# Head of English (Secondary) at Wellington College International (China) > Open job at Wellington College International (China) in Shanghai, China. Workplace: On-site. Source: Teacher Jobs World, https://teacherjobsworld.com/jobs/wellington-college-international-china-head-of-english-secondary-tpurpmc Posted 12 November 2026. Last checked on the employer's career site: 12 November 2026. ## Facts - Company: [Wellington College International (China)](https://teacherjobsworld.com/companies/wellington-college-international-china) - Location: Shanghai, China - Workplace: On-site - Employment type: Full-time - Local language: Not required - English: Business level - Skills: British curriculum, English, IB Diploma (DP), International Baccalaureate (IB) - Not mentioned in the job post: salary, housing, flights, visa sponsorship, relocation, where you can apply from ## Job description #### Description & Requirements **Role Description** **JOB TITLE** Head of English (Secondary) **DEPARTMENT** English **LOCATION** Shanghai **SUPERVISOR** Deputy Head (Academic) of Secondary School **OBJECTIVES** The Head of English (Secondary) is responsible for leading and developing the English Department across Years 9–13, ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, and strong academic outcomes for pupils. The role includes responsibility for the IGCSE English Language and Literature courses, as well as the IB Diploma Programme English Language and Literature courses at Standard and Higher Level. The post holder will also oversee the IB Diploma Programme English language acquisition course, working with the Director of EAL and Head of MFL where appropriate. The Head of English will support the Director of Studies in delivering the Secondary School academic programme, with a particular focus on teaching and learning. They will foster pupils’ love of language and literature, and nurture an evolving appreciation of how the two are mutually dependent. The post holder will promote intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and individuality, while ensuring that curriculum planning and teaching remain aligned with the requirements of formal syllabuses. They will encourage thoughtful adaptation, innovation and intellectual exploration where these enrich pupils’ learning. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** **English Curriculum, Teaching & Learning** - Lead the development, implementation and review of the English curriculum across Years 9–13. - Oversee the delivery of IGCSE English Language and Literature and IB Diploma Programme English Language and Literature at Standard and Higher Level. - Oversee the IB Diploma Programme English language acquisition course, collaborating with the Director of EAL and Head of MFL where appropriate. - Establish, review and monitor schemes of work, ensuring they are appropriately aligned with examination requirements while supporting intellectual curiosity and a love of language and literature. - Select and review the examination syllabuses offered by the College in English, and liaise with examination boards on syllabuses, examinations and results. - Establish effective approaches to assessment, monitor their consistent use and analyse assessment and examination outcomes to inform teaching and curriculum development. - Keep up to date with developments in the subject and share relevant research, resources and practice with departmental colleagues. - Promote high standards in teaching, learning and pupil work throughout the department. - Ensure that pupils are taught in appropriate groups in line with College policies and the academic requirements of the subject. - Scrutinise pupils’ work and use findings to support high standards, effective feedback and appropriate next steps in learning. - Advise pupils on subject-related options and, where appropriate, support their university applications. **Department Leadership & Staff Development** - Provide leadership, direction and support to all members of the English Department. - Allocate responsibilities and tasks appropriately, using delegation to strengthen teamwork and support colleagues’ professional development. - Provide an effective induction programme for new members of the department. - Arrange teaching observations as part of good practice and provide constructive, actionable feedback. - Lead the annual appraisal of departmental teaching staff and support their ongoing professional development. - Support colleagues in managing classroom behaviour and ensure that rewards and sanctions are used effectively and consistently. - Ensure that staff are aware of pupils’ learning, medical, social or other needs and that appropriate support is in place. - Monitor the quality and timely completion of academic reports written by departmental staff. - Work with the Head of Secondary School and Director of Studies to monitor staff workloads. - Arrange cover during periods of absence in accordance with College procedures and ensure that suitable work is provided for pupils. **Pupil Progress, Inclusion & Enrichment** - Monitor pupils’ progress and achievement across the department, using assessment information to identify strengths, concerns and appropriate interventions. - Support pupils to develop their appreciation of language and literature, their ability to communicate effectively, and their confidence as independent thinkers. - Promote pupils’ intellectual curiosity and encourage original, individual and, where appropriate, unconventional thinking. - Ensure that pupils with learning, medical, social or other difficulties are appropriately identified and supported, in collaboration with relevant colleagues. - Run a subject-based society or equivalent programme of enrichment activities that provides suitable opportunities for pupils across different age groups. **Department Administration & Operations** - Prepare a departmental development plan during the Michaelmas Term and submit it to the Director of Studies. - Hold regular department meetings, record minutes and use meetings to exchange ideas, communicate information and develop good practice. - Produce an annual departmental report for the Headmaster, Head of Secondary School and Director of Studies, including a detailed analysis of public examination results. - Manage the departmental budget effectively and oversee the purchase, issue and return of textbooks, including the appropriate recharging of lost books and issue of part-owned books. - Allocate teaching spaces to staff and ensure that departmental facilities and resources are treated with respect. - Maintain accurate inventories of departmental fixed assets and manage ancillary staff where appropriate. - Keep the departmental website and relevant subject information up to date. **BEHAVIOURS: LEADERS AS CHANGEMAKERS** Key Leadership Mindset - **Big-picture thinking** – Balance the day-to-day leadership of the department with its longer-term academic and strategic priorities. - **Servant leadership** – Support and empower colleagues to deliver excellent teaching and learning. - **Growth mindset** – Continuously seek ways to strengthen the curriculum, improve teaching and learning, and enhance pupil outcomes. - **Intellectual curiosity** – Value thoughtful enquiry, creativity and independent thinking in both pupils and colleagues. - **Mentoring and coaching** – Develop colleagues’ expertise, confidence and career aspirations through appropriate support and professional learning. The post holder should demonstrate a combination of strategic, analytical, operational and people leadership behaviours, including: **Data-Informed Decision-Making** - Analyse assessment and examination data accurately and use findings to inform curriculum planning, teaching and targeted support. - Communicate key findings clearly to colleagues and senior leaders. **Strategic & Academic Leadership** - Align departmental planning with the College’s academic priorities and examination requirements. - Identify emerging subject developments and use them to inform curriculum review and professional dialogue. - Encourage high-quality teaching while supporting appropriate innovation and intellectual exploration. **Operational Excellence** - Organise departmental processes, resources and deadlines effectively. - Ensure that key academic and administrative responsibilities are completed accurately and on time. - Develop sustainable systems and documentation that support continuity and effective practice within the department. **Collaborative & Supportive Leadership** - Build strong professional relationships and promote collaboration within the department and across the Secondary School. - Work effectively with senior leaders, the Director of EAL, the Head of MFL and other relevant colleagues. - Support staff through constructive feedback, professional development and coaching. **Ethical & Transparent Leadership** - Handle sensitive pupil and staff information with discretion and in accordance with College policies. - Promote fairness and consistency in assessment, reporting and the application of departmental expectations. - Demonstrate integrity and sound professional judgement in decision-making. **Stakeholder Engagement** - Communicate clearly and professionally with pupils, parents, colleagues and senior leaders as appropriate. - Keep the needs, progress and wellbeing of pupils central to departmental decision-making. - Ensure that relevant Wellington College China policies and guidance are implemented at school level. **BASIC QUALIFICATION** **Education:** - Bachelor’s degree in English or a related subject. - Recognised teaching qualification. **Further Education & Professional Learning****：** - Relevant postgraduate study or professional learning in English education, literature, linguistics or curriculum leadership would be beneficial. **Working experience:** - Demonstrable experience teaching English in a secondary school setting. - Experience teaching or leading IGCSE and/or IB Diploma Programme English courses would be an advantage. - Previous middle leadership experience, or clear evidence of leadership impact, is desirable. **EXPERTISE** - Strong subject knowledge in English language and literature. - A sound understanding of curriculum planning, assessment and examination requirements at IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme level. - The ability to lead curriculum development and support high-quality teaching and learning across a department. - Confidence in analysing pupil progress and examination data and translating findings into effective action. - The ability to support, develop and motivate colleagues through clear communication, constructive feedback and professional learning. - Strong organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage departmental resources, budgets and deadlines. - The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues, and to work effectively with relevant teams across the College. **OTHER INFORMATION** Please note that applications with missing materials will not be considered. Wellington College International Shanghai is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same commitment from all employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity, criminal background, qualification and employment checks, including an exploration of any gaps in employment. As an employer of choice, Wellington College Education (China) is committed to making professional learning and personal development central to its ethos and approach. WCEC fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the Group. ## How to apply Apply on the job page, https://teacherjobsworld.com/jobs/wellington-college-international-china-head-of-english-secondary-tpurpmc: its Apply button opens the employer's own application page. ## More jobs from Wellington College International (China) - [Director of Sport](https://teacherjobsworld.com/jobs/wellington-college-international-china-director-of-sport-cbttclz): Wellington College International (China), Shanghai, China. On-site. Posted 12 November 2026. - [English Language and Literature Teacher](https://teacherjobsworld.com/jobs/wellington-college-international-china-english-language-and-literature-teacher-o2uxz05): Wellington College International (China), Shanghai, China. On-site. 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