Head of Secondary English & Literacy

Role Description JOB TITLE Head of Secondary English & Literacy DEPARTMENT Academic SUPERVISOR Head of Secondary School OBJECTIVE: To provide strategic leadership and oversight of English language acquisition and academic literacy across the secondary School (Grade 6 to A Level). The appointee is responsible for defining the pedagogical roadmap that transitions 97% EAL pupils from foundational English to the high-level academic discourse required for success in IGCSE, A-Level, and top-tier global universities. While we are a UK/Chinese curriculum school, we welcome applications from high-calibre candidates from a range of national profiles who possess demonstrable expertise in language development and academic literacy. For an exceptional candidate with the right experience and leadership impact, this role offers a clear pathway to an Assistant/Deputy Headship position. The successful candidate will be mentored directly by the Senior Leadership Team, with opportunities to lead whole-school strategic projects. This role is envisioned as a stepping stone for a professional aspiring to, or ready for, an Assistant/Deputy Head appointment. Professional Autonomy: As the functional lead for G6-12 Literacy, the appointee will have the autonomy to shape the school’s academic soul, providing a high-profile platform to demonstrate the leadership impact required for senior school-wide roles. High-Stakes Impact: The appointee will have a direct, measurable influence on the school’s long-term academic reputation by systematically closing the literacy gap and elevating university outcomes.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Teaching and Learning • Carry a reduced teaching load as agreed with the Head of Secondary, serving as a model of “Outstanding” classroom practice. • Deliver high-quality English and ELA lessons that exemplify evidence-based pedagogy and scaffolding excellence for multilingual learners. • Plan, prepare, and deliver lessons that challenge the most able pupils while providing robust support for those requiring language intervention. • Provide regular, high-quality feedback to pupils through marking and assessment, bridging the gap between their current level and potential Strategic Leadership & Curriculum Coherence • Design and implement a seamless K-12 English curriculum that ensures vertical alignment between Primary and Secondary phases. • Establish rigorous benchmarks for English proficiency, using standardised summative assessments alongside internal data to track, intervene, and accelerate pupil progress. • Set and monitor annual Value-Added targets to systematically improve the school’s NGRT average from current levels to international standards. • Lead the School’s transition from ‘Remedial EAL’ to ‘Academic Excellence’, ensuring the curriculum challenges the most able while supporting those in need. Literacy Across the Curriculum (Writing Across the Curriculum – WAC) • Develop and lead a whole-school Literacy Strategy, training non-English specialists (Science, Humanities, Maths) in EAL-aware instructional techniques such as scaffolding and Tier 2/3 vocabulary induction. • Ensure academic writing standards are consistent across all essay-based subjects, directly impacting attainment in IGCSE and A-Level disciplines. • Produce termly ‘Literacy Impact Reports’ for the Senior Leadership Team and Board, demonstrating the correlation between English proficiency and attainment across all subjects. Secondary Departmental Management • Act as the Head of Department for Secondary English, managing the English teaching team and ensuring the highest standards of classroom practice. • Lead