Head of Department - English
Colchester Prep & High School
Essex
- New
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- February 2025
- Apply by:
- 8 December 2024
Job overview
About the School - Colchester Prep and High School
Colchester Prep & High School was founded in 1882 by Ferdinand Grӧne as a ‘most desirable establishment for young ladies’, providing a ‘sound English education’. Over the past 140 years Colchester Prep & High School has built up a reputation for providing an excellent all-round education whilst preparing our pupils for life beyond school. Today that reputation still stands.
Through our inspiring teaching and forward thinking STEAM curriculum, we build in our pupils, ages 2 to 16, the confidence, self-belief and strength of character to achieve their full potential whilst nurturing in them a global perspective and a mindfulness for social responsibility which will last throughout their lives. It is a community focussed on creating the “Changemakers of Tomorrow’s World”. In line with our School Motto “God First, Others Second, Self Last” we pride ourselves on our friendly and caring close-knit environment, which encourages good manners, consideration for other people and a strong sense of social responsibility among our pupils.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Department-English to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.
About the role
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Head of Department for English. In this pivotal role, it is your responsibility to manage all areas of the English department including curriculum, pastoral and staffing. You will lead and manage the English department, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality curriculum that inspires and engages students. You will be responsible for developing and implementing effective teaching strategies, monitoring student progress, and fostering a collaborative environment among staff.
As the subject specialist, you will provide guidance on curriculum development, assessment practices, and resource allocation, while also maintaining strong communication with parents and stakeholders. You will conduct regular reviews of departmental performance, analyse data to inform interventions, and ensure compliance with safeguarding policies.
Who we are looking for
The ideal candidate will possess a degree in English or English Literature, a teaching qualification (QTS/PGCE or other appropriate teaching qualification), completion of ECT induction and a proven track record of exemplary classroom practice. You should demonstrate strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to student well-being. Join us in shaping the future of our students and making a lasting impact in their educational journey.
Benefits at Cognita
•Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
•Teacher’s Pension
•Free lunch provided during Term Time
•School holidays and public holidays
•Free parking on site (subject to availability)
•School fee discount
•Exclusive third-party discounts
•Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 8th December 2024.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.
Attached documents
About Colchester Prep & High School
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Colchester Prep & High School was founded in 1882 by Ferdinand Grӧne as a ‘most desirable establishment for young ladies’, providing a ‘sound English education’.
Over the past 140 years Colchester Prep & High School has built up a reputation for providing an excellent all-round education whilst preparing our pupils for life beyond school.
Today that reputation still stands.
Through our inspiring teaching and forward thinking STEAM curriculum, we build in our pupils, ages 2 to 16, the confidence, self-belief and strength of character to achieve their full potential whilst nurturing in them a global perspective and a mindfulness for social responsibility which will last throughout their lives. It is a community focussed on creating the “Changemakers of Tomorrow’s World”.
Our School fosters a safe, happy and supportive environment in which each individual feels valued and respected, and an integral part of an equal and inclusive community. Where true potential is recognised, high expectations are fulfilled, and personal achievements are celebrated.
Our commitment to individualised education also extends beyond the curriculum. Here, at Colchester Prep & High School we believe in developing the whole child and as such also offer an exceptional and ever-changing array of clubs and extra-curricular activities so that each of our children can identify and explore all of their talents.
Equally, in line with our School Motto “God First, Others Second, Self Last” we pride ourselves on our friendly and caring close-knit environment, which encourages good manners, consideration for other people and a strong sense of social responsibility among our pupils.
Since 2005, Colchester Prep & High School has been part of the Cognita Group, the largest independent schools business in the UK and a leader in teaching excellence and school governance.
Headteacher
Ms Karen Gracie-Langrick
Vision
Our School provides an education which encourages academic excellence, global connectivity and social responsibility, through which we seek to create well balanced individuals who aspire to be active and conscious citizens of the future. Our ‘one learning’ community enables pupils across all years to collaborate, discover, learn and achieve together in an environment which promotes a respect for each other’s rights, needs and abilities and is lived through our values of kindness, tolerance, equality, perseverance and courage.
Values
- Kindness – making a conscious effort to be friendly, generous, and compassionate.
- Tolerance – being patient, understanding and accepting of different opinions, beliefs and cultures
- Respect – respecting each other and our environment, embracing our differences and celebrating individuality
- Equality – ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents
- Courage – the courage to know what they want to achieve, to strive to do the best they can in the world and to speak out when it matters.
- Perseverance– where pupils are encouraged to persist and try their best.
ISI Inspection Report - December 2022
Colchester Prep & High School are delighted to announce that we have achieved ‘excellent’ in all areas, following our recent ISI Inspection. A double “excellent” is the highest possible outcome for a school during an Educational Quality Inspection. Inspectors stated that the school was:
- excellent, both for the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements, and
- excellent, for the quality of pupils’ personal development.
We are particularly delighted that an external, independent body has not only recognised the excellent school that we are, but also that that they have captured the essence of who we are; highlighting how, through the school’s aims, we build in our pupils the confidence and strength of character to become the ‘changemakers of tomorrow’s world’.
It is especially heart warming to read within this report, that our pupils are seen to, ‘look after each other and demonstrate very high levels of care and friendship,’ and that our pupils are ‘proud of their school and speak eagerly of their ambitions for the future.’
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