Teacher of English Language & Literature

Location: Havering

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent or Fixed-Term

Start Date: January Start

An Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ secondary school and Sixth Form in the East London Borough of Havering is seeking an articulate, creative, and intellectually rigorous Teacher of English to join their high-achieving English & Communications faculty starting in January. This is a stellar opportunity for a literature and language specialist, whether an experienced practitioner looking for an ambitious academic environment or a talented Early Career Teacher (ECT), to inspire analytical reading, articulate writing, and a lifelong appreciation for text across a motivated student body.

About the Role

As a Teacher of English, you will cultivate critical literacy, textual analysis, and sophisticated written expression. Joining the department for the spring term, you will deliver dynamic, high-rigor lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE English Language & GCSE English Literature), and potentially Key Stage 5 (A-Level English Literature / English Language & Literature), guiding learners through classic prose, contemporary poetry, Shakespearean drama, and non-fiction rhetoric.

• Start Date: January

• Environment: A flagship Outer London secondary school celebrated for outstanding progress scores, exceptional examination results, and a vibrant culture of reading and debate

• Culture: A highly collaborative, well-resourced department featuring structured schemes of work, shared digital resources, and an encouraging, visionary leadership team

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, high-rigor English lessons across Key Stages 3 and 4 (with A-Level teaching opportunities for qualified specialists) that foster deep textual comprehension, essay architecture, and creative writing.

• Prepare students thoroughly for national GCSE and A-Level examinations using data-driven progress tracking, targeted exam coaching, and constructive diagnostic feedback.

• Instill a passion for reading and critical thinking by connecting literary themes and linguistic study to historical contexts and contemporary global discourse.

• Monitor, track, and evaluate student progress, implementing targeted intervention strategies to stretch high achievers while scaffolding support for developing writers.

• Contribute positively to departmental enrichment initiatives, such as creative writing clubs, public speaking and debating societies, theatre trips, and national poetry competitions.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognized teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree in English Literature, English Language, Linguistics, or a closely related discipline.

• Proven track record or demonstrated capability of delivering outstanding English teaching across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (KS5/A-Level experience is highly desirable).

• In-depth understanding of national English examination board specifications (e.g., AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas).

• Superior classroom presence, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and an infectious enthusiasm for literature and linguistic craft.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Main / Upper Pay Scale (MPS/UPS Outer London, commensurate with experience), with potential TLR opportunities for Key Stage coordination or literacy leadership.

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD), structured onboarding for a seamless January transition, and access to staff health and wellbeing schemes.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious, inspiring English specialist ready to make an immediate impact from January at an Outstanding secondary school in Havering, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.