Surbiton High School is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Teacher of English to join our thriving and high‑achieving department.

Description

Teacher of English

Start Date: September 2026

Tenure: Permanent, full-time

Salary: Competitive – based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale

Surbiton High School is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Teacher of English to join our thriving and high‑achieving department. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who is passionate about their subject and eager to contribute to a vibrant, forward‑thinking school community.

About the Department

The English Department is well-established team consisting of fourteen teachers, two of whom are part time.

We have an excellent record of academic success at both GCSE and A Level. In 2025, 75% of all learners achieved a Grade 9 for English Literature; for English Language this was 56%. At A Level, we achieved 100% A*-B in English Literature and 100% A*-C in English Language. We currently have over 90 students studying English at A Level, with many choosing to continue to read the subject at top competitive UK and overseas universities, including King’s College London, Edinburgh and Durham.

Making use of exceptional resources such as the Library and our very own Writer in Residence, we foster and celebrate creativity as well as securing outstanding outcomes. With co-curricular opportunities from Lit Soc to Laureates, competitions such as Public Speaking and National Poetry Day, and events like World Book Day, the Department has a School-wide reach, offering something for everyone. We are also community focused, providing outreach support for local schools and adult learners.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Teacher of English, you will:

Deliver inspiring, well‑planned lessons that stretch and nurture every learner

Create a stimulating and supportive classroom environment

Demonstrate strong subject knowledge and a passion for English

Track progress carefully and implement effective interventions where needed

Contribute to the co‑curricular life of the School through clubs, events and enrichment opportunities

Support pupils pastorally as a Form Tutor or Deputy Form Tutor

Engage fully in professional development, departmental planning and whole‑School initiatives

Experience teaching A Level English Language is desirable but not essential.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from both experienced teachers and ECTs. You are likely to be someone who:

Holds a good Honours degree (QTS preferred but not essential)

Brings strong subject expertise and a love of literature and language

Can deliver engaging lessons across KS3, GCSE and A Level

Communicates with clarity, warmth and sensitivity

Works collaboratively and contributes positively to team culture

Shows excellent organisation, adaptability and attention to detail

Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and a commitment to safeguarding

Is energetic, creative and ambitious for pupils and for yourself

ECTs are warmly encouraged to apply—Surbiton High School provides a highly supportive and well‑structured induction programme, with excellent mentoring.

Why Join Surbiton High School?

A culture of high aspiration balanced with genuine care

Exceptional pupil engagement and enthusiastic learners

A vibrant co‑curricular programme

A warm, collaborative and forward‑thinking staff team

Outstanding facilities and resources to support your teaching

A strong commitment to your wellbeing and professional growth

If you are excited by the opportunity to inspire young people and to be part of a dynamic, creative and high‑achieving English Department, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate.

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email

recruitment@surbitonhigh.com