Deputy Director of Learning for English (2iC equivalent)

“Education is Success” 

An opportunity to work in the only non-private Academy in London that offers both International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes at KS5 

Our school 

International Business and Enterprise academy and IB World School serving a multi-ethnic community. Westminster Academy (WA) is an exciting and diverse comprehensive school with a 6th form in central London that offers an innovative IB curriculum. WA is a rare standalone academy in London that has the flexibility to deliver an excellent education that is bespoke to its community and students. The Academy is proud of its work to improve outcomes for students in an inclusive, supportive environment. We provide each student with a chromebook, allowing staff and students to use technology in every lesson to advance the learning of our students. As a member of the collaborative WA community you will have the opportunity to work alongside an exceptionally talented group of colleagues who are committed to continued professional growth and improvement of the student experience. 

The school was mostly recently graded as ‘good’ in its Nov 2023 Ofsted inspection ‘The school’s curriculum is ambitious and matches the aims of what is expected nationally’ with an ‘outstanding’ 6th form provision where the IBDP and IBCP is offered. We are inclusive and welcoming, where students of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities are valued and respected.

Top reasons to work at WA

• A stand-alone academy that has the autonomy and uniqueness to make its own decisions and deliver the education needed for its students.

• The only comprehensive secondary London school to offer the innovative IB curriculum - world class learners

• Centralised approach to behaviour management enabling our staff to teach

• Supportive staff body that work collaboratively

• Sensible approach to marking and feedback to take staff workload into account

• WA own pay scales that are above 1% national teaching pay 

• CPD (little and often) a commitment to professional learning

• Planning days as part of INSET that are dedicated for staff to use for planning purposes 

• Active clubs for staff- Harbour club, staff football and staff events and gym membership 

• Loan for season travel tickets and bicycle scheme 

• Smaller than average class sizes to allow for personalised learning

• Excellent modern building and facilities

• Protected curriculum development time

• End of year staff incentives linked to attendance 

• A supportive and experienced Senior Leadership Team

Our English department

The English department at Westminster Academy achieves outstanding student outcomes thanks to its energised, passionate team of teachers, whose exceptional subject knowledge and dedication is highly valued by students. We are now looking for an outstanding teacher to join this successful team.

Our English curriculum

We teach a 3 year KS3 curriculum as part of which students are exposed to a wide variety of challenging and engaging texts from a diverse range of different genres, cultures and time periods. At KS4, we deliver the Edexcel English Language and English Literature specifications in preparation for students’ final exams at the end of Y11. The English department has developed a student-centred, personalised and adaptive approach to teaching the curriculum across all key stages and we are proud of the impressive outcomes our students achieve. In 2023, 79% of students achieved a Grade 9-4 in English Language and 82% of students achieved a Grade 9-4 in English Literature. Our priorities continue to involve supporting the enhancement of oracy for our students. We aim to develop their quality of writing in many different forms making them highly effective communicators. 

At KS5, the Academy offers IB English Literature, and IB English Language and Literature, offering teachers specialised training with the IB, stimulating curriculum content and the chance to approach English with a truly global perspective. The department organises IB hub days at Westminster Academy to allow teachers the opportunity to collaborate with IB English teachers from across the UK, benefitting from seminars with leading academics and IB educators. Our English department has achieved world-class results at IB, and is proud to have supported students to earn places on English courses at Oxbridge.

The Role involves: 

• Driving the highly effective implementation of the curriculum and supporting the development of all teachers within the department.

• Supporting the Director and Learning in delivering highly effective bespoke CPD within the department 

• Creative thinking to develop the quality of education of our students based on well informed pedagogical  research 

• Participating in research driven projects to support the growth and development of the department

The ideal candidate will be:

• An excellent experienced classroom teacher who is committed to the success of each individual student

• Experienced in teaching relevant subject(s) with a relevant university degree

• Able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to their own professional growth and development

• Passionate about their subject to inspire our students

• We are open to applications from candidates who have experience of all exam boards as we offer highly effective training and CPD. 

• We are open to candidates who may already have experience of delivering IB curriculum but we are also able to consider candidates with no IB experience due to our extensive training programme on offer. 

How To Apply: 

For further details and an application form, please see our website

Please send your completed application form to: hrteam@westminsteracademy.org.uk. 

We do not accept CVs. 

Closing Date: 23rd February 2025

Shortlisting: 24th February 2025

Interview: W/C 24th February 2025

We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date so early application is advised. The Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. The advert may be closed at any time. 

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. As such there may be additional safeguarding requirements and responsibilities depending on the nature of the role advertised and the extent to which the role will involve contact with children. We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding. 

A professional social media check may take place to reduce risks to reputation, confidentiality breach and data security. The check identifies a candidate's online presence to look for negative behaviours such as bullying, racism, nudity and excessive bad language 

The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, as the work brings employees into contact with children who are regarded by the Act as a vulnerable group. Applicants for any role at Westminster Academy must disclose all spent and unspent convictions.

Equalities statement: 

Westminster Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

We are inclusive and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.