Subject Leader for English

• The Sittingbourne School

• MPS/UPS + TLR1A

• 32.5 hours per week

• Start Date – September 2026

• Interviews: w/c 9^th February 2026

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and inspiring Subject Leader for English to join and lead our fantastic English department and be part of a team dedicated to delivering first-class learning for every student.

You will join a talented and dedicated department, with a strong teamwork ethic and passionate commitment to improving attainment. This post offers an excellent opportunity to be part of the school’s exciting upward journey.

Applicants will show enthusiasm for joining our dynamic and supportive team, and will be able to demonstrate the highest standards of delivery in order to raise attainment at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent student outcomes, particularly at GCSE and A-Level. You will possess the vision and leadership skills necessary to inspire a large department, using data-driven insights to monitor progress and implement effective interventions.

We are looking for a leader who stays at the forefront of pedagogical developments in English, with the ability to coach and mentor colleagues to reach their full potential. Above all, you must demonstrate resilience, emotional intelligence and a relentless drive to ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, develops a lifelong love for language and literature.

The Sittingbourne School is a large, oversubscribed school built on a strong sense of community, making us a warm and very special place to be part of. Our staff work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of every child. However, we are not a school where we allow ourselves to be defined or limited by the pastoral care we offer.

We are ambitious for all of our students to achieve as highly as possible and we never forget that teaching and learning is our core business.

Our motto is “Empowered through learning” because we believe that through excellent teaching and a fantastic curriculum, every child can succeed, be happy and change their lives. Therefore, we are driving to ensure every child consistently receives high quality teaching and learning in every lesson and engages in a challenging and relevant curriculum.  

This was reflected in our March 2023 Ofsted inspection report that states how, “Staff have high aspirations for what all pupils can learn and achieve. This level of ambition is evident throughout the school”. They also commented on how, “Pupils are proud of how tolerant and supportive their school is” and that, “The vast majority of pupils behave well in school”. The school was graded as “Good” for the third successive inspection.

The successful candidate will join a school with a strong and supportive senior leadership team for whom staff wellbeing is a priority. We appreciate the challenges teachers face and we do all we can to reduce unnecessary workload and cut down on bureaucracy. We take a zero tolerance approach to rudeness and defiance to staff and we make sure that no teacher feels alone when things are tough. Staff also benefit from a wide ranging programme of ongoing staff development.

Please note that we reserve the right to bring forward the application deadline if we feel we have a strong field of applicants early on. Therefore, early application is advised.

The successful candidate will be:

• An excellent classroom practitioner.
• Passionate about teaching English across all key stages.
• A team player who will fit in well with our existing department.
• Able and willing to make a full contribution to the life of the school.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our school. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Join us to benefit from:

• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Teachers Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
• Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
• Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
• Access to training and development
• Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
• Cycle to Work scheme
• On-site Parking

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Kaye Sapp, Deputy Headteacher, at kaye.sapp@swale.at or 01795 472449.

Applications should be made via Kent Teach or by submitting a SAT Application Form to sarah.scottdrysdale@swale.at. Please note, we cannot accept CVs.

If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact Recruitment@swale.at.

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Kent Teach advert for applications - https://www.kent-teach.com/Recruitment/Vacancy/VacancyDetails.aspx?VacancyId=152480