Assistant Director of English

Lift Greensward

Greensward Lane, Hockley, Essex, SS5 5HG
United Kingdom

Leadership Scale 2 - 6 + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Permanent, Full Time

September 2026 Start

A rare opportunity to join and help lead a high performing, scholarly and ambitious English department.

If the chance to lead within a high performing team, shape curriculum excellence and inspire both students and colleagues sounds appealing, then Lift Greensward might just be the place for you.

Rated "Good" by Ofsted in November 2023, the report recognised our ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum which builds knowledge and vocabulary over time. Our large and vibrant sixth form has been ranked amongst the highest performing nationally for almost a decade. Greensward is unapologetically ambitious for its students and staff, placing learning and character development at the heart of everything we do.

As Assistant Director of English, you will work in close partnership with our exceptional Director of English to shape curriculum design, refine assessment strategy and sustain a culture of academic excellence from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5. You will play a strategic role in driving standards, developing colleagues and ensuring that all students including disadvantaged learners achieve exceptional outcomes.

This is a leadership role with real scope. It is not simply about management or maintenance. We are seeking a colleague who wants to shape strategy, influence curriculum thinking and develop others. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow within the role, take on increasing responsibility over time and contribute meaningfully to whole school teaching and learning priorities. This role would suit an ambitious and reflective practitioner ready to take the next step in their leadership journey, with the aspiration and capacity to grow into wider strategic responsibility in the future.

If you:

Are an exceptional classroom practitioner with deep subject knowledge and intellectual curiosity
Have a track record of securing strong outcomes across a range of abilities
Can use assessment and data intelligently to inform curriculum refinement and intervention
Are an instructional coach who can challenge and develop colleagues with clarity and warmth
Have uncompromising expectations for behaviour and academic standards
Believe in equity, inclusion and the transformative power of education

Our established and positive team members benefit from:

A collaborative and supportive environment underpinned by a strong CPD programme where working with the best means learning from the best
An open and inclusive culture led by a dynamic principal and supported by a senior team who remain closely connected to classroom practice
A highly supportive Lift Schools Trust network, including cross school subject collaboration and five additional INSET days dedicated to professional learning
A two week October half term, supporting sustainable workload and wellbeing
The chance to engage with an enthusiastic, well mannered and resilient student body who are widely recognised as the school's greatest asset

If you are ready to make a significant contribution to an already strong department and take the next step in your leadership journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date: 18th March 2026

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Lift Greensward

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Assistant Director of English