Head of English at The Burgate School and Sixth Form

New

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/BSASF/97848

Location

Salisbury Road, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1EZ

Contract Type

Permanent

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

£32,916.00 - £51,047.00 Annually (FTE)
+ TLR 1b (£12,499)

Closing Date

9:00am, 23rd Feb 2026

Start Date

September 2026

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

Wednesday 4 March

Interview Date(s) Wednesday 4 March

About this Role

The Role

We are looking for a dynamic, ambitious and energetic leader who can motivate and inspire students across all Key Stages, to join our well established English Department.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated English specialist who is ready to take the next step in their career. We are seeking a talented practitioner who can deliver and inspire consistently high quality teaching across the ability range and who is passionate about leading a thriving subject area.

You will be joining a friendly, supportive and forward thinking school community, which was once again judged ‘Good with Outstanding features’. by Ofsted in November 2024. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on our students’ progress and to contribute to the continued development of our successful English department.

As our new Head of English, you will:

Lead with ambition – guiding a skilled team to deliver a rigorous and engaging curriculum across all key stages, ensuring every student is challenged and supported.
Raise achievement – using data informed strategies, high quality teaching and innovative pedagogy to secure excellent progress and outcomes.
Inspire a love of English – creating a vibrant culture where students explore diverse texts, develop strong analytical thinking, and grow as confident, articulate communicators.
Drive departmental excellence – shaping curriculum design, leading professional development, and promoting consistent, evidence based practices.
Contribute to whole school success – playing a key role in the wider team and modelling professional integrity and enthusiasm.

We’re looking for someone who is:

A dedicated subject expert with strong experience throughout KS3–KS5
A strategic leader who can motivate, and develop a team
A reflective practitioner committed to continual improvement
An inspiring classroom teacher with a passion for English
Skilled in raising standards and driving positive change

In return, we offer:

A flexible approach to curriculum design
A supportive school community with friendly, enthusiastic and caring colleagues
CPD and career opportunities for staff at every stage of their career
A collaborative working environment within a strong support network
Curious and ambitious students who are inspired to collaborate, explore and question
Laptop for every member of teaching staff
A school with fantastic grounds on the edge of the New Forest
Electric vehicle charging points
Cycle to work scheme

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead a forward-thinking English department and make a real impact on young people’s lives, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement

The Burgate School and Sixth Form is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. We will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps in employments. This role involves directly working with children and any offer of a role will be conditional subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check as well as all other relevant safeguarding/pre-employment checks including the receipt of satisfactory references and medical clearance.

We will also conduct an individual online search on any successful candidates, as part of our due diligence in line with the DfE's 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, which might potentially impact your ability to carry out the role and are publicly available online. Any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Contact Details

  Sarah Hewett
  01425 652039
  shewett@burgate.hants.sch.uk

The Burgate School and Sixth Form would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings: