Oakhill School announces head of English home language vacancy for Grades 8-12, starting 1 January 2026

Oakhill School in beautiful Knysna is looking for a dedicated Head of English Home Language for students in Grades 8-12. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high-achieving independent co-educational day school with an excellent academic record, starting on 1 January 2026. If you’re an energetic educator with a progressive approach to teaching English and a desire to foster critical thinking, we encourage you to explore this exciting vacancy here.

Vacancy key details

• School Name: Oakhill School
• Position: Head of English Home Language (Grade 8-12)
• School Type: Independent co-educational day school
• Location: Knysna, on the Garden Route
• Application Closing Date: Monday, 13 October 2025
• Position Start Date: 1 January 2026
• Unsuccessful Application Notification: By Friday, 17 October 2025
• Academic Record: Outstanding, with a 100% pass rate in the IEB examination

Simple summary of the vacancy

This teaching job vacancy at Oakhill School is for a vibrant and energetic Head of English Home Language in the College section, catering to Grades 8-12. The school prides itself on an outstanding academic record, achieving a 100% pass rate in the IEB examination. The successful candidate will need a strong academic background, relevant professional qualifications, and experience teaching English Home Language at the specified grade levels. Experience with Matric marking would be a definite advantage. Crucially, applicants must hold current SACE accreditation.

The school is looking for someone with a progressive teaching approach who can maintain high academic standards, identify areas for intervention, and actively encourage critical thinking and student engagement. Innovation in using technology to enhance learning is highly valued, as is the ability to create tailored learning experiences for students to reach their full potential. Excellent organisational and administrative skills are essential, as is a collaborative spirit to work within the academic team to continually enhance pedagogical methods. The role also involves creating assessments that deepen teaching and learning, building positive relationships with students, parents, and staff, and possessing strong interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates are also expected to be actively involved in the school’s co-curricular programme, reflecting a holistic approach to education.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare your CV and a covering letter.
• Submit these documents via the provided Google Form link: https://forms.gle/RBvs7B1UmGrBKkBA7
• Ensure your application is submitted by the closing date, Monday, 13 October 2025.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• If you have not heard back by Friday, 17 October 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Oakhill School reserves the right not to fill this position.
• Prospective employees must confirm prior to employment that they have not been convicted of a sexual and/or criminal offence by providing current Criminal Clearance, Sexual Offenders Clearance, and Child Protection Clearance certificates.

Potential candidate questions and advice

Q: What specific qualifications are required for this Head of English Home Language position?

A: You must have a proven academic record and an appropriate professional qualification relevant to teaching English Home Language, along with current SACE accreditation.

Q: Is prior experience in a leadership role necessary?

A: While the job title is ‘Head of English Home Language’, the description focuses on teaching experience at Grade 8-12. However, demonstrating leadership qualities and experience in curriculum development or team collaboration would be highly beneficial.

Q: What kind of teaching philosophy is Oakhill School looking for?

A: The school seeks a candidate with a progressive approach to teaching English, someone who encourages critical thinking, student engagement, and is innovative in using technology to enhance learning.

Q: Will my involvement extend beyond classroom teaching?

A: Yes, the successful candidate is expected to be actively involved in the school’s co-curricular programme, which is an important aspect of school life at Oakhill.

Q: What sets a preferred candidate apart for this role?

A: Beyond the core requirements, candidates who can demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills, a collaborative spirit, strong interpersonal and communication abilities, and a proven ability to build healthy relationships with students, parents, and staff will be highly regarded. Matric marking experience is also an advantage.

Q: How important is the use of technology in this role?

A: It is explicitly stated that the successful candidate should be innovative in the use of technology to enhance learning and teaching, indicating a strong emphasis on integrating digital tools.

Q: What is the school’s stance on equal opportunity?

A: Oakhill School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices.

Q: What criminal background checks are required for this role?

A: Prior to employment, all prospective employees must provide current Criminal Clearance, Sexual Offenders Clearance, and Child Protection Clearance certificates.

Q: If I’m shortlisted, when can I expect to hear back?

A: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from Oakhill School by Friday, 17 October 2025, your application can be considered unsuccessful.

Q: What is the start date for this position?

A: The position is scheduled to start on 1 January 2026.

Q: How can I make my application stand out among other excellent teaching jobs applicants?

A: Focus your covering letter on specific examples of how you’ve implemented progressive teaching methods, fostered critical thinking, used technology innovatively, and contributed to a school’s co-curricular life. Highlighting any experience in curriculum development or assessment design that deepens learning would also be beneficial.

Q: Is there an opportunity for professional development?

A: While not explicitly stated, the requirement to “work collaboratively within the academic team to assess, contemplate, and enhance pedagogical methods” suggests a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the school.

Institution details

• Institution Name: Oakhill School
• Location: Knysna, on the Garden Route
• Website: No specific website was provided in the vacancy details.

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For those interested in exploring more teaching jobs, you can find a variety of opportunities available across different schools and regions. It’s always worth keeping an eye out for diverse roles in education.