THE RIDGE IS A LEADING INDEPENDENT BOYS’ PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN JOHANNESBURG
We have a vacancy for a
Departmental Head: English
1st May 2027
The Ridge School has a proud history of meeting boys where they are by designing individualised learning journeys aimed at developing happy, flourishing young men. We are seeking an outstanding, dynamic and visionary Head of English who will also serve and lead our English Department by guiding boys through critical stages of their development.
The successful candidate will lead the English Department with passion, driving innovative teaching and learning, ensuring curriculum continuity and empowering our boys with strong communication skills and a lifelong love for language.
Functions as the Head of English:
- Drive pedagogical excellence and innovation across the department
- Lead and mentor departmental staff
- Oversee curriculum implementation, ensuring logical progression of outcomes across grades
- Facilitate collaborative, inter-grade planning and interdisciplinary teaching
- Manage assessment in accordance with the school’s assessment philosophy and procedures
- Have an understanding of Inquiry Based Learning
- Ensure differentiation in teaching
- Coordinate extension activities and programmes
- Foster a culture of reading within the school
The incumbent should:
- Have a warm, relationship-centred disposition
- Have a track record of leading and inspiring teams
- Care deeply about the growth and academic success of young boys
- Have extensive experience and strong subject knowledge in English education
- Be thoroughly involved in the life of the school and its extra-curricular programmes,
Requirements:
- Relevant professional academic qualifications (Bachelor’s degree and PGCE/B.Ed in English)
- Minimum of 5 years of successful English teaching experience
- Full SACE registration
- Deep understanding of young boys’ learning, literacy development, and transition to high school
- Alignment with the values, ethos, and dynamic environment of The Ridge School
Your application must include:
- A covering letter outlining your perceived suitability for this position.
- A comprehensive resume and at least three (3) contactable references.
- Applications close on Friday 18 September 2026.
- Please send your application to careers@ridgeschool.co.za.
- Shortlisted applicants may be required to conduct a teaching practical as part of the interview and selection process
THE RIDGE SCHOOL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The school reserves the right not to make an appointment and an application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment, and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from The Ridge School within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application.
The Ridge School, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.
ISASA