English Lead
English Lead
The post holder will provide effective leadership and coordination of staff and resources over a range of English programmes.
The post holder will plan, implement, monitor, and review consistent delivery of high-quality curriculums and teaching across the college and take responsibility for the successful day-to-day operational running of the English team in line with QAC’s strategic direction.
Hours: 36 hours per week (08:45 - 16:45)
Weeks: Term time only (39 weeks) 48 weeks, including annual leave
The role is on site only
Key Responsibilities
The post holder is expected to manage the English team by taking responsibility of:
- The day-to-day organisation, performance, and reporting of specialist staff and provision allocated to their area.
- Promoting exceptional curriculum design, teaching, learning, assessment and support.
- Ensuring that QAC values are fully reflected.
The post holder is expected to work with relevant senior staff to provide effective leadership including:
- Allocating duties and timetables.
- Creating and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Conducting appraisals, team, and 1 to 1 meetings.
The post holder is expected to manage the planning and delivery of curriculum by:
- Undertaking programme leadership and lead IQA responsibility to provide oversight of assessment, examination, and Quality Assurance processes for the English department.
- Ensuring effective liaison with Awarding Organisations, including identification of appropriate accreditation, exam entries, and necessary actions arising from verifiers reports.
- Ensuring that the English curriculum area programmes and teaching are developed, designed, delivered and assessed in a relevant and flexible basis to meet high expectations and learner and employer needs.
- Ensuring that effective curriculum planning and use of resources in the area meets the needs and demands of the college's strategic direction and financial imperatives.
- Monitoring and evaluating the attendance, success and progression of students within the programme area of English.
- Coordinating regular programme/course review meetings to contribute to the monitoring of Key Performance Indicators and targets within the area.
- Contributing to the Department SAR (Self-Assessment Report) and QIP (Quality Improvement Plan) as part of the Self-Assessment process.
The post holder is expected to work across the college by:
- Creating and maintaining working relationships that promote effective and impactful cross-college communication
- Contributing to the development of Cross College promotion activities e.g. open events, interviews, and taster sessions.
- Participate in the development and marketing of the English department programmes and initiatives.
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Maintain effective Quality Standards within the programme area ensuring compliance with Quality Assurance processes where appropriate including:
· Programme/course Self-Assessment
· New Course Approval
· Assessment Planning
· Co-ordination of the IQA process, - Maintain quality of Teaching, Learning, Support and Assessment by sharing good practice.
Other Duties
QAC employees may be expected to undertake designated emergency response duties as part of their role. This includes:
· Receiving appropriate training, instruction and information to carry out emergency procedures safely and effectively.
· Responding to emergency situations in line with organisational policies and procedures.
· Supporting the organisation’s compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.
QAC complies with Safeguarding guidelines and all appointees are required to have DBS Check and two reference
The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.
Safeguarding Statement:
Queen Alexandra College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and all staff and volunteers are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and wellbeing of our students/clients. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two employment references.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Degree or equivalent professional qualifications
Level 5 Teaching Qualification (or higher)
GCSE English and maths grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
Level 3 in Subject Area (English)
Enthusiasm, vision, drive, adaptability and resilience
Able to demonstrate a passionate approach to the student experience
Able to lead by example in promoting the college’s vision and holding high expectations of self, staff and learners
Able to use creativity and imagination to anticipate and solve problems
Ability to work under pressure and to prioritise workload
A “can-do” approach to continued professional development
A “can-do” approach focused on achievement and continuous improvement
Able to think strategically and work in collaboration with others towards strategic goals
Track record of planning for quality improvement, and the ability to respond to student quality issues
Experience of managing the link between target setting, planning, quality and funding
Proven experience of analysing data and KPIs to improve quality and identify issues within the area
Able to manage time effectively and prioritise work to achieve timescales at self/team and cross college level
Successfully achieving balance between work priorities and assuring own health & well-being
Personal resilience and ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
Proven experience of how to develop people to become excellent teachers/support providers.
The ability to reflect and respond to performance in teaching and learning.
Understand CPD needs and proactively addressing these.
Proven experience using IT and data to support planning and forecasting activities.
Good understanding of current Government & national priorities for SEN, FE and skills agenda and impact on the curriculum area.
Level 5 Teaching Qualification (or higher)
GCSE English and maths grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
Level 3 in Subject Area (English)
Enthusiasm, vision, drive, adaptability and resilience
Able to demonstrate a passionate approach to the student experience
Able to lead by example in promoting the college’s vision and holding high expectations of self, staff and learners
Able to use creativity and imagination to anticipate and solve problems
Ability to work under pressure and to prioritise workload
A “can-do” approach to continued professional development
A “can-do” approach focused on achievement and continuous improvement
Able to think strategically and work in collaboration with others towards strategic goals
Track record of planning for quality improvement, and the ability to respond to student quality issues
Experience of managing the link between target setting, planning, quality and funding
Proven experience of analysing data and KPIs to improve quality and identify issues within the area
Able to manage time effectively and prioritise work to achieve timescales at self/team and cross college level
Successfully achieving balance between work priorities and assuring own health & well-being
Personal resilience and ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
Proven experience of how to develop people to become excellent teachers/support providers.
The ability to reflect and respond to performance in teaching and learning.
Understand CPD needs and proactively addressing these.
Proven experience using IT and data to support planning and forecasting activities.
Good understanding of current Government & national priorities for SEN, FE and skills agenda and impact on the curriculum area.
Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham
Join our team at Queen Alexandra College!
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.
The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
· Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
· Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
· Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
· Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
· Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.
Our benefits include;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)
Academic Year 2025/26
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to review the job description above.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are
available
As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.
We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to review the job description above.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are
available
hereAs part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.
About Queen Alexandra Charity
Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.
We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.
Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.
Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).
Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.
We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.
Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.
Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).
All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments.
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.
We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes.
As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.
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