Job Purpose

The Head of English will lead and manage the English Department, teaching English from Year 6 onwards and contributing to a rich and extensive extra-curricular programme. The role focuses on delivering the English curriculum ensuring all students make excellent academic progress while developing a genuine enjoyment of English through engaging and challenging learning experiences.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the department, maintaining high academic standards, and promoting a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

Appointment Details

Post title: Secondary Head of English

Start Date: August 2026

Contract type: Fixed Term, Full time

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Key Responsibilities

School Values and Ethos

·          To actively promote our unique vision and the Downe House Potential through enthusiastic participation in all areas of school life.

·          To share and support the School’s commitment to provide an all-round, outstanding education for all our pupils.

·          To always set high expectations, which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils.

·          To have the highest aspirations for our pupils’ development and achievements, both in and out of the classroom.

·          To offer excellent pastoral care for all pupils.

Curriculum

·        To teach a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum and contribute to the preparation and writing of schemes of work, teaching materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment.

·        To facilitate and encourage high quality learning which provides children with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

·        To deliver well-planned, engaging and creative lessons, ensuring that the needs of all children are met.

·        To differentiate appropriately, using approaches that enable every pupil to access the learning and make excellent progress.

·        To demonstrate excellent subject knowledge in all relevant areas.

·        To set pupils challenging learning and developmental goals, and to draw upon varied strategies, resources and technologies to support pupils in achieving these goals.

·        To follow school procedures for assessing, recording and reporting on children’s achievements and to use this information effectively to convey progress in report writing and record keeping.

·        To provide pupils with regular written and oral feedback and encourage them to reflect and respond to their feedback.

·        To participate fully in the school’s extra-curricular and school activity programme.

Management

·        Lead, manage, and support members of the English Department to ensure high standards of teaching and learning.

·        Implement and uphold school policies and procedures.

·        Create a safe, inclusive, and well-managed learning environment.

·        Effectively deploy teaching assistants and resources within the department.

·        Foster strong home-school partnerships and maintain positive relationships with parents.

·        Contribute to whole-school development and improvement initiatives.

Professional Standards

·        To attend assemblies, departmental meetings, parents’ evenings, school functions and other staff meetings.

·        To attend professional development and staff training opportunities.

·        To recognise the importance of being an exemplary role model to all children within the school.

·        To maintain high standards or professional behaviour in accordance with the school ethos, including timekeeping and personal presentation.

·        To take personal responsibility for evaluating and reflecting upon your teaching in order to continually develop and improve your practice.

·        To always maintain professional and productive relationships with colleagues.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• To comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures and ensure that any safeguarding concerns are reported in line with policy.
• To demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.
• To engage fully in all safeguarding training as required.

Other

• To fulfil any reasonable additional responsibilities as requested by the Principal.
• To support cross-site at our partner school King’s College Riyadh as requested by the Principal.

Person Specification

(E is Essential, D is Desired)

Experience and Qualifications

·        A Bachelor’s Degree in English from a good university. (E)

·        UK Post Graduate Certificate of Education (or equivalent). (E)

·        Qualified Teacher Status. (E)

·        A proven track record of high-quality English teaching as a qualified teacher for at least three years. (E)

·        Excellent working knowledge of the UK National Curriculum. (E)

·        Experience of teaching GCSE and ‘A’ level. (E)

·        A strong academic background, stature and experience that will command the respect of pupils, parents, colleagues and the wider community. (E)

·        An understanding of the demands of a UK independent day school environment. (D)

·        A commitment to academic progress and the welfare and safeguarding of pupils. (E)

·        Experience of curriculum development in English. (E)

·        Knowledge and understanding of recent educational developments and best practice. (E)

·        Experience working with children who have English as a Second Language is desirable. (D)

Personal Qualities

·        Ability to stretch the pupils, whilst also ensuring the curriculum is accessible to all. (E)

·        Ability to inspire children with a love of learning. (E)

·        Ability to understand the needs, challenges and opportunities of an international school community. (E)

·        Strong personal-relations and team-working skills. (E)

·        Ability to use ICT to enhance learning. (E)

·        Energy, charisma and dynamism with the vision and drive to create productive learning environments and excellent outcomes for all children. (E)

·        Ability to work with and apply all school policies. (E)

·        Rigorous can-do attitude, positive team player with a sense of humour. (E)

·        Be willing to work hard and with enthusiasm, avoiding a “nine-to-five” approach. (E)

'Downe House Riyadh is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse school community. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) ensures that every student and staff member feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive in a culture of belonging. We welcome applications from professionals who share our passion for safeguarding and inclusion.'

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.