Head of English Department – Start Term 3, 2026 

Pinehurst School, a leading independent Year 1–13 school in Auckland with a roll of 1150 students, is seeking an exceptional Head of Department for Secondary English. We are looking for an outstanding educator with a passion for teaching and learning to join our team.

As a core subject, English holds a high profile within our community, and its leadership is central to our culture of high expectations and holistic growth. This role offers the right person the opportunity to lead a forward-thinking, innovative, and collaborative department.

At Pinehurst, we live our values: respect for self, respect for others, and excellence. These values underpin our thriving community, where students are encouraged to exceed expectations, support their peers, and positively impact the wider world. We offer a calm, well-resourced environment with small class sizes and highly engaged students who consistently achieve outstanding results.

The ideal applicant will:

• have a strong track record of leading pedagogy and improving classroom practice
• create an environment in which both students and staff can thrive
• enjoy working collaboratively in a supportive, professional culture
• engage with research-based evidence to shape department goals
• use data effectively to identify areas for improvement and implement change
• demonstrate a genuine passion for the teaching of English
• believe that all students have the potential for greatness
• be dynamic in the classroom, with high expectations for student performance
• establish positive professional relationships quickly
• be confident in delivering English from Years 7–13
• use ICT effectively to enhance learning (knowledge of Microsoft 365 is an advantage)
• contribute positively to a collegiate and inclusive staffroom culture
• support the development and wellbeing of our wider school community
• proven capability in leading a team, department or projects

To be successful in this role, you will likely need:

• extensive experience teaching English within a high-performing department
• proven experience in leading teams or departments
• a relevant degree and current teacher registration (overseas applicants must be eligible for NZ registration)
• working knowledge of the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) system
• the capacity to drive innovation and make effective use of digital learning tools

If you are committed to the achievement and happiness of every student, we would be delighted to meet you. We warmly welcome pre-application visits, and our College Principal, Dawn Sullivan, would be happy to show you around.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary. Our Staff Wellbeing Package is available on our website. Support with visa processes and relocation may be provided for the successful applicant.

For further information, please contact Christine Canfield at christine.canfield@pinehurst.school.nz.