Johanna Curniffe
Croydon,Surrey
Summary
Senior Teacher/ Lecturer and Curriculum Leader with 17 years’ experience in education, primarily within a challenging London-based Sixt Form School and FE college. Have strong experience in curriculum leadership, quality assurance, staff mentoring, and teaching across GCSE, Functional Skills, A Level, and adult provision. Proven ability to combine strategic curriculum management with high-quality teaching practice. Previous public sector leadership experience within the Department for Work and Pensions, bringing strong organisational, management, and operational skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
English Lecturer & Curriculum Lead / Coordinator
North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT)
08.2021 - Current
- Coordinates and develop the curriculum for English Functional Skills and GCSE English Language.
- Design and implement Schemes of Learning to meet the diverse needs of post-16 and adult learners.
- Lead Quality Assurer for English Functional Skills assessments, ensuring compliance and consistency.
- Teach GCSE English Language and Functional Skills across adult and post-16 provision.
- Mentor PGCE and trainee teachers, supporting professional development and teaching practice.
- Examiner for GCSE English Language (AQA, May/June 2022), feeding back assessment insight to inform teaching and learning.
Interim Head of Curriculum – Maths & English
North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT)
04.2025 - 06.2025
- Coordinated and co-managed GCSE and Functional Skills examinations across Maths and English.
- Line-managed approximately 40 teaching staff, supporting performance and delivery.
- Monitored learner data including attendance, progress, and outcomes to drive improvement.
- Led curriculum and timetable planning in line with operational and strategic priorities.
- Collaborated with senior leaders and external partners to enhance curriculum quality and learner outcomes.
Teacher of English / Enrichment Lead / Deputy Lead (A Level Sociology) / Teaching & Learning Coach
Sedgehill Academy, London
London
09.2008 - 07.2021
- Taught English Language and Literature across KS3, KS4, GCSE resits (post-16), and A Level.
- Served as A Level English Coordinator, leading curriculum planning and Schemes of Work.
- Deputy Coordinator for A Level Sociology, teaching Year 12 and Year 13 and coordinating teaching calendars.
- Led English Literature enrichment, organising large-scale trips, author visits, and department-wide events.
- Developed GCSE English intervention and booster resources for KS4 tutors and form groups.
- Over 10 years’ experience as a KS3 and KS4 Form Tutor.
- Appointed Teaching & Learning Coach, supporting staff development and classroom practice.
- Mentor for Newly Qualified Teachers and trainee staff.
Team Leader & Executive Personal Assistant to Director
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
03.2005 - 06.2008
- Line-managed a small administrative team.
- Provided executive-level administrative and operational support to a Director.
- Liaised with Ministers and Private Office to coordinate meetings and events.
- Managed diaries, correspondence, and developed effective filing and office systems.
District Learning and Development Adviser
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
03.2003 - 03.2005
- Delivered and facilitated training across the Lambeth district.
- Led sessions on Customer Service, Equality and Diversity, and internal systems.
- Advised managers and senior staff on HR processes and performance development.
Executive Office Administrator
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
11.2000 - 03.2003
- Liaised with customers regarding Jobseeker’s Allowance eligibility.
- Coordinated job adverts and employer engagement.
- Acted as Equality and Diversity Coordinator for the centre.
Customer Services Assistant (Part-time)
Sainsbury’s
09.1997 - 09.2000
- Cashier and bakery assistant.
- Trained Food Taster Representative, contributing to increased produce sales.
- Conducted audit checks of produce and stock.
Education
BA (Hons) - English Literature & Sociology
Kingston University
06.2000
A Levels - English Literature, Sociology, French
Coloma Convent Girls’ School
06.1997
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - English (Secondary & Sixth Form)
Goldsmiths, University of London
01.2023
GCSEs - A–C Grades
Edenham High School
01.1995
Professional Diploma in Management Studies -
Croydon College
Skills
- Curriculum Leadership & Management
- English GCSE
- Curriculum development
- Assessment design
- Teaching strategies
- Quality assurance
- Functional Skills
- A Level
- Quality Assurance & Standardisation
- Staff Line Management & Mentoring
- Curriculum & Timetable Planning
- Data Analysis
- Teaching & Learning Development
- Cross-College Collaboration
Languages
French
Elementary
A2
Interests
- Reading, creative writing and poetry
Timeline
Interim Head of Curriculum – Maths & English
North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT)
04.2025 - 06.2025
English Lecturer & Curriculum Lead / Coordinator
North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT)
08.2021 - Current
Teacher of English / Enrichment Lead / Deputy Lead (A Level Sociology) / Teaching & Learning Coach
Sedgehill Academy, London
09.2008 - 07.2021
Team Leader & Executive Personal Assistant to Director
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
03.2005 - 06.2008
District Learning and Development Adviser
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
03.2003 - 03.2005
Executive Office Administrator
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
11.2000 - 03.2003
Customer Services Assistant (Part-time)
Sainsbury’s
09.1997 - 09.2000
BA (Hons) - English Literature & Sociology
Kingston University
A Levels - English Literature, Sociology, French
Coloma Convent Girls’ School
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - English (Secondary & Sixth Form)
Goldsmiths, University of London
GCSEs - A–C Grades
Edenham High School
Professional Diploma in Management Studies -
Croydon College