Carolyn Black
Tunbridge Wells,Kent
Summary
Driven leader with a proven track record in promoting academic excellence and motivating students and staff. Possesses strong communication and organisational skills, along with expertise in curriculum development and classroom management. Has mentored both newly qualified teachers and aspiring middle leaders. Further experience as part of my development as a leader includes collaboration with Challenge Partners through quality assurance reviews at partner schools and home school. Seeking to leverage leadership capabilities in a senior leadership role.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of English
Skinners' Kent Academy
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
2018.09 - Current
- Progressed rapidly through leadership roles at Skinners' Kent Academy from Teacher of English (2018) to KS5 English Coordinator (2019), Deputy Head of English (2020), and Head of English (2022).
- Led curriculum planning and departmental development across Key Stages 3–5.
- Managed and supported teaching staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance development.
- Coordinated KS5 English provision, improving consistency in curriculum delivery and student outcomes.
- Developed schemes of work, assessment strategies, and intervention programmes to raise attainment.
- Oversaw departmental operations, including strategic planning, quality assurance, and data analysis.
- Built strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to support academic progress and wellbeing.
IB DP Coordinator and Teacher of English
Atid School A.C.
Mexico City
2010.11 - 2018.08
- Served as IB Diploma Programme Coordinator while teaching both English and Theory of Knowledge, overseeing the successful delivery of the International Baccalaureate curriculum and supporting student achievement across the programme.
- Coordinated IB policies, assessment procedures, and curriculum planning to ensure compliance with International Baccalaureate standards.
- Led communication and collaboration between staff, students, parents, and senior leadership regarding IB requirements and student progress.
- Taught English at secondary level, delivering engaging and academically rigorous lessons that supported strong student outcomes.
- Supported and mentored teaching staff in curriculum delivery, assessment practices, and IB pedagogy.
- Analysed student performance data to inform interventions and improve attainment.
- Organised key IB processes including examinations, coursework deadlines, university guidance, and programme administration.
- Contributed to whole-school improvement initiatives through leadership, training, and curriculum development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, Lancashire /2006 - /2010
PGCE - Secondary English
University of Buckingham
/2015 - /2016
NPQSL -
Ambition Institute
/2024 - /2025
A-Levels -
Banbridge Academy
Banbridge, Northern Ireland /2004 - /2006
GCSEs -
Banbridge Academy
Banbridge, Northern Ireland /1999 - /2004
Skills
- Teaching excellence
- Assessment for learning techniques
- Professional development implementation
- Differentiated instruction methods
- Mentoring teachers
- Special needs education support
Languages
English
Native
Spanish
Fluent
Timeline
Head of English
Skinners' Kent Academy
2018.09 - Current
IB DP Coordinator and Teacher of English
Atid School A.C.
2010.11 - 2018.08
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Central Lancashire
/2006 - /2010
PGCE - Secondary English
University of Buckingham
/2015 - /2016
NPQSL -
Ambition Institute
/2024 - /2025
A-Levels -
Banbridge Academy
/2004 - /2006
GCSEs -
Banbridge Academy
/1999 - /2004