Head of English

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference?

At Plympton Academy, we’re on a mission to deliver exceptional education—and we’re looking for a passionate, driven Head of English to lead our dynamic department and help shape the next generation of readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

This is more than a job. It’s your opportunity to make a genuine impact in a school that values innovation, ambition, and heart.

What makes this role special?

• Lead with vision. You’ll guide a talented team of English teachers and bring fresh, creative ideas to a thriving department.

• Inspire every student. From KS3 to KS5, you’ll spark a love of language and literature in learners of all backgrounds and abilities.

• Shape the future. Your leadership will directly influence outcomes, culture, and curriculum—both in the classroom and beyond.

What are we looking for?

We want to hear from you if you are:

• A qualified English teacher with the ability to teach up to Key Stage 5
•  A confident classroom practitioner who knows how to engage and challenge students
• A natural leader with a vision for raising achievement across the department
• Passionate about curriculum design and digital learning
•  High in expectations—for yourself, your team, and your students
• Committed to inclusion, equity, and positive relationships
•  Always learning—and ready to grow with our exciting CPD opportunities

What can we offer you?

• A forward-thinking Academy where innovation is encouraged
• A warm, supportive culture built on shared success
• Opportunities for progression and high-quality professional development
•  The chance to work with amazing students and an ambitious, collaborative staff team
• A real say in shaping the future of English education at Plympton

Ready to apply?

We’d love to hear from passionate professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career.
Please see the attached Job Description for a full breakdown of responsibilities and how to apply.

Inspire. Lead. Transform.
Be part of something brilliant at Plympton Academy.

At Plympton Academy, we’re all about creating a culture of success that goes beyond academics. We’re focused on fostering resilience, creativity, and the drive to help everyone, students and staff, achieve their dreams. Our vibrant, supportive environment is designed to unlock everyone’s potential, and we collaborate with the best schools locally and nationally to ensure we’re always evolving with the latest teaching practices.

With high-quality CPD and a tailored coaching program, we’ll help you thrive in your career. Our classrooms are disruption-free because we prioritize good behaviour and strong pastoral support, allowing both teachers and students to focus on what really matters—learning and achieving.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. 

That’s why we invest in our people and are recognised as the Multi Academy Trust Association Employer of the Year for 2025/2026, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils. 

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?

We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:

• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
• Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
• CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways for professional development including Chartered Teacher status, regular MAT meets to share best practice and range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, eye care vouchers and preferential access to Benenden Health.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
• Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
• TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.

What next?

If you are interested in working in our school, benefitting from a supportive network of teachers across our large academy and our award winning Trust and you are keen to progress your career, then please apply today!

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.

To arrange an informal conversation please contact Fay Carder (PA to the Headteacher) by email: [email protected]

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email [email protected]