Secondary Head of English

WHY CHOOSE WELLINGTON? Professional Growth

• Tailored professional development pathways for all staff.
• Comprehensive CPD programmes covering teaching methodologies, cultural awareness, and non-academic skills such as public speaking and finance.
• Three specialised leadership programmes for middle, senior, and high-potential leaders.
• An internal coaching programme designed to help you thrive. Exceptional Benefits
• Highly competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and dependents. Life in Hangzhou
• A modern, forward-thinking city surrounded by natural beauty and rich culture.
• Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake.
• A thriving tech hub, hosting giants like Alibaba, with widespread cashless convenience.
• Just 45 minutes by high-speed train to Shanghai. JOB TITLE Secondary Head of English DEPARTMENT Academic LOCATION Hangzhou LINE MANAGEMENT Assistant Head of Senior Schools OBJECTIVES Wellington College Education (China)–Hangzhou (WCECH) seeks an experienced and inspiring Secondary Head of English to join its diverse, high-achieving Secondary English team. The postholder will engage and challenge pupils across a range of age groups, helping them achieve their potential and develop a lasting interest in English. In keeping with the Wellington College philosophy and ethos, they will nurture pupils as inspired, intellectual, independent, individual and inclusive Wellingtonians, contribute to an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, and uphold the highest standards of care, safeguarding and professional practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

• Plan and deliver engaging, well-sequenced lessons that develop pupils’ subject knowledge, skills and understanding, and foster curiosity and a lasting interest in the subject.
• Create a purposeful, inclusive classroom where pupils feel safe, participate actively and take increasing responsibility for their learning.
• Set ambitious expectations for every pupil. Provide appropriate challenge and support so that pupils with differing starting points and abilities can make strong, sustained progress.
• Use formative and summative assessment, in line with WCECH requirements, to evaluate learning, adapt teaching and identify next steps. Give pupils timely, precise and constructive feedback.
• Monitor pupils’ progress and maintain accurate records. Act promptly on concerns about a pupil’s progress, engagement or behaviour, consulting relevant colleagues as appropriate.
• Evaluate the impact of your teaching and use evidence and feedback to improve pupils’ learning and ensure appropriate continuity and progression.
• Participate fully in the Staff Appraisal system, including observing colleagues, welcoming observation and feedback, and providing relevant planning and assessment materials as required.
• Undertake scheduled boarding duties, including supervising students during evening study or homework sessions adhering to boarding routines. Pupil Wellbeing, Behaviour and Safeguarding
• Promote pupils’ wellbeing, safety and personal development. Build positive relationships so that pupils feel respected, valued and able to seek support.
• Foster an inclusive environment in which diversity is respected and bullying, discrimination and harmful behaviour are appropriately challenged.
• Set clear expectations for conduct and apply the WCECH behaviour policy consistently and fairly, helping pupils take responsibility for their choices and actions.
• Remain alert to signs that a pupil may need support or may be at risk. Listen appropriately and report concerns promptly in accordance with WCECH safeguarding procedures.
• Uphold the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding. Complete required training, follow WCECH policies, maintain professional boundaries and share information responsibly with relevant safeguarding personnel.
• Provide a safe environment for learning by following WCECH health and safety procedures, managing risks relevant to your teaching, and teaching pupils to use facilities, equipment and materials safely. Curriculum and Departmental Contribution
• Contribute to the development and review of a coherent, ambitious and inclusive subject curriculum that reflects the WCECH educational philosophy and meets pupils’ needs.
• Work with colleagues to ensure appropriate breadth, depth, challenge and progression in pupils’ knowledge and skills across year groups and courses.
• Contribute to departmental schemes of work, assessment practices, policies and other curriculum documentation as required.
• Identify opportunities to enrich the curriculum and strengthen pupils’ learning, including through cross-curricular work where appropriate.
• Help plan and use departmental resources effectively, identify resource requirements and support annual ordering in line with WCECH procedures and agreed budgets. Partnership with Parents and Home–School Communication
• Build positive, respectful relationships with parents and carers, encouraging a shared commitment to each pupil’s learning, wellbeing and development.
• Communicate regularly, clearly and professionally about pupils’ learning, progress and wellbeing, celebrating successes and raising concerns promptly and sensitively.
• Provide accurate and timely information about the subject curriculum, learning expectations, assessment and opportunities for pupils’ development.
• Attend parent meetings and consultations as required, and contribute to written reports that give a clear, evidence-based account of pupils’ progress, achievements and next steps.
• Listen and respond constructively to parents’ questions and concerns, working with relevant colleagues and following WCECH procedures. Professional Collaboration and Conduct
• Build professional, respectful relationships with colleagues and contribute to a collaborative culture focused on pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
• Communicate constructively and share relevant information in a timely manner with colleagues across all departments.
• Carry out responsibilities reliably and to a high standard, meeting deadlines and following agreed procedures.
• Provide cover for absent colleagues when required, as directed by the Head of Department or relevant senior leader, supporting continuity of pupils’ learning and care.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect confidential information relating to pupils, families and colleagues.
• Uphold WCECH ethos, values, policies and professional standards, acting with integrity and treating others fairly and respectfully. Contribution to the Community
• Contribute actively to WCECH life and help foster a welcoming, inclusive community.
• Take a full part in the WCECH co-curricular programme, including planning and leading activities as required outside the normal teaching timetable.
• Support WCECH events, assemblies, performances, exhibitions, competitions and communications that celebrate pupils’ learning and contribute to the life of the subject and the wider College.
• Undertake pastoral, supervision and other duties as reasonably assigned and timetabled, helping to ensure pupils’ safety and wellbeing throughout the day. Professional Development
• Take responsibility for your professional learning and keep your subject knowledge, teaching practice and understanding of relevant curriculum and assessment requirements up to date.
• Engage with developments in subject-specific teaching and learning, including IGCSE and A Level programmes where applicable.
• Participate fully in WCECH professional development and staff development, applying relevant learning to your practice.
• Use reflection, evidence, observation and feedback to identify development priorities and improve your professional practice.
• Contribute to a culture of professional learning by being open to feedback and challenge, sharing expertise and supporting relevant School Development Plan priorities.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings, briefings and professional discussions as required by the Head of Department and relevant senior leaders. Leadership and Management
• Lead by example through consistently high standards of teaching, professionalism and care. Take responsibility for the impact of your work on pupils’ learning, progress and wellbeing, and follow through on agreed actions.
• Uphold WCECH values through your decisions, relationships and professional practice, helping foster a culture of integrity, respect, inclusion, ambition and care.
• Contribute to the department’s shared responsibility for pupil outcomes by setting ambitious expectations, monitoring progress, identifying pupils who need additional support or challenge, and working with colleagues to respond effectively.
• Help improve the quality of teaching and learning across the department through collaborative planning, moderation, peer observation, review of pupils’ work and progress, and the sharing of effective practice. Implement agreed improvements and help evaluate their impact.
• Follow agreed curriculum, teaching, assessment, reporting and behaviour procedures, supporting a coherent, high-quality experience for pupils across classes and year groups.
• Complete departmental responsibilities reliably and within agreed timelines, including maintaining accurate records, contributing to meetings and carrying out actions arising from review, appraisal or departmental planning.
• Work constructively with your team to implement departmental priorities, address areas for development and contribute to a culture of professional accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage and use departmental resources responsibly. Contribute to resource planning and annual orders, ensuring expenditure is appropriate, cost-effective and within agreed budgets and College procedures. BASIC QUALIFICATION Education
• Bachelor’s degree or above and relevant teaching qualifications and certificates such as PGCE, QTS etc. Major
• English-related majors. Working Experience
• At least 3 years of teaching experience with some managerial experience. Language
• English native speaker. EXPERTISE
• Experience of successful academic achievement.
• Experience of leading multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of the examinations within your subject. DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES
• Able to understand and respond thoughtfully to pupils’ interests, strengths, needs and stages of development.
• Able to contribute to curriculum design, development and review.
• Curious, reflective and open to new ideas, with a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.
• Guided by strong professional values, including integrity, respect, inclusion and care for pupils.
• Proactive, adaptable, patient and empathetic, with a positive approach to working with pupils and colleagues.