Head of English

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Head of English is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for English across the school, ensuring outstanding teaching, learning and achievement for all students within the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP). The role holder will lead curriculum design, assessment, professional learning and innovation, fostering a culture of high expectations, academic rigour and a love of language and literature aligned with IB philosophy. Candidates should be well-qualified, committed to high standards, interested in using innovative approaches to teaching and learning and enthusiastic about promoting international understanding.

As interviews will be held on a rolling basis via Teams and face-to-face, we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Our school

Founded in 1958, International School of Milan caters for approximately 1000 students from more than 60 nationalities. Our new campus opened in September 2013, incorporating a theatre, swimming pool and a full-size gymnasium as well as specialist classrooms, labs, libraries, arts and music areas. All of our sections are fully authorised for International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes – Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Kindergarten to Grade 6; Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grades 7 to 11; Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 12 and 13. ISM is the most established IB world school in Italy and has an excellent record of results in the Diploma. Wi-Fi is enabled throughout the campus to support the school’s 1:1 learning project, with every student having access to a personal tablet or laptop. The school is one of several very successful Italian schools belonging to ISE (International School of Europe) which in turn are part of Inspired, a worldwide network of premium schools.

Our host city

Milan has long been considered the dynamo of the Italian economy and the country’s most cosmopolitan and forward-looking city. Located near the heart of Europe, it is extremely well-connected with three major airports and easy roads and rail inks across the country and the continent.  Although Milan is a busy commercial Centre, the artistic and cultural heritage of Italy is prominent, from galleries and theatres to its fame as a global Centre for fashion, design, nightlife, cuisine and lifestyle.  There is a history of sporting excellence and its location near the mountains, lakes and the Mediterranean Sea makes it ideal for sporting activities as well as its renowned professional teams. As host city for the 2015 World Expo, it has become a major tourist venue and it was identified by the New York Times as the single most interesting place to visit in the word!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Leadership
   Lead the vision and delivery of English across MYP and DP, ensuring coherence, progression and challenge in line with the school’s mission and the IB Learner Profile. Contribute to whole-school curriculum and academic strategy.
2. Curriculum & Assessment (MYP & DP)
   Oversee high-quality MYP and DP curriculum design, ensuring strong conceptual learning, effective use of global contexts, ATL development and full compliance with IB subject guides. Ensure robust assessment, moderation and standardisation that support student progress.
3. Teaching & Learning
   Model outstanding IB practice, promoting inquiry, critical thinking, academic writing and oracy. Support effective differentiation, including EAL and high-achieving students, and use data to raise attainment.
4. Staff Leadership & Professional Development
   Line manage and develop English staff through performance management, coaching and collaborative planning. Support new and non-IB teachers and promote engagement with IB and subject-specific professional learning.
5. Quality Assurance & Outcomes
   Monitor teaching quality and student outcomes through observation, work scrutiny and data analysis. Lead improvement strategies to enhance achievement and engagement.
6. Student Experience & Enrichment
   Promote reading and literary culture across the school. Develop enrichment opportunities and support Extended Essays, HL study and post-16/university preparation.
7. Wider School Contribution
   Work collaboratively with colleagues, contribute to IB evaluation and accreditation, communicate effectively with parents, and uphold safeguarding and student wellbeing.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Essential

• Qualified teacher of English with strong subject knowledge.
• Experience teaching English within IB MYP and/or DP (DP experience highly desirable).
• Proven ability to lead, inspire and develop others.
• Strong understanding of assessment, curriculum design and IB philosophy.
• Commitment to inclusive, high-quality education.

Desirable

• Previous middle leadership experience.
• IB training and examiner or workshop leader experience.
• Experience in an international or diverse school context.

Previous experience with IB programmes is not required and official IB training will be offered, together with relocation assistance and help with the apartment search.

How to apply

The person appointed will be expected to begin work on 20th August 2026 before which date a criminal records check will need to be completed as part of our child safeguarding policy.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.