Head of English

Head of English – Long-term supply role, full-time, ongoing from September 2026

These long-term supply opportunities are ideal for an experienced Head of English who enjoys providing strong leadership, consistency, and direction while supporting high-quality teaching and learning across secondary school settings. Working on long-term supply allows a Head of English to make a meaningful impact by leading curriculum delivery, supporting colleagues, and maintaining high standards while benefiting from the flexibility of a supply arrangement.

Duties as Head of English

• Lead and manage the English department on a long-term supply basis
• Oversee curriculum planning and delivery across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
• Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment within English
• Support and mentor English teachers, including ECTs where appropriate
• Monitor pupil progress and contribute to strategies that raise attainment
• Maintain consistent behaviour and classroom expectations across the department
• Contribute to whole-school priorities and leadership where required
• Ensure GCSE English specifications are delivered effectively
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and promote pupil wellbeing
• Represent Step Teachers professionally while working as a Head of English

Ideal Head of English

• Qualified Teacher Status or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification
• Proven experience as a Head of English or in a senior English leadership role
• Strong subject knowledge and experience teaching GCSE English
• Confident leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Ability to support and develop teaching staff effectively
• A reliable, adaptable, and committed approach to long-term supply work
• Strong classroom and behaviour management skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
• A proactive and professional attitude as a Head of English

Why Step Teachers?With a rich history spanning over two decades, our teacher recruitment agency proudly serves North London, East London, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Cornwall, Devon and Greater Manchester. We foster exclusive relationships with schools and academies in these regions. Our dedicated team, stationed in branches across Barnet, Havering, Norwich, Cambridge, Abingdon, and Plymouth, is committed to supporting and nurturing teachers. Explore rewarding opportunities with our trusted education recruitment services. We are an approved Crown Commercial Service supplier, proud members of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), and REC Audited in Education, which means we have undergone rigorous external auditing to ensure we consistently meet the highest safeguarding and compliance standing in education recruitment. Step Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates registering with Step Teachers are subject to safeguarding checks in line with the DfE’s statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education, including reference checks and an Enhanced DBS check either registered on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one. Your salary - dependent on experience - is paid weekly through PAYE – that means no self-employed or umbrella companies. Additionally, you gain access to a range of exclusive deals, including discounted high street shopping, travel offers, gym memberships, and more. Moreover, our pay portal offers comprehensive physical and emotional well-being services as standard, ensuring your overall wellness is taken care of. Recommend a friend to receive a £100 Amazon voucher for yourself, and a chance for you both to win a holiday worth up to £1000 – If you know anyone who is looking for temporary, permanent or supply work then get in touch with us today!