Head of English

About us

We are a lively co-educational, multi ethnic academy based in North London. Our students are highly aspirational, engaging, interesting and key learners.

Our school motto is: Inspire to Excel

Our motto is transmitted through staff and governors helping our students to develop their capacity and potential to exceed in their academic and social skills development in an engaging and safe learning environment.

Character education i.e. the qualities of tolerance, optimism, perseverance, respect, integrity, resilience, confidence, community spirit, self-discipline and courtesy prepares our students for life beyond school. We are clear that these qualities are essential for a successful and productive life as an active citizen now and in the future.

Our academy is committed to helping young people develop such qualities as they underpin our belief that the role of a school – together all families and the wider community – is to support the development of well-rounded young adults.

The Governors and staff here at Duke’s Aldridge Academy work hard to ensure that our students receive an outstanding educational experience, which will open doors and pathways once they leave the school at 16.

Operating Norms

We believe that the way we operate at all times and with all partners is of paramount importance.

Our agreed operating norms are as follows:

• We are Aldridge Education
• The standard is excellence
• We champion equality
• We’re in the work together
• We behave with integrity
• We lead by example
• We use time well

Job Description

Overall Purpose of the Role:

To be responsible for managing the English Department.

To Liaise with SLT, HODs, HOYs, SENDCO, subject staff, support staff.

To strategically plan for the development of the following areas demonstrating impact of these on learning and progress of pupils.

To narrow the gaps in the achievement of all groups of learners through:

• Securing high quality teaching which directly impacts upon pupil progress
• Curriculums which facilitate the progress of all learners
• Ensuring responsive interventions across your subject
• To work with other colleagues to maximise positive work ethic and a love of learning for your subjects

To view the full job description and person specification please open the document link at the bottom of the page.

Safeguarding Statement: 

Aldridge Education is committed to working together to safeguard and provide help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.  

A copy of Aldridge Education’s Child Protection policy is available on our website at www.aldridgeeducation.org 

Following successful application, Aldridge Education will carry out the necessary prohibition checks for all teaching staff, as well as for all candidates undertaking regulated activity. 

If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, you will be required to complete a Declaration giving details of any relevant criminal offences and other relevant information relating to our safeguarding duty. Further information will be provided on that form. 

Given the nature of the Trust’s activities and the regulatory framework it is subject to, any offer of employment will be made conditional upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and barred list check carried out by the Trust (where applicable to the role in question). It is an express condition if you are appointed to the role that you join the DBS update service. 

If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, Aldridge Education will undertake online searches (including social media) in accordance with KCSIE 2024. 

This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means standard and enhanced DBS checks will now always show all unspent records, including youth conditional cautions, meaning some previously unrecorded details will now be disclosed. 

Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

More information on The Disclosure & Barring Service can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

Benefits

Aldridge Benefits Scheme – Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!

• 🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
• 💬 Employee Assistance Programme – Your well-being matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
• ⏰ Flexible Working Opportunities – Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
• 🚗 Free On-Site Parking – No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
• 🌿 Generous Annual Leave – Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
• 🏦 Pension Schemes – Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
• 🤝 Refer a Friend Scheme – Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!

Desired Criteria

Please see application pack

Essential Criteria

Please see application pack