Since January 2021 I’ve been working for Ormiston Academies Trust as Senior Lead Practitioner for English. I had no idea when I started how much I’d love working for OAT or how much I’d relish the role of supporting English and literacy across a national network of 43 schools stretching from Grimsby to Cowes, from Runcorn to Chichester, and from Walsall to Ipswich.As you can imagine this is way too big a job for one person and I was incredibly fortunate to inherit a team of 4 extraordinarily gifted regional lead practitioners who basically do all the work and make me look much better than I am. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved over the last year, but there’s loads more we need to do to make the English provision at OAT the very best it can be for 30,000+ students we serve.

I’m very excited to say that we now expanding the team and recruiting for an additional English Regional Lead Practitioner to support our Academies in London and the South.

This will be an incredibly varied role. Not only will you work across 4 secondary schools, you’ll also be working with Alternative Provision and Special schools. You’ll also spend some time working on national projects which will include working on the English curriculum, providing CPD and developing teachers at every stage of their careers. You’ll be joining a hugely gifted team of English specialists who have acquired a wealth of experience in doing similar roles and will be able to offer support and camaraderie. They only real downside is that you’d be working for me.

If you’re interested in applying, or if you know some one else who might be, do take a look at the job details here. Apart from all the stuff in the job description, what I’m looking for is someone who lives and breathes English, who has broad knowledge of the subject and always keen to learn more. I’d really like to appoint someone who will challenge my thinking and won’t be afraid to say if they think I’m getting something wrong.

We’ve deliberately decided not to advertise on TES, so your support in sharing this would be hugely appreciated. If you want to get in touch to talk about the detail of the role, please do. The closing date for applications is 31st March – I look forward to hearing from you.