Job Description

Samuel Ward Academy


Head of English


Contract: Full time, permanent (33.25 hours per week)


Salary: MPR/UPR (FTE 32,916 - 51,048 per annum) + TLR1 (10,055 per annum)


Start date: 01 January 2026 or April 2026



Samuel Ward Academy is looking to appoint a well-qualified, optimistic, and successful Head of English to join our friendly and professional team of subject leaders (Middle Leadership Team). We are looking to appoint a well-qualified and experienced professional as Head of English, to lead the department in teaching at KS3, KS4 and in our Sixth Form. This post represents an exciting prospect to lead a truly dedicated and stable team of experienced professionals. The successful candidate will be a successful GCSE/ A Level teacher, looking to lead an established department and be excited by the prospect of the impact you can have across the student body. The English department is well resourced and has a clear vision for future successes, supported fully through senior line-management (English is currently line-managed by me) and Trust English curriculum leader. We teach across the key stages all the way up to A Level within the Samuel Ward Sixth Form.



The successful candidate will join a vibrant and engaged Middle Leadership Team who are squarely focused on improving student outcomes and a positive culture of behaviour, teaching and learning. We have clear values by which we work, and if you share a commitment to inclusive education, so that all students can develop to reach their full potential, make a positive contribution to society and are given excellent foundations to lead enriching and interesting lives, then this could be the role for you!



We are a warm, welcoming school, at the heart of our community, committed to creating rich and fulfilling futures for each child. We ensure that our students aspire to be their very best, tackle challenges bravely and work together with compassion to build an inclusive community in which each individual can flourish. We are an Ofsted 'Good' school with the ambition to be a great school. You will join a staff dedicated to promoting a positive culture of tolerance, respect and excellence. The successful candidate will be a teacher of the highest calibre who has the ability to motivate, challenge and inspire our students. You will be a highly skilled, innovative and enthusiastic practitioner with a determination to achieve the highest outcomes. Already an excellent teacher, you will be ambitious to have an impact across your own department within a supportive and possibly the Trust as well.



All staff at SWA benefit from close links with colleagues in the other secondary schools in the Unity Schools Partnership. You will join a highly visible and supportive SLT in a school with a sensible approach to workload and a calm, respectful working environment, alongside a professional and dedicated team of staff. Samuel Ward is a successful 11-18 co-educational academy. We are situated in pleasant surroundings on the western edge of Suffolk, within easy reach of Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. We benefit from a modern building and excellent facilities.



Candidates are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about us and to see our Staff Well-being Charter. We encourage prospective applicants to come and visit us during the school day. Please contact Tom Johnston, Headteacher for more information, an informal conversation or to make a pre-application visit (email Kirsty Franks, Headteacher's PA on Kfranks@samuelward.co.uk )



Closing date: MOnday 8th December 2025, 09:00am


Interview: w/c 8th December 2025



Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.


In line with safer recruitment, we are unable to accept CVs. Failure to complete an application form satisfactorily may result in not being shortlisted for the post.


Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.


We care deeply about inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you'd prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, we'll facilitate this wherever we can - whether to help you meet other commitments or to help you strike a great work-life balance. We're keen to ensure we're designing an organisation that works for everyone, so we particularly encourage applications from different under-represented groups.





CLOSING DATE


2025-12-08