Your new school
High Peak School is a happy, nurturing community where every child is valued as an individual. We recognise that choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and I would like to assure you that your child will be welcomed into a caring and supportive environment.Every child brings their own strengths, challenges, and aspirations. At High Peak School, we take great care to understand each pupil personally, celebrating their achievements-both big and small-and helping them develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.We work in close partnership with parents and carers, acknowledging the vital role you play as experts on your child. Together, we ensure that every pupil feels safe, understood, and fully supported to achieve their very best. Our staff are dedicated professionals who are committed to providing an environment in which all children feel secure, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
Your new role
Location: High Peak SchoolSalary: M1 £34,069 - UPS3 £52,835 + SEN allowance £2,885 TLR £3,651Closing date: 01/11/2026Job Type: Permanent - Full Time - English Lead
Are you an experienced English teacher ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have a passion for reading, a strong understanding of the English curriculum and the ambition to make a difference across an entire school?High Peak School is seeking an inspiring and knowledgeable English Lead to lead our English department, line manage English teachers and drive forward the development of reading across the school, from KS2 to KS4.

You will have the opportunity to shape a whole-school approach to reading, develop an engaging and ambitious English curriculum, and support a team of teachers to deliver high-quality learning experiences. Working within our nurturing specialist setting, you will help pupils overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and discover the opportunities that strong literacy skills can unlock.If you are ready to use your English expertise to lead a team, influence school improvement and make a lasting difference to young people's lives, we would love to hear from you. About High Peak School - High Peak School is a specialist independent school for children and young people aged 7-16, many of whom have Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD and other additional needs.

You will also lead the development of the wider English curriculum, ensuring that teaching is purposeful, appropriately challenging and responsive to the needs of our pupils.
Key responsibilities

• Lead reading across the school:
  Develop and embed a whole-school approach to reading, promoting a positive reading culture and improving pupils' engagement, confidence and achievement.
• Drive English curriculum development: Lead the planning, review and development of English provision across KS2-KS4, ensuring appropriate progression, breadth and ambition.
• Champion high-quality teaching: Model and promote effective English teaching strategies, sharing expertise and supporting colleagues to strengthen classroom practice.
• Raise standards and improve outcomes: Use assessment information and pupil progress data to identify priorities, address gaps in learning and ensure pupils make sustained progress.
• Develop inclusive approaches: Ensure that English and reading provision is accessible, engaging and appropriately adapted for pupils with ASC, ADHD, additional learning needs and barriers to school attendance.
• Inspire pupils through English: Teach engaging, well-structured lessons that develop pupils' reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, while building confidence and a love of language and literature.
• Support progression and accreditation: Contribute to appropriate pathways and qualifications at KS4, including Entry Level and Functional Skills where relevant.

What you'll need to succeed
We are looking for an experienced English specialist who can bring subject expertise, leadership potential and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed.Essential criteria

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Substantial experience of teaching English, with a secure understanding of the English curriculum and effective teaching and assessment practices.
• Strong subject knowledge across English, including reading, writing, comprehension, vocabulary and language development.
• The ability to lead and develop reading provision and contribute to the strategic development of English across KS2-KS4.
• A commitment to high-quality teaching, curriculum progression and improving outcomes for pupils with a wide range of starting points and learning needs.
• The ability to adapt teaching and curriculum approaches to engage pupils with SEND and remove barriers to learning.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and the wider school community.
• High expectations, resilience, flexibility and a commitment to inclusion, compassion and the achievement of every pupil.

Most importantly, you will be an enthusiastic and reflective practitioner who understands the power of reading to unlock learning, build confidence and broaden opportunities. You will be motivated to share your expertise, develop others and help create a school where every pupil can experience success.

What you'll get in return Some of the benefits of working with us include:

• Monday to Friday, 08:30-16:30
• Free meals and refreshments provided during the working day
• CPD twice a week, alongside dedicated department time
• Staff Wellbeing Friday, which includes either a staff wellbeing activity of choice or an early finish
• A welcoming and friendly team
• The opportunity to lead and develop English within our school

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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