Head of English Required in Redbridge - September 2025 Location: Ilford, East London Contract type: Full-time Contract term: Permanent Start date: September 2025 Salary: Outer London MPS/UPS TLR Suitable for: Experienced middle leaders and ambitious English specialists Smart Teachers is seeking to appoint a dynamic and inspirational Head of English to join a high-achieving secondary school in East London from September 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate English specialist to lead a thriving department in a school known for academic excellence, inclusive values and strong community ethos. The School: This large, oversubscribed comprehensive school is part of a well-regarded multi-academy trust and serves a diverse, ambitious student population aged 11–18. The school has a longstanding reputation for high standards, a strong pastoral system and outstanding progression routes into higher education and employment. GCSE and A-Level outcomes are consistently excellent, with English being a flagship subject. The school is set in a modern campus with outstanding facilities, including a well-stocked library, state-of-the-art teaching spaces and a dedicated sixth form centre. The English department is well-resourced, collaborative and committed to engaging students with a rich curriculum that blends classic literature with contemporary texts. The Role: We are looking for an outstanding leader to: Inspire and lead a talented team of English teachers Oversee curriculum planning, assessment and quality assurance across KS3–5 Drive achievement and progress in English Language and Literature Champion literacy and whole-school reading initiatives Support the development of teaching and learning across the department This role would suit an experienced subject leader or second-in-charge ready to step up into a strategic leadership position. Requirements: The successful candidate will: Be an excellent classroom practitioner with a track record of raising achievement Have experience of leading a team or significant responsibility within a department Demonstrate a clear vision for outstanding English provision Be committed to comprehensive education and inclusive values Be enthusiastic, proactive and reflective Why Join?: A school culture that values respect, resilience and excellence A commitment to staff development through bespoke CPD and leadership pathways Strong leadership support and opportunities to influence wider school strategy Access to a Trust-wide network of subject leaders and enrichment programmes Excellent transport links and on-site parking About us We are a market-leading education supply agency committed to the development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high quality educators. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. To register your interest or for more details, contact our secondary team on or email your CV to Smart Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An enhanced DBS check and references will be required for the successful candidate.