School Improvement Lead - English

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT LEAD (AP) - ENGLISH

SALARY: L15 - £77,209 to L19 - £84,769

FULL TIME

"Leaders’ ambitions and high expectations of students, teachers and parents cascade throughout the community." - OFSTED

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to oversee the development, improvement and outcomes of English at a strategic level and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people. We are seeking an exceptional leader who will drive excellence, inspire others, and transform outcomes across all phases of learning.

In this role, you will work closely with the Assistant Principal responsible for Teaching and Learning and will act as a consultant, mentor, and coach, empowering our subject team to deliver for our students. You will champion a culture of ambition, equipping colleagues with the tools, confidence, and expertise needed to secure exceptional outcomes across all phases or learning. With a sharp focus on curriculum innovation, you will lead the development of a forward-thinking, evidence-informed curriculum aligned with the latest educational research and the Ofsted framework.

We are looking for a proven leader who has held roles such as Head of Department, Director of Faculty, Lead Practitioner, Senior Leader, or Consultant across more than one school setting. You will bring a track record of impact, a relentless commitment to raising standards, and an unwavering belief that every child can succeed. This is not just a leadership role, it is an opportunity to influence, inspire, and leave a legacy.

Shirley High School is a proud, multicultural community with a strong and well-established reputation for integrity and excellence. We are on an exciting journey of sustained improvement, with rising academic outcomes, growing student numbers, and an increasing proportion of students progressing to university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge destinations. We are deeply committed to investing in both our people and our environment, with over £1.5 million recently dedicated to enhancing our facilities, site, and resources.

At the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, our school offers an inspiring setting where students thrive, supported by our extensive site and beautiful leafy surroundings. Combined with our clear values and strong ethos, this creates a positive, purposeful environment for both students and staff. We also benefit from excellent transport links to London and surrounding areas, alongside an onsite gym and ample free parking.

We have high expectations in everything we do and firmly believe that every student can achieve excellence in whatever path they choose. Through hard work, determination, leadership, and compassion, we empower our students to realise their full potential. Our broad and ambitious curriculum, complemented by a rich programme of extracurricular opportunities, ensures that both students and staff are supported to grow, succeed, and flourish both within and beyond the classroom.

We are seeking a leader who shares this vision, someone who will bring energy, creativity, and determination to drive rapid and sustained improvement.

Applications from English specialists are essential.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of exceptional results and strong knowledge of how schools make young people successful.
• Is a motivated and inspirational leader with excellent communication skills
• Is up to date on the latest curriculum development and evidence based research that will support the progress and development of our students
• has the energy to significantly improve on recent GCSE results and will help to drive forward our high-quality post-16 provision;
• is a positive role model for young, developing and impressionable minds;
• Can clearly demonstrate whole-school impact;
• Actively wants to develop their leadership qualities;
• Is an exceptional classroom practitioner;
• Is creative, innovative and solution-focused;
• A visible member of SLT who leads by example and is accessible, responsive and accountable.

We offer excellent working conditions with key benefits that include:

• Cycle to Work scheme;
• An environment of providing the resources required for the benefit of our students;
• Staff Mentoring;
• Staff car park on-site;
• Fully refurbished Fitness Suite;
• A strong focus on the professional development of all staff within our school;
• A dedicated staff well-being programme, including Mental Health first-aiders.

We strive to achieve a diverse workforce, fully representative of our society and ethnic makeup. We are keen to attract applicants from a diverse pool of candidates and are determined to be a fully inclusive employer and a great place to work for all staff, regardless of heritage or background. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. More information can be downloaded from our website

Closing date: Thursday 1 October 2026 - 12pm

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