Join Our Team at Meridian High School

We are looking for a passionate and driven Second in Charge of English to help lead the development and continued improvement of our English department.

Your opportunity

Working closely with the Associate Assistant Headteacher for English, Drama and Film, you will play a key role in delivering a rigorous and inspiring curriculum, raising standards of teaching and learning, and shaping the strategic direction of the department.

This is an excellent opportunity for an outstanding teacher ready to take the next step into leadership, or for an experienced middle leader seeking a new challenge in a highly rewarding context.    

What we're looking for:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree in English (or closely related subject).
• Strong subject knowledge across Key Stage 3 and 4, with proven success in delivering high-quality teaching and excellent outcomes.
• Evidence of continuous professional development related to English, literacy, or leadership.
• Experience contributing to curriculum planning, assessment design, or departmental improvement initiatives.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and support colleagues, including ECTs or trainee teachers.
• Demonstrable impact on raising attainment, particularly for disadvantaged or vulnerable students.
• Strong understanding of effective behaviour management strategies in a challenging context.
• Ability to analyse data and use it to inform teaching, interventions, and strategic decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and supportive leadership style.

Please read the full job description and person specification for more information. 

About Meridian High School

Meridian High School is a GOOD School in all categories (OFSTED January 2023). We believe education is about developing the whole person, within the school values of ‘resilience, ambition and respect'.

This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.

Join the GLF Schools Community

As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.

• A Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 pupils
• Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
• 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
• We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
• Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education

GLF Schools Employment Offer

GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish

• Access to our highly competitive Teachers Pension Scheme 
• Flexible working options
• Generous holiday allowance
• Work life and family friendly policies
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Career pathways and talent management
• Access to a staff benefits portal
• Community and collaboration working model

Please read the attached Join Our Community candidate pack for further information.

The Details 

Start Date: April 2026 or September 2026 

Pay Scale: GLF UPR - Up to UPR3 - £56,154

Contract type: Permanent, Full Time 

Closing Date: 5th December 2025 

Interview date: TBA

GLF Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

As a Trust, we are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities. GLF Schools recognises and celebrates the diversity of its schools and their communities. There is a shared commitment across the Trust to develop further a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, and individuals are treated equitably and fairly and feel a sense of belonging. We strive for an inclusive environment where staff, children and students are comfortable to express their own identity, should they wish, in which diversity and inclusion is of mutual benefit for everyone in our schools. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time ahead of the closing date if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.

Please be advised that references may be requested on receipt of your application. Please state if you wish this to be delayed until shortlisting/interviews have taken place.