1.0 FTE Lead Practitioner (English)
Required: September 2026
Salary: Inner London Lead Practitioner Pay Range, Points L12 to L16 (£78,072 to £85,258)
Closing date: 5pm Thursday 26th February 2026
La Retraite is a high-achieving inner-city comprehensive school with 1,200 students, including a thriving Sixth Form. We were judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted (Dec 2023) and Outstanding in all nine areas in our 2024 Diocesan Inspection.
We are a diverse, harmonious community that values kindness, hard work, and high aspiration. KS4 outcomes are consistently well above average, and our broad KS5 offer (A Levels, T Levels and Cambridge Technicals) leads to excellent destinations, including Russell Group universities and degree apprenticeships.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are seeking an exceptional Lead Practitioner of English to drive outstanding teaching and learning across the school while leading the development of a successful English department.
The Role
You will:
- Lead and develop the English curriculum and oversee high-quality provision across KS3–KS5
- Work with SLT to drive whole-school teaching and learning, including literacy development
- Act as a coach, mentor and role model to colleagues across departments
- Use data strategically to raise attainment and close gaps
- Monitor, evaluate and improve classroom practice through observations, feedback and professional dialogue
- Support and develop colleagues within the department, including induction of new staff and ECTs
- Contribute to a culture of high expectations, positive relationships and academic excellence
- Play a full part in the wider life of the school, including pastoral responsibilities as a Form Tutor
The Ideal Candidate
- QTS and an English degree (or equivalent)
- Proven record of outstanding classroom practice
- Experience of departmental leadership
- Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment and raising achievement
- Ability to inspire staff and students
- Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education
- Supportive of the school’s Catholic ethos (all faiths and none welcome)
La Retraite offers a supportive, ambitious, and collaborative environment where staff development is valued, and innovation is encouraged. You will join a dedicated team committed to making a real difference to young people’s lives.
Please complete our recruitment pack and return it to ssilva@laretraite.co.uk.
Interviews may take place before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
La Retraite R.C. Girls’ School is committed to safer recruitment and equal opportunities.
The successful candidate will be subject to online checks and an enhanced DBS disclosure. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service