Steyn City School seeks Head of English Department to start May 2026

Steyn City School, located within the beautiful Steyn City Parkland Residence in Johannesburg, is on the lookout for an experienced and innovative Head of Department for English in their Preparatory School. This is a fantastic teaching jobs opportunity for a well-qualified educator with a passion for curriculum development and a creative approach to English, who is ready to start from 1 May 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. If you thrive on setting new standards and embracing change, we invite you to explore this role further.

Head of department: English teaching job at Steyn City school

• School name: Steyn City School
• Location: Steyn City Parkland Residence, Johannesburg
• Type of school: Co-educational, independent, offering education from Grade 000 to Grade 12.
• Position: Head of Department: English (Preparatory School, managing Grades 4 to 7)
• Commencement date: 1 May 2026, or soonest thereafter.
• Application closing date: 24 October 2025. Please note that applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and the position might be filled before the deadline.
• Essential qualifications: An appropriate degree and/or a professional teaching qualification, along with SACE registration.
• Key experience required: Proven experience in curriculum development.
• Desired personal attributes: Innovative, energetic, creative, and willing to fully participate in the school’s co-curricular life.
• Advantageous experience: Previous experience in independent education (though not essential).
• Core responsibilities: Managing the English Department for Grades 4-7, teaching a minimum of three Senior Preparatory English classes, serving as a form class teacher and teaching Life Orientation, overseeing curriculum development, organising reading initiatives, demonstrating strong understanding of assessment, fostering collaboration across subjects, showing interest in AI for English tasks, and actively promoting African literature.

About this teaching opportunity

Steyn City School is seeking a dynamic Head of English for their Preparatory School, an exciting teaching jobs position available from May 2026. This role is perfect for an individual who is not afraid to break the mould and set new educational standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the English Department for Grades 4 to 7, bringing a diverse and rigorous curriculum to life. Beyond managing the department and teaching, the role involves being a form class teacher and leading initiatives that foster a strong reading culture, such as Book Week and World Read Aloud Day.

The school is particularly keen on candidates who have a solid grasp of assessment, moderation, and examination processes. Collaboration with teachers from different subject areas is highly valued, as is an interest in integrating Artificial Intelligence into English tasks. Furthermore, the school places a strong emphasis on promoting African literature as a rich resource for Senior Preparatory content. While previous experience in an independent school setting is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement, opening this opportunity to a wider pool of talented educators.

Applicants must be well-qualified, experienced teachers registered with SACE, who are innovative, energetic, and prepared to play a full and active role in the vibrant co-curricular life of Steyn City School. A commitment to student well-being is paramount, as evidenced by the requirement for sexual offender’s clearance and Child Protection Registrar clearance.

How to apply for this exciting role

• Prepare a detailed CV.
• Write a comprehensive covering letter, clearly expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
• Include the full contact details for three professional referees.
• Email all these documents to [email protected].
• Ensure the subject line of your email clearly states “HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: ENGLISH” to ensure your application is correctly identified.
• Submit your application before the closing date of 24 October 2025. Please note that early applications are encouraged as the position may be filled before the deadline.

Common questions and advice for your application

Here are some questions a potential candidate might have, along with advice on how to be a preferred applicant:

1. Q: What makes a strong application for this role?
   A: A strong application clearly demonstrates your experience in curriculum development, your innovative teaching philosophy, and your enthusiasm for a full involvement in school life. Highlight specific achievements and show how you embody the school’s values of breaking the mould and embracing creativity.
2. Q: Is prior experience in independent education a strict requirement?
   A: While advantageous, it is not essential. Focus on how your existing experience and skills align with the demands of an independent school environment and this specific Head of Department role, rather than solely on the type of institution.
3. Q: How important is the covering letter?
   A: Extremely important. Use your covering letter to personalise your application. Explain why Steyn City School appeals to you, how your philosophy aligns with their vision, and specifically mention your interest in areas like AI in English tasks and promoting African literature.
4. Q: What should I highlight regarding curriculum development?
   A: Provide concrete examples of curriculum initiatives you have led or contributed to, especially those that promoted diversity and rigour. Explain the impact of your work on student learning and engagement.
5. Q: How can I demonstrate my ‘innovative, energetic, and creative’ qualities?
   A: Share examples of creative projects, new teaching methodologies you’ve implemented, or how you’ve energised your department or classroom. Show, don’t just tell, these qualities.
6. Q: What level of co-curricular involvement is expected?
   A: The school expects a “full and active role.” In your application, list any co-curricular activities you have led or participated in, demonstrating your commitment to the holistic development of students beyond the classroom.
7. Q: Should I mention my interest in AI in English tasks if I haven’t directly used it?
   A: Absolutely! Even if you haven’t implemented it yet, expressing a keen interest in exploring and integrating AI into English tasks shows you are forward-thinking and aligned with the school’s progressive outlook. Propose ideas on how you would approach this.
8. Q: How can I showcase my commitment to promoting African literature?
   A: Discuss any experience you have in incorporating African literature into your teaching, or articulate specific strategies you would employ to actively promote it within the Senior Preparatory phase. This demonstrates cultural sensitivity and a relevant pedagogical approach.
9. Q: What should I expect regarding the SACE and clearance requirements?
   A: Ensure your SACE registration is current. Be prepared to provide all necessary documentation for sexual offender’s clearance and Child Protection Registrar clearance as these are mandatory for working in a school environment.
10. Q: When should I expect to hear back after applying?
    A: Applications are reviewed as they are received. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview. If you haven’t heard back after the closing date (24 October 2025), it’s safe to assume your application was not successful on this occasion.
11. Q: What is the school’s stance on privacy of personal information?
    A: By applying, you consent to your personal information being processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). You can review their Privacy Policy at http://www.steyncityschools.co.za/documents/policies/SCS_Privacy_Notice.pdf for full details.

Institution details

• Institution name: Steyn City School
• Location: Steyn City Parkland Residence, Johannesburg
• Website: http://www.steyncityschool.co.za

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