About this role
The Kassia Academy is a specialist SEMH provision within the Kings Academy Trust, offering a small, nurturing environment for young people unable to access mainstream education. Supporting up to 60 learners, the academy provides a highly personalised approach to help pupils re-engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.
We are committed to a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach, underpinned by strong relationships, consistency and high expectations. Pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum, alongside a rich personal development offer and access to targeted pastoral and therapeutic support.
As Head of English & Literacy, you will lead the English curriculum alongside a whole-school literacy strategy, ensuring all learners develop the reading, writing and communication skills needed to succeed. This includes oversight of phonics, reading development, writing across the curriculum and targeted literacy interventions.
You will support and coach colleagues to deliver high-quality literacy teaching and interventions, while contributing to a safe, structured and inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.
Key responsibilities
Lead the development of a high-quality English curriculum, including schemes of learning and resources accessible to non-specialistsDrive a whole-school literacy strategy, ensuring consistent approaches to reading and writing across all subjectsOversee the implementation of phonics provision, ensuring targeted support for learners with gaps in early readingLead on reading development, including reading culture, assessment (e.g., reading ages) and intervention programmesLead on writing across the curriculum, supporting staff to develop pupils’ written communication in all subjectsDevelop and embed handwriting approaches to support learners with additional needsPlan and deliver creative, differentiated lessons that meet the diverse needs of learners with SEMH and ASDCreate structured, predictable classroom environments where pupils feel safe, respected and ready to learnImplement relational and trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation and engagementMaintain high expectations for learning, behaviour and personal growthUse assessment (including literacy data) to track progress, identify gaps and inform teaching and interventionLead and support literacy interventions (phonics, reading, writing and handwriting)Work closely with pastoral, inclusion and therapeutic staff to ensure joined-up support for every pupilCommunicate effectively with parents and carers, building positive home–school relationshipsContribute to the wider life of the school through enrichment, celebration and teamworkWe are looking for someone who:
Is a qualified English teacher (QTS or equivalent) with experience of developing an English curriculumHas experience of, or a strong interest in, whole-school literacy developmentHas knowledge of how pupils learn to read, including phonics and reading interventionsCan support pupils with low literacy levels to make strong progressHas a calm, compassionate and consistent approach to behaviourIs reflective, adaptable and motivated to make a differenceCan work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary teamValues professional development and is keen to grow within a forward-thinking settingHow to apply
Please complete and return the application form along with a covering letter (maximum two sides of A4) [email protected]. If you require a copy of the application form, in word format, please [email protected]
Safeguarding
The Kassia Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.