The Head of English Faculty role at King Alfreds exists to provide clear, strategic, and values driven leadership that advances the quality, coherence, and impact of teaching and learning across the faculty. The Faculty consists of English Language, English Literature and Film Studies. We have strong uptake at Key Stage 5 in all three subjects. The faculty is also responsible for whole school literacy. As a key member of the Academy’s leadership structure, the postholder is responsible for cultivating a positive, collaborative team culture; overseeing curriculum design and development; ensuring robust, data-informed self-evaluation; and leading effective action planning that drives continual improvement. Through strong line management, purposeful communication, and a commitment to high professional standards, the Head of Faculty supports colleagues to deliver excellent outcomes for students and uphold the vision and priorities of King Alfred’s Academy. Central to the role is the ability to model exemplary practice, maintain high expectations, and build strong relationships with staff, students, parents, and wider stakeholders, ensuring that the faculty contributes positively and consistently to the success of the whole school.

 The faculty has numerous Subject Lead TLR holders who work closely with the Head of Faculty, under their direction, to deliver excellence across the range of subjects within the faculty.

You’ll be expected to fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher as outlined in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document, or any subsequent legislation.

About the school:

King Alfred’s Academy is a welcoming, ambitious, and dynamic school, brimming with energy, opportunity, and possibility. Rated “Good” by Ofsted, our mission—"Opportunity for All"—is at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment where both students and staff can thrive every day.

As a fully comprehensive secondary school with a thriving sixth form, we are proud of our strong culture of respect and responsibility. Our classrooms are calm and purposeful, guided by a “warm but strict” approach that ensures every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to achieve their very best.

Beyond the classroom, our KA Klubs enrichment program offers over 130 exciting clubs and activities every fortnight, giving students the chance to explore new passions, develop skills, and build lifelong friendships.

Nestled in the heart of Wantage, King Alfred’s Academy is easily accessible from Oxford, Swindon, Newbury, Abingdon, and Didcot. Whether in the classroom or beyond, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential in a school that feels like a community.

Benefits of working at King Alfred's Academy include:

• A commitment to offer flexible working whenever we can and to support the work life balance of our employees
• An open and honest approach to school leadership where leaders regularly invite feedback and respond to it directly
• A full staff wellbeing charter that is regularly reviewed and updated (see attached)
• Full support for your professional development and future training needs (CPD)
• Forward thinking pedagogical approaches grounded firmly in research
• Commitment to a positive culture and robust positive behaviour management
• A commitment to recognise previous, continuous service.
• A 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• A Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Opportunity to attend school residentials trips from Normandy or Barcelona to skiing in Austria, Canada and USA
• Eligible for Blue Light discount card
• Free parking
• Free Eye Care Voucher

King Alfred’s is proud to be part of the Cambrian Learning Trust, a network of schools nurturing opportunities and career development. Collaboration is an important benefit of working at King Alfred’s, with students and staff benefitting from our work with Trust schools and other schools locally and regionally. More information about the trust can be found here: Cambrian Learning Trust - Home

Interview process

The interview process will take place on Thursday 21st May.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Adam Wood (Deputy Headteacher) via email on: awood@kas.cambrianlt.org. 

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate.  An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance. 

Cambrian Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism; all staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as part of their job role.