ENGLISH – LEAD PRACTIONER

Salary: Outer London Leading Practitioner Scale 3-7

Required for: September 2026 (January 2027 for suitable candidate)

"Leaders’ ambitions and high expectations of pupils, teachers and parents cascade throughout the community." - OFSTED

Shirley High School is a proud multicultural school with an established reputation of integrity and excellence. We continue to make significant progress across all areas of our school.  This progress includes improved academic results, increase in the number of pupils joining our school and more pupils leaving us to attend university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge universities.  We are committed to improving and investing in the learning environment of our pupils and staff with over £1.5 million spent on school facilities, site improvements and resources.

Our school is at the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, with our pupils benefiting from our fabulous site and leafy surroundings. Along with our clear values and ethos, this helps to create a positive learning environment for both pupils and staff. We also benefit from excellent transport links to London and the surrounding areas, plus an onsite gym and ample free parking.

We have high expectations in all we do and believe that all our pupils can be the best in the world at whatever they decide to pursue, through hard work, determination, leadership and compassion. We strive for excellence throughout our broad curriculum and wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, whilst also ensuring that both pupils and staff are developed both in and out of the classroom. 

We are currently looking for a dynamic, motivated and outstanding teacher who has passion and enthusiasm for English and improving whole school teaching practices.  This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in our vision and values, to work in a school that is excellently resourced and fully committed to developing not our students but also ensuring that staff fulfil their full teaching and learning potential.

You will have significant experience in curriculum management and development, across a range of areas, with a proven track record of securing sustained improvements and achieving excellent pupil outcomes.  You will also know how to gather, analyse and interpret information to help you affect change and improvement. 

We are looking for someone who:

• is a teacher that is dedicated, professional and passionately demonstrates their classroom talent;
• has the skills to work across different departments to help improve student performance;
• has a successful track record of teaching and leading English from 11 – 18;
• is able to demonstrate excellent subject knowledge;
• is motivated and enthusiastic;
• has the energy to build on recent GCSE results and will help to drive forward our high-quality post-16 provision;
• is resourceful and innovative;
• actively wants to develop their teaching qualities;
• has first-rate communication and organisational skills;
• has the potential to lead teams and develop staff;
• ability to coach and mentor staff to achieve significant academic improvement.

We offer excellent working conditions with key benefits that include:

• Cycle to Work scheme;
• An environment of providing the resources required for the benefit of our students;
• Staff Mentoring;
• Staff car park on-site;
• Fully refurbished Fitness Suite;
• A strong focus on the professional development of all staff within our school;
• A dedicated staff well-being programme, including Mental Health first-aiders.

Should you believe you have the skills to perform this role to the highest possible standards and are truly passionate about joining us on our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us to arrange a tour of the school or to speak with the Principal.

We strive to achieve a diverse workforce, fully representative of our society and ethnic makeup.  We are keen to attract applicants from a diverse pool of candidates and are determined to be a fully inclusive employer and a great place to work for all staff, regardless of heritage or background. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. More information can be downloaded from our website www.shirley.croydon.sch.uk.