Westminster’s English Department’s approach to teaching and learning is progressive and self‑scrutinising, both in curriculum design and in considering pedagogy. Drawing on academic specialisms and breadth of learning, the department aims to encourage an enthusiasm for Literature that extends beyond the classroom while developing pupils’ ability to read situations and understand complex behaviour. Pupils learn to respond critically to the uses of language they encounter not only in literary texts but in the wider world, and they are encouraged to pursue ambitious wider reading and develop a personal, creative and critical voice. Discussion is central to teaching, with many classes taught in seminar‑style groups. English is a successful and popular subject. All pupils take English Language and English Literature in their first three years, culminating in OCR 9–1 English Language and CAIE IGCSE English Literature at the end of Year 11, after which around 120 pupils in Years 12 and 13 follow the Eduqas A Level English Literature course. Many pupils go on to read English at leading universities in the UK and overseas. The department supports a wide range of co‑curricular activities, including literary walks, theatre trips, museum visits, creative writing workshops and publications, and pupil‑led societies, while contributing enthusiastically to outreach partnerships and literacy programmes.

The role
Westminster School is looking for a well-qualified English Teacher to provide sabbatical cover for one term, commencing in September 2026. The postholder will join a team of ten English experts, with a diverse range of experiences and specialisms, to maintain Westminster’s very high academic standards while also continuing to develop and refine curriculums and pedagogy in English in light of the School’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. They will encourage cross-curricular work between departments and contribute to partnership work in English, including via Westminster’s Platform+ programme. As well as teaching, the postholder will support pupils with university preparation. In addition to their academic duties, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the School.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring and passionate teacher who will deliver outstanding English teaching and learning for our wonderful pupils. Teaching experience is a positive attribute, but the successful candidate might well be new to teaching. They will have a bachelor’s degree in English or an equivalent qualification. The School has previously employed both qualified and unqualified teachers and there is a great deal of support within the department and through the School’s Professional Studies programme, for people looking to begin a career in teaching. The successful applicant will need to be an excellent communicator who is able to motivate and support pupils with their studies. They will be well‑organised and self-sufficient, as well as being a team player. As the department balances use of traditional and digital resources effectively and purposefully, candidates should be able to innovate in response to emerging technological tools.