English Teacher - Lead

English Lead Teacher - SEMH / SEND

Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Salary: Up to -45,000 per annum, depending on experience - not pro rata
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday-Friday | 8:30am-4:00pm
Start: October 2026

Ready to take the lead in English and make a genuine difference to young people who need the right teacher to help them thrive?

Simply Education is recruiting an experienced and passionate English Lead Teacher for a specialist education setting in the Chesterfield area, supporting young people aged 11-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other complex learning needs.

This is more than an English teaching position. You''ll have the opportunity to take ownership of the English curriculum, influence teaching and learning across the school and support the development of other teaching staff, while continuing to do what you love - teaching and inspiring young people.

With small class sizes, personalised learning and a supportive specialist environment, you''ll have the opportunity to get to know your pupils properly and adapt your teaching around their individual strengths, needs and interests.

As English Lead Teacher, you''ll work closely with the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and wider leadership team to develop an engaging and ambitious English curriculum.

You''ll combine excellent classroom practice with subject leadership, helping ensure pupils receive high-quality teaching while supporting colleagues to develop their own practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development and delivery of the English curriculum

• Teaching engaging and accessible English lessons

• Creating learning opportunities tailored to individual pupil needs

• Driving high standards of teaching, learning and pupil progress

• Supporting colleagues with planning, assessment and target setting

• Coaching and mentoring teachers, including ECTs and colleagues taking on additional responsibilities

• Modelling excellent classroom practice and delivering demonstration lessons where appropriate

• Using assessment and pupil data effectively to identify progress and areas for development

• Conducting classroom observations and contributing to performance management

• Keeping up to date with developments and best practice within English education

• Leading departmental meetings, reviews and relevant documentation

We''re looking for an English Teacher who is passionate about their subject but, just as importantly, understands that progress can look different for every young person.

You''ll need:

• UK QTS or equivalent

• A relevant degree

• Strong experience teaching English

• Leadership, subject leadership or curriculum development experience

• A good understanding of SEND and/or SEMH

• An understanding of needs including ASC, learning difficulties and complex needs

• The confidence to support and develop other teaching staff

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• A patient, resilient and compassionate approach

• A commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for young people

• A full UK driving licence

Previous experience within a specialist SEMH/SEND setting would be highly beneficial.

For the right teacher, this is an opportunity to have a real influence on how English is taught rather than simply stepping into an established classroom and following a set programme.

You''ll be joining a specialist environment where pupils benefit from smaller classes, individualised support and a curriculum designed around their needs.

The focus is not only on academic achievement. You''ll also play an important part in helping pupils rebuild confidence in education, develop resilience and recognise what they are capable of achieving.

• Salary up to -45,000 per annum - not pro rata

• Permanent, term-time-only position

• Monday-Friday working

• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

• Life Assurance

• Mental health support and physical health checks

• Flexible benefits platform

• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits

• Hundreds of UK and international discounts

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Electric Car Purchase Scheme

• Critical illness cover

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits

• Family Growth Support, including paid fertility treatment support

If you''re an experienced English Teacher, English Subject Lead, English Lead Teacher or SEND/SEMH Teacher looking for a role where you can combine classroom teaching with genuine subject leadership, we''d love to hear from you.

To apply or find out more, please contact:

Ioan
(phone number removed)

Alternatively, submit your application today and a member of the Simply Education team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

Simply Education and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to the relevant safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS and references.