About This Role
Join a community where relationships drive success.
Job Title: Head of Faculty for English
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Akeley Wood School, Akeley, Buckingham
Salary: £43,636 plus additional allowance of £7,800 for Head of Faculty.
Hours: 40 hours
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
The Head of Faculty is responsible for the leadership, development and management of the subjects within the faculty, ensuring that each student is positively encouraged to develop their potential to the full. The Head of Faculty is also responsible for leading, developing and enhancing the teaching practice of staff in the department.
The successful candidate should be able to promote a love of literature, non-fiction and creative writing across the Akeley Wood
School community. This is to be achieved through both dynamic curriculum and extra-curricular events such as competitions, clubs, guest speakers, trips and visits and Enriched Curriculum activities.
Key Accountabilities
Teachers should seek to enhance student self-esteem through a supportive, encouraging, yet challenging approach to learning, employing a wide variety of teaching styles suited to the needs of individuals and small groups as well as whole classes
Teachers will be expected to prepare, teach, mark work and maintain records of attendance, progress, behaviour and achievement in accordance with agreed school policies, using the information to raise standards of learning, with target grades set and reviewed regularly with students
Teachers are encouraged to take the initiative in putting forward ideas and to assist in the development of any aspects of the school
All teachers will be expected to work collaboratively with other staff as members of teams, departments and other cross-curricular groups. Their contributions of their own particular talents and skills to such groups will aid the production of new initiatives, policies, resources and schemes of work
In collaboration with students, all staff are responsible for caring for the school environment, ensuring health and safety requirements are met and that a good learning environment is created
All staff should work in partnership with parents, communicating with them and always seeking to achieve the best outcome for each student. This will include meetings outside of the normal school day
All staff should establish high expectations of positive student behaviour and appearance
Duties and responsibilities specific to the post
Strategic Direction:
Support the aims, ethos, vision and policies of the school.
Develop positive working relationships and sustaining motivation across the school.
Develop, implement, monitor and maintain policies and practices which reflect the school's commitment to high achievement, and which are consistent with national and school strategies and policies.
Monitor the progress made in achieving subject plans and targets and evaluate the impact on teaching and learning
Establish priorities for development and contribute to whole-school development planning.
Organising Key Stage 3, GCSEs, A level and other examination entries, with the Examination Officer where relevant; devising appropriate entrance examination papers and mark schemes for prospective students and marking, as necessary.
Plan for behaviour for learning and behaviour management within faculty. Leading and supporting the relationship policy within the faculty.
About You
We are seeking someone who brings:
A degree in a relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
A proven track record of excellent teaching and learning, ideally including KS5 experience.
Strong communication skills and the ability to inspire and motivate students.
Excellent organisation, resilience and the ability to work well under pressure.
A warm, empathetic approach and a belief that every child can succeed.
Confident use of ICT to support teaching, assessment and classroom organisation.
A commitment to professional development and innovative practice.
Why Join Akeley Wood Senior School?
You will join a collaborative, supportive and forward‑thinking team who share a passion for excellent teaching and a belief in the transformative power of science education. Our beautiful setting, strong pastoral culture and commitment to staff development make Akeley Wood a rewarding place to teach and grow.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to follow safeguarding policies and engage in relevant training. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported in line with school procedures. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Why Join Us?
At Blenheim Schools, you will make a real difference every day, positively impacting the lives of pupils and vulnerable young people. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful candidates to an enhanced DBS. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.