Head of English - Melbury College

Head of English – Melbury College

An exciting opportunity to inspire, innovate and make your mark across five specialist education settings.

Salary: MPS/UPS (Inner London) + TLR 2.1 + SEN 1 (subject to pay review)

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Location: Melbury College, London Borough of Merton

Closing date: 2nd November 2026 at 9am

Interviews: To be confirmed

Start date: January/April 2027

This is no ordinary Head of English role.

Are you an inspiring English teacher with the passion, creativity and ambition to make a real difference? Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, or an experienced subject leader looking for a fresh and rewarding challenge?

At Melbury College, we are looking for an enthusiastic, forward-thinking and inspirational Head of English to lead and shape secondary English education across our five diverse specialist settings.

This is a unique opportunity to influence teaching and learning across our provision, working with talented and dedicated colleagues to develop an ambitious, inclusive and engaging English curriculum that meets the needs of young people with a wide range of abilities, experiences and educational pathways.

Our pupils may have experienced significant barriers to education, but we believe passionately that these should never limit their aspirations or potential.

We are looking for someone who shares that belief.

The opportunity

As Head of English, you will play a key strategic role in developing and strengthening English provision across Melrose, Whatley, Canterbury, Lavender and Worsfold House/Bespoke.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape and lead an ambitious, creative and inclusive secondary English curriculum across our specialist settings.
• Inspire and support colleagues, sharing expertise and developing consistently high-quality teaching.
• Champion literacy, reading and communication, helping young people develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
• Develop innovative approaches to engaging pupils with diverse needs, including SEND, SEMH and medical needs.
• Drive improvements in assessment, achievement and accreditation, recognising and celebrating progress from individual starting points.
• Work collaboratively with campus Headteachers and senior leaders to influence the future direction of English across Melbury College.

This is a role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on teaching, offering the opportunity to see the impact of your work directly in the classroom.

Why join Melbury College?

At Melbury, we know that exceptional education begins with exceptional people. We are proud of our welcoming, supportive and collaborative culture, where staff are encouraged to be creative, take initiative and develop professionally.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Melbury College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information and other pre-employment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Online searches may be undertaken on shortlisted candidates as part of our safer recruitment procedures.

Melbury College is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.

Early applications are encouraged, as Melbury College reserves the right to close the vacancy and appoint a suitable candidate at any stage of the recruitment process.

Melbury College – Building Relationships. Inspiring Resilience. Unlocking Potential.