AS Film Studies, to the WJEC (Welsh Exam Board) Specification, as a one-year course in S6.
Members of the Department run a variety of subject-related extra-curricular activities, including debating, quizzing, creative writing clubs, book clubs, and film-making.
This is an outstanding opportunity for the right candidate to lead an established, high-achieving department in one of Scotland’s leading schools.
All applicants must be registered, or eligible for registration, with the GTC Scotland.
Please see attached job description for full details.
* An excellent degree in English (or an English-related subject)
* An outstanding classroom practitioner capable of inspiring pupils with a love of English
* An innovative, imaginative approach to teaching and learning
* Proven ability to relate well to and communicate effectively with pupils, staff, and parents
* A collegiate working style with the ability both to lead the department and to work as part of a team
* Ability to prioritise effectively and to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
* Experience of leading initiatives
* Evidence of a continuing academic interest in English
* An understanding and commitment to the Heriot’s aims and values
Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.
Please note that parking is not available on our campus.
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.
12 The Point, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QU
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