Head of English (Maternity Cover)

Education - teaching

Full time

Fixed Term Contract

We are looking for an inspiring and dedicated Head of English (Maternity Cover) to join our team at Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley. We are seeking a middle leader who brings energy, heart, and purpose to our school, someone ready to drive educational standards and empower both pupils and colleagues every single day. There is a possiblity for this opportunity to become permanent.

In our Trust, a Subject Leader is far more than an administrator; you are a key architect in shaping high-quality curriculum, elevating classroom practice, and building children's confidence, independence, and agency. We are looking for an empathetic, proactive team player who can lead strategic curriculum design, guide department colleagues, and ensure every pupil, regardless of background or learning needs, is supported to make exceptional progress.

Whether you are an experienced Head of Department or an ambitious English teacher ready to step into middle leadership, your talent will be deeply valued here. Guided by a clear moral purpose, we do not expect candidates to have in-depth experience across every element on day one; we provide the coaching, collaboration, and flexible support you need to succeed in your own way.

Together, let’s unlock potential and ensure every child gets their chance to shine.

The Ideal Head of English Will Be Someone Who:

• Inspires & Leads: Communicates a clear vision for English that motivates pupils and supports department colleagues to refine their classroom practice.
• Drives Curriculum Excellence: Oversees a broad, ambitious, and well-sequenced English curriculum across assigned Key Stages that builds literacy and long-term academic achievement.
• Promotes Inclusive Learning: Adapts teaching strategies and curriculum design to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, high prior attainers, and disadvantaged learners.
• Monitors & Elevates Standards: Uses accurate assessment data to track pupil progress, implement targeted interventions, and evaluate department outcomes effectively.
• Supports & Mentors Colleagues: Fosters a collaborative team culture through joint planning, coaching, and regular constructive feedback.
• Fosters Positive Relationships: Builds warm, respectful relationships with pupils, parents, and the wider community while embedding strong pastoral care and safeguarding practices.
• Enriches the School Community: Contributes enthusiastically to co-curricular clubs, trips, and wider school life beyond the classroom.

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk—it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

• Exceptional Development: Access high-quality professional development, middle leadership training, and pedagogical research tailored to your role.
• Collaborative Networks: Engage actively with Trust-wide subject networks and local educational partnerships to share best practice and grow as a leader.

Family & Work-Life Balance

• Family-Friendly & Flexible Policies: Dedicated leave options and proactive support for flexible working arrangements, part-time opportunities, or balanced schedules.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance and long-term career growth.

Financial Wellbeing & Savings

• Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.
• Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Located in Crawley, West Sussex, Thomas Bennett Community College is a welcoming secondary school dedicated to serving the young people who need us most. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, our school combines a supportive community ethos with high aspirations for every pupil.

To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special, visit our website or contact us to arrange a tour.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission.

At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working:

Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Be Who You Are: Interview & Workplace Adjustments

Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed.

Hours

32.5

Competitive

Job attachments

Head_of_English_Maternity_Cover_-_Kemnal_Job_Description_Person_Specification_-_Master_Template.pdf

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