English Lead

English Lead position at International Community Schools — Al Maharat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Department: Academic

Grade / Level: Cycle 2, Cycle 3

Education: Bachelor's Degree, PGDE / PGCE, Master's Degree

Experience: 4

Requirements:

Job Purpose: To lead the strategic development and day-to-day management of the English department across all key stages (EYFS to KS5) in an all-through school setting
The Head of English will ensure high standards of teaching and learning, foster a love of English in pupils, and promote academic excellence throughout the school
Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Management: Provide dynamic and effective leadership of the English department across primary and secondary phases
Develop and implement a clear vision and improvement plan for English in line with the whole-school development plan
Line manage and support departmental staff, including teaching staff and teaching assistants, through performance management, CPD, and mentoring
Lead regular departmental meetings and contribute to whole-school leadership meetings where appropriate
Monitor, evaluate and improve the quality of teaching and learning across all key stages
Curriculum and Teaching: Design, develop, and oversee the delivery of a progressive and engaging English curriculum from EYFS to KS5, ensuring clear progression and coverage
Ensure high-quality teaching through modelling best practice, supporting lesson planning, and conducting regular lesson observations and learning walks
Promote the effective use of assessment data to inform teaching, identify underachievement, and implement targeted interventions
Keep up to date with national developments in English teaching and assessment
Standards and Achievement: Be accountable for pupil outcomes in English across all year groups
Use data to track progress and attainment, identifying trends and developing strategies to raise achievement
Ensure that pupils of all abilities, including SEND and EAL, are appropriately supported and challenged
Celebrate pupils’ successes and promote enthusiasm and confidence in English learning
Cross-School Collaboration: Work closely with other subject leaders, phase leaders, and SLT to support whole-school priorities
Foster cross-phase collaboration between primary and secondary English staff to ensure consistency and continuity
Organise enrichment opportunities such as maths competitions, clubs, and STEM events
Safeguarding and Professional Conduct: Uphold and promote the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures
Maintain high professional standards of conduct and be a positive role model for pupils and staff.