Teacher of English & Whole-School Literacy Lead - Leeds

A large and well-regarded 11–18 secondary school in Leeds is seeking a passionate and forward-thinking Teacher of English to also take on a whole-school Literacy Lead responsibility. This is a key appointment within a school that has made strong improvements in recent years and now places literacy at the centre of its academic vision.

Located in a diverse and dynamic area of Leeds, the school serves a richly varied community and prides itself on high expectations, structured behaviour systems and strong pastoral care. English outcomes are improving year-on-year, and the leadership team is committed to building a coherent literacy strategy that supports progress across all subjects.

The Role

This is a dual-role position combining high-quality English teaching with leadership of literacy across the school.

As a classroom practitioner, you will:
• Teach English across Key Stages 3–4, with potential for KS5
• Deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum focused on powerful texts and academic writing
• Use structured routines and retrieval strategies to secure long-term progress
• Contribute to GCSE planning and intervention programmes

As Literacy Lead, you will:
• Develop and implement a whole-school literacy strategy
• Support departments in embedding reading, vocabulary and disciplinary literacy
• Lead CPD on effective literacy practice
• Monitor literacy interventions and impact data
• Champion reading culture initiatives, including tutor-time reading and author visits

The English department operates within a shared planning model, ensuring consistency while allowing teachers to bring personality and creativity to delivery. Schemes of learning are clear and well-resourced, reducing unnecessary workload.

The School Environment

This Leeds secondary has a reputation for calm corridors, purposeful lessons and strong leadership presence. Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied, meaning classrooms are focused and disruption is minimal.

Recent investment has enhanced facilities, including:
• A refurbished library and reading hub
• Dedicated English classrooms with interactive technology
• Structured literacy intervention spaces
• Strong SEND and pastoral collaboration

Staff retention is strong, and many middle leaders have progressed internally. Professional development is structured, meaningful and linked directly to classroom impact.

Who We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will:
• Hold QTS and a degree in English or a related field
• Be an excellent classroom teacher with strong GCSE outcomes
• Demonstrate understanding of literacy across the curriculum
• Have leadership potential or prior literacy coordination experience
• Be organised, strategic and committed to whole-school improvement

This role would suit an experienced English teacher ready for wider responsibility, or an existing literacy coordinator seeking a new challenge.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary plus TLR for Literacy Leadership
• Strong SLT support and structured improvement planning
• Excellent CPD and career progression pathways
• Clear behaviour systems that support effective teaching
• A genuinely collaborative staff culture

This is a significant opportunity to influence teaching and learning beyond your own classroom in a school that values clarity, consistency and ambition.