Head of English
Full Time
September 2024
This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a new Head of English to join a flourishing boarding and day school, set on an attractive 100-acre campus and in a beautiful part of rural Surrey. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and inspirational teacher with high ambitions for the pupils under their charge, for the department, and for the whole School in whose intellectual and cultural life they will be a driving force. The acquis of the Head of English derives from the potential for literature, as with all creative art, to reconcile the universal with the unique – in this case, by bringing the universal cultural heritage and communicative potential of the written and spoken word into sharp focus within the community.
They will, inter alia:
- instil and nurture the highest standards of personal and academic development in our pupils
- lead and support the School’s ongoing drive to raise academic ambition and attainment particularly as expressed in public exam results
- identify and take opportunities to proselytise for the capacity of imagination and narrative (in the broadest sense), expressed in speaking and writing, to enhance all the above.
In their leadership of the department, additionally, they will
- possess the rigour and vigour to lead continual development, improvement, learning and renewal
- ensure that pupils’ learning is at the heart of their departmental leadership, and
- support pupils and colleagues to achieve their fullest potential, providing effective management, leadership and development to ensure a positive and forward-thinking workplace.
This role will therefore suit those with ambitions for senior leadership within a few years. It is an important appointment for the continuing academic growth of the School, at an exciting moment following significant investment into new buildings, with growing pupil numbers and clear evidence of development in all areas of School life.
The School offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, fee remission on School fees both at King Edward’s and Barrow Hills Prep School, free car parking, free use of our gym, swimming pool and sports facilities, all meals and snacks on duty and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
King Edward’s School is a co-educational boarding and day 11-18 school for some 470 pupils, around 30% of whom are full boarders. We are an HMC school and proud of our unique heritage and place among British co-educational independent schools.
To apply, please refer to the Applicant Information Pack and complete the Application Form or for further details, visit our website www.kesw.org or contact the HR Department on HR@KESW.ORG or telephone 01428 686739. Closing date for applications: 12pm Thursday 9th May 2024.
Applications will be considered on receipt and early application is recommended as we reserve the right to interview and offer the position.
King Edward’s School Witley is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants are required to complete an Enhanced disclosure through the DBS. Please refer to our websites or ask HR for our child protection and rehabilitation of offenders’ policy. Applicants from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.
