Head of GCSE & Functional Skills English

Location:  Newcastle and Stafford College sites
Hours:      Full-time
Salary:      £45,320 per annum    
        Total overall package of up to £64,317 in year 1 as follows
        Salary: £45,320
        Employer Pension Contributions: £12,997
        Golden Hello Payment: up to £5,000  OR DfE bursary of up to £6,000 
        (if in 1st 5 years of teaching - subject to terms & conditions)

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is one of the very best colleges in the country.  In October 2024 we became the first and only further education provider in England to achieve a full set of outstanding grades in consecutive Ofsted Inspections. This includes recognition of our strong contribution towards meeting Local Skills Needs under the latest version of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF). 

The inspection report praised all areas of the College's provision and acknowledged NSCG's 'staff are professional, friendly, incredibly supportive and work tirelessly to meet the needs of learners' 'teachers improve their practice based upon the support they receive' and 'teachers create highly supportive, calm and highly aspirational environments in which learners and apprentices thrive'.' In summary, NSCG is a great place to work and study.

To read the full Ofsted report for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, please visit the Ofsted Government website, select Find an Inspection Report and search for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.

The group is currently home to a population of over 6,500 full-time students with around 2000 adult learners and students on higher education programmes. We have over 1,500 apprentices where we work with over 850 individual employers.  Our Sixth Form provision has a reputation for high academic achievement and excellence.

We are looking for an experienced Head of English to develop and drive a high quality curriculum. 

Our ideal candidate will be an inspiring and experienced individual who who has a proven record leading and managing a curriculum subject area. You will have an innovative and pro-active approach to curriculum design and delivery. You will have also demonstrated a strong understanding towards the needs of staff and learners to help them reach their true potential. 

We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, self-motivated and a team player. As well as relevant experience in curriculum leadership, you will be qualified with an English or related degree. You will have achieved a teaching qualification at Level 5 (DTLLS or equivalent).

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Develop a flexible and innovative English GCSE curriculum that is suitable for delivery across all areas of the College's provision and responsive to feedback from current students and vocational teaching teams.
•    Develop, in conjunction with the Director of English and Maths a structured assessment plan to include diagnostic assessments, baseline and mocks. 
•    Provide pedagogic leadership to English teaching staff to ensure consistent standards of delivery which are informed by current research & best practice in both general FE and subject knowledge. 
•    Provide regular support and guidance to delivery staff in the form of meetings, team and individualised CPD, mentoring for new staff and classroom walkthroughs.
•    Undertake a reduced teaching load of up to 408 hours per year and be available to provide cover for absent colleagues across the College.

Required Skills and Experience:

•    Has a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
•    Teaching qualification (PGCE or DTTLS) or willingness to obtain
•    Has teaching experience, ideally within the FE Sector
•    Is well organised and able to manage the peaks and troughs of a varied workload.
•    Able to communicate effectively with students and peers.

What's in it for you?

•    The college offers and excellent benefits package which includes:
•    Golden Hello Payment: up to £5,000  OR DfE bursary of up to £6,000 (if in 1st 5 years of teaching - subject to terms & conditions)
•    Employer Pension contributions of 28.68% (Teachers' Pension Scheme).
•    52 Days Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays & Christmas Closure).
•    Electric Vehicle Scheme (Salary Sacrifice).
•    Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary sacrifice).
•    Subsidised Gym Membership.
•    Health-related benefits including a subsidised Health Scheme.
•    Excellent Training and Development Opportunities (supported with a dedicated budget).
•    Dedicated Teaching & Learning Coaches for New Staff.
•    Remission provided for your first year in post.
•    Free Parking
•    On site restaurant and FREE early morning tea/coffee and toast.

How to apply

To apply for the role of Head of GCSE FS English, please click 'Apply Now' to complete an online application form.

It would be appreciated, if on your supporting statement, you could indicate which College site would be your preference as your place of work.

(If you are applying via a jobs board, you will receive an e-mail and link that will take you directly to our application form on the Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group website).

The closing date for completed applications is 9th May 2025.

This college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All college based positions are subject to enhanced DBS check and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community