Head of EAL

At The Perse School (Singapore), we cultivate a happy and nurturing environment, inspiring students to develop a lifelong love of learning and prepare for a fulfilling and successful future.

To deliver on our mission of inspiring students to love learning, we embrace The Perse Way — a unique educational approach that places our values at the heart of everything we do. Developed over 400 years, The Perse Way guides us as we continually look forward, shaping an exceptional education for the future.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Head of EAL to support students whose first language is not English. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversee the day-to-day management of the EAL department, creating an inclusive environment that promotes language acquisition, academic success, and cultural integration.

 

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

 

Leadership & Curriculum

• Lead the day-to-day management, operation, and development of the subject area, including delegated responsibilities.
• Develop, review, and annually update schemes of work to ensure consistency and progression across year groups.
• Maintain and annually review a comprehensive departmental handbook, ensuring accessibility for all team members.
• Lead curriculum development and regularly evaluate curriculum effectiveness.
• Produce and monitor a departmental development plan aligned with whole-school priorities.
• Complete and review the departmental self-evaluation and subject improvement plan annually.

 

Monitoring & Achievement

• Establish effective systems to monitor student progress (e.g., markbooks, tracking data, Students of Concern documentation).
• Analyse examination and assessment data regularly to inform planning, intervention, and professional development.
• Set appropriate attainment and progress targets, ensuring equity across groups (including Academic English Development students).
• Identify underachievement and implement appropriate intervention strategies.
• Monitor the overall progress and development of students, ensuring mentoring where required.
• Ensure appropriate academic stretch, challenge, and scholarship opportunities.

 

Quality Assurance & Professional Standards

• Implement impact cycle monitoring through:
  • Lesson observations (minimum one per teacher per term)
  • Work scrutiny and assessment review
  • Planning and marking evaluations
• Conduct formal appraisal reviews in line with school policy.
• Address performance management issues appropriately.
• Ensure quality assurance processes meet self-evaluation and development planning requirements.
• Model excellent teaching practice and promote evidence-based teaching and learning approaches.

 

Team Leadership & Development

• Promote effective teamwork and positive professional relationships within the department.
• Lead regular departmental meetings (with teaching and learning and Students of Concern as standing agenda items).
• Share agendas and minutes with staff and linked Senior Leaders.
• Support recruitment processes when required.
• Ensure effective induction, mentoring, and coaching of new and graduate teachers.
• Establish effective working practices that strengthen teaching and learning.
• Manage and deploy financial, physical, and human resources effectively.

 

Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure teaching commitments are effectively timetabled and roomed.
• Oversee appropriate cover arrangements for absent staff.
• Maintain effective communication with staff, students, and parents.
• Represent the department at Curriculum Committees, HoD meetings, and line management meetings.
• Ensure adherence to all school policies, particularly teaching and learning, marking and feedback, and behaviour management policies.

 

Other Responsibilities

• Act as a positive professional role model for students.
• Treat students with dignity and respect, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Serve as a Form Tutor (or cover tutor) where assigned.
• Undertake supervision duties as required.
• Support university applications, particularly for competitive institutions, in collaboration with the University Guidance team.
• Engage actively in appraisal and professional development processes.
• Contribute to whole-school professional development and lecture programmes.
• Support enrichment activities, societies, clubs, and academic events.
• Participate fully in school life, including events, trips, fixtures, performances, and community activities.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents, using translators where appropriate.

 

Personal Competencies and Qualities

Desirable Skills and Personal Attributes:

• • Strong understanding of English language acquisition and effective strategies for supporting EAL learners.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.
  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse, international school environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively, balancing teaching and administrative responsibilities.
  • Ability to use technology to enhance language learning, including the use of online resources, multimedia tools, and educational platforms.
  • A collaborative approach to working with colleagues and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• • A degree in Education, TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field.
  • A recognized teaching qualification, preferably with a specialization in EAL or ESL (e.g.,, PGCE).
  • Minimum 3 years of experience teaching EAL or ESL across all age groups in an international school setting.
  • Familiarity with the Cambridge International Curriculum and delivery of IGCSE English Second Language is preferred.
  • Proven track record of supporting diverse learners and adapting teaching strategies to meet individual needs.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding:

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, ensuring every child feels safe to flourish and learn. The Perse School (Singapore) is committed to the welfare of all our children and wider community, and expects all staff, partners, volunteers, and visitors to share in this commitment.

All candidates will be subject to rigorous safeguarding checks, including reference checks, an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and verification of qualifications and employment history.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, all staff are required to uphold the school’s safeguarding policies, attend regular training, and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Any gaps in employment must be explained, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to safeguarding in education as part of the recruitment process.

Disclaimer

The statements above outline the general nature and scope of work for individuals in this classification. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Staff may be asked to perform tasks beyond their usual responsibilities as needed.