English Subject Leader
The limits of my language are the limits of my mind” - Wittgenstein
Fostering a love of literature and language enables young people to flourish and to live life to the full.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of dedicated and creative specialists who share a desire for our young people to develop and grow through their study and enjoyment of English. The post will be of interest to aspiring or existing Subject Leaders who wish to develop professionally and personally in a supportive and happy environment.
We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as diversity enriches our teaching and inspires our students to thrive in an inclusive learning environment.
Due to the outstanding teaching, supportive systems, and positive learning culture, students achieve highly at Waddesdon, with our Progress 8 scores consistently exceeding 0.5 (well above average) each year.
Reasons staff enjoy working at Waddesdon include:
- A genuine commitment to the education of the whole child
- High levels of expectations and discipline
- Generous teaching/non-contact period per fortnight (42/50)
- Positive relations between staff and students
The school’s SIAMS inspection celebrated our unique culture in the following way:
“Relationships are shaped by the focus on the twin values of dignity and respect. There is a palpable sense of Waddesdon being a safe and secure place to be, of a community built on good humour, mutual support and love of self and neighbour; this is seen in lessons and around the school.”
There is a very healthy uptake of English Literature A Level and a strong tradition of celebrating Speaking and Listening at the school. Students are encouraged to read for pleasure and use our vibrant, modern library at the heart of the school.
As part of working in an Outstanding school, the new Subject Leader will enjoy the freedom to develop the vision and direction of the department, with the strong support of an experienced department and Leadership Team.
Waddesdon School is an oversubscribed all ability 11-18 school, set in rural Buckinghamshire. The school is 30 minutes away from Oxford and also within easy commuting distance from Milton Keynes. There are just over 1000 students on roll, including 300 in the Sixth Form.The school has an excellent reputation for CPD and recognises and values the contributions of all staff.
There are realistic expectations regarding balancing family and leisure time and workload. Governors have recently changed the Admissions Policy to include children of staff members.
We encourage you to contact the school for a phone conversation and to discuss your interest in the post. The description of the department, the OfSTED and SIAMS reports, and our termly newsletter, Waddesdon Voice, will give you a flavour of the culture and ethos of our school and the department.Testimonials from our staff about the culture and ethos of our school can be found on our website in our ‘Working at Waddesdon’ section.
For more information on the school, please visit www.waddesdonschool.com
If you would like to arrange a visit or a phone conversation, please contact office@waddesdonschool.com
Deadline for applications to office@waddesdonschool.com:
Midday, Wednesday, 29th January 2025
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, and employment will be conditional upon completion of satisfactory pre-appointment checks.Applicants are invited to view the school’s Safeguarding & Child
Protection Policy via https://www.waddesdonschool.com/safeguarding
We are an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer. We were awarded a Gold Award by MIND for Workplace Well-being in 2020.
School Lane, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0LQ Tel: 01296 651382 Email:
office@waddesdonschool.com