Barking & Dagenham College
Head of English (16-18 & Adult Provision)
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We have some exciting opportunities available at Barking and Dagenham College. We are looking for Head of English (16-18 & Adult Provision)
Are you an ambitious educational leader who is passionate about unlocking potential and driving high-quality teaching and learning?
Do you thrive on developing high-performing teams, improving learner outcomes and creating lasting impact? If so, this could be your next career step.
Barking & Dagenham College is a vibrant and ambitious Further Education College committed to transforming lives through education. Serving thousands of learners across our campuses, we are passionate about creating opportunities, raising aspirations and supporting progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis and in return, we will offer a competitive salary of £57,788 - £72,348 per annum incl. London Weighting
The Head of English Role
The Head of Department (HoD) is responsible for the growth and performance of designated department(s) including teaching, learning and assessment practices and business planning.
Key Responsibilities of our Head of English
You will lead the College's 16-18 English, Adult English and Community Learning provision, taking ownership of a high-profile curriculum area with genuine scope to influence learner achievement, attendance, progression, teaching quality and the overall learner experience.
You will:
- Work closely with the Vice Principal Curriculum & Quality to drive strategic development and continuous improvement across the College's English provision.
- Shape and develop a responsive, innovative and future-focused curriculum that meets learner needs, reflects learners' starting points and supports ambitious progression outcomes.
- Lead strategies that improve learner attendance, engagement, achievement and progression, ensuring English is recognised as a key contributor to learner success across the College.
- Be creative, forward-thinking and ambitious in developing innovative and technology-enabled approaches that enhance learner engagement, improve outcomes and support high-quality teaching and learning.
- Use performance, quality and learner voice data to identify priorities, implement interventions and secure sustained improvements in outcomes.
- Identify barriers to success, address performance gaps and take decisive action to improve the learner experience and achievement.
- Lead outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices, embedding a culture of high expectations, accountability and continuous professional development.
- Work collaboratively with vocational curriculum teams and support services to embed literacy, aspiration and learner success across the wider curriculum.
- Deliver and oversee all aspects of the College's quality cycle, including observations, standardisation, performance monitoring, RARPA, verification processes, staff development and Ofsted readiness.
- Drive curriculum performance to achieve ambitious targets for attendance, achievement, progression and income.
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Our Ideal Head of English
A genuine passion for English education and the ability to lead impactful improvement through innovation and effective curriculum leadership. A strong track record of improving learner outcomes, achievement and progression from a range of starting points. Proven success in leading curriculum improvement through evidence-informed practice, effective intervention and strong use of data. A strong understanding of current FE priorities, Ofsted expectations, awarding body requirements and quality assurance processes. Demonstrable experience of successful leadership and management within Further Education. Proven ability to develop and inspire high-performing teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Experience of working effectively with internal and external stakeholders to secure positive outcomes for learners. Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
Essential Criteria
- CertEd/PGCE or relevant teaching/training qualification
- Degree or equivalent qualification
- Managing in either the Adult Education or Further Education sector
- Working to frameworks and external requirements, including Ofsted and awarding bodies, and how they relate to the role.
- Planning provision to meet local and external needs
- Demonstrable experience in leading change that has resulted in performance improvements and improvements in teaching and learning
- Performance management of individuals and teams
- The ability to influence and motivate teams and individuals to support positive change
- Strong analytical skills (of both quantitative and qualitative data) and a proven ability to interpret and critique policy influencing teaching and learning and skills
- Effective team working with partners and colleagues
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The Head of Department role carries a teaching commitment of 4 hours per week.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary of £57,788 - £72,348 per annum (dependent on experience) alongside an excellent benefits package, including:
- Generous pension scheme
- 35 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Two-week Christmas closure
- Wellbeing days
- Free on-site gym and parking
- Subsidised hair and beauty treatments
- A wide range of staff benefits and development opportunities
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're excited by the opportunity to lead a high-profile curriculum area and drive outstanding outcomes for learners, we'd love to hear from you.
Barking & Dagenham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
All employment offers are made subject to checks in line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. These include (some of which are dependent upon the role and the individual): enhanced DBS including children’s barred list check, DfE teaching/management barred list check, on-line searches, overseas criminal record check, evidence of identity and right to work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications and a check of previous employment history.
Closing date for applications: 19/10/2026
If you would like to learn more about our Head of English role, then please click ‘apply’ today!
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