Head of English Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Head of English job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Head of English question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at senior level.

Eight Head of English interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Why do you want to be Head of English, and what is your vision for the department?

Why they ask: Interviewers want a clear subject vision that goes beyond results.

2. How would you structure a Key Stage 3 English curriculum so it prepares pupils for GCSE without simply teaching to the test?

Why they ask: Curriculum design is central to subject leadership.

3. How do you teach and assess GCSE English Language and English Literature, and what are the key differences between the two?

Why they ask: Basic technical knowledge of the specification should be secure.

4. Your GCSE English results fall below the school's target and the head asks you for a plan. What do you do?

Why they ask: To check analytical, accountable leadership after poor results.

5. Tell me about a time you improved the teaching of writing, reading or literacy across a group of pupils or a department.

Why they ask: To evidence practical, measurable subject improvement.

6. How would you build a whole-school approach to reading, and what part would the English department play?

Why they ask: Head of English is usually expected to lead on literacy and reading culture.

7. A newly qualified teacher in your department is struggling with behaviour in a Year 9 class, and the pupils are not making progress. How do you support them?

Why they ask: Middle leaders are responsible for developing early career teachers.

8. How do you teach Shakespeare so that it is accessible and challenging for all pupils?

Why they ask: A standard question on subject pedagogy.

A sample answer to question 1

Why do you want to be Head of English, and what is your vision for the department?

I want to lead English because I believe it's the subject that determines how well pupils access everything else, as well as one that can change how they see themselves. My vision rests on three things: a curriculum that is rich in whole texts from Shakespeare through to contemporary writers, so that pupils meet a broad canon and diverse voices; explicit teaching of writing, grammar and vocabulary from Year 7; and a department culture where teachers plan together and talk about texts and teaching all the time. I'd want GCSE outcomes to be strong, but I'd see them as a by-product of that foundation, not the aim. As a Second in English I've led our key stage 3 redesign, so I know how to take colleagues with me. I'd begin by listening, observing and looking at pupil work before changing anything, then agree two or three priorities and communicate them clearly.

Common mistake to avoid: Generic enthusiasm for reading; promising wholesale change before understanding the department

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Head of English interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.