Ben Clifford

Teacher in Charge of English

Shenfield High School, Shenfield

About Me

I joined Shenfield High School five years ago as English Team Leader after spending a number of years working in an Outstanding school in Southend.  Previous to this role I trained and worked at a school in special measures in East London.  It is my work with such diverse schools that has helped me become the teacher I am today and has helped me to run a highly successful English department.  It is probably worth mentioning that I have also had the pleasure of nine Ofsted inspections in just under 12 years of teaching (sometimes you’re just more lucky than others). In the last inspection I was described as an ‘inspirational’ head of department and have since worked with other department heads to support them to be ‘Ofsted ready’.

More recently, I have worked with the Essex Standards and Excellence Commissioners.  This involved visiting English departments throughout Essex to support them with curriculum planning, teaching and learning and stretch and challenge opportunities within the classroom.  This is the role I have enjoyed most and it is a fantastic way to make links with other schools and share experience and resources.

I am also a AQA advocate for Chelmsford and chair termly meetings with AQA schools to pass on key information and facilitate discussion and planning for the future.  It is also my role to liaise with these schools between the meetings so we can share resources and teaching ideas.  I will be able to bring this experience with me to any school I work.

Specialist Areas of Expertise

  • English (Language and Literature)
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Support for the More Able

Other Areas of Expertise

  • Classroom Engagement
  • Behaviour for Learning
  • Literacy
  • AQA Advocate
  • Media

Recent Training

  • Getting Ready to Teach English - AQA
  • AQA Advocate training - AQA
  • Next Step Senior Leadership - Billericay Teaching School Alliance