Curriculum Innovator English​/Link Academy

Join our dynamic English team at the Link Academy and help drive high academic standards across the Academy. We are seeking an inspiring Curriculum Innovator with a passion for excellent teaching and strong learner achievement in English. You will play a key role in shaping the strategic improvement of teaching and learning by designing and delivering impactful professional development.

As a consistent model of outstanding planning and classroom practice, you will support colleagues through effective coaching and mentoring, ensuring high‑quality teaching is embedded across the department. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant and lasting difference.

The Link Academy is in Netherton, Dudley, and draws pupils from across central and eastern Dudley as well as neighbouring Sandwell. There are currently some 1,000 learners on roll and the academy recruits  principal, Emma Edwards-Morgan, is an ex-pupil of the school and shares the Trust’s determination to restore the reputation for excellence that it once held.

The grades that learners achieve at GCSE have improved for four successive years, with a rise in the proportion of learners achieving Grade 5 or higher in both English and Mathematics from 23% to 41%. The progress that learners make while they are at school is now well above national average.

An Ofsted report in 2022 raised The Link Academy by two grades to be ‘Good’ across the board, aresult only achieved by twelve other schools in the previous ten years.

The Trust recognises that our staff are our most value asset and investing in our people is a key strategic priority. An extensive program of staff development is operated within school and across the Trust, and this is extended to senior and middle leaders, aspiring leaders, and teaching and associate staff.

You will be joining The Link Academy at an exciting time as we continue our journey to provide first class education for the young people of Dudley

Closing date is Friday 6th February 2026 with interviews to be held week commencing Monday 9th February 2026 - we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised.

All successful applicants will need to undertake an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and children and adults barred list checks, where the applicant will be employed in a regulated activity.

Dudley Academies Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including disabled, and black and ethnic minority applicants